Comparing Refugee Children With Disabilities and Parents’ Values in Learning Through the Arts in Canada

• In Event: Culturally Responsive and Democratic Arts Education

Abstract

Newcomers to Canada may initially resist learning through the arts, but it may be an ideal entry point as they begin to learn English and adjust to a new culture. The authors explored the value of learning through the arts in three settings: a settlement agency, Welcome Center and elementary school. Making art with adults was shown to overcome racism and bring people together, while children are not yet self-conscious, become more confident and easily express themselves through art. By sharing art at home to parents and siblings, children are acting as “cultural brokers” who introduce Canadian culture into their core culture, and understand they are teaching English and forging their own hybrid identities, within the diversity of their community.

Authors

• Susan Barber, Simon Fraser University

• Robert L. Williamson, Simon Fraser University