Memekwe Apetawakeesic-Morisseau/Tikinagan Child and Family Services
An aspiring teen artist from North Caribou Lake has created the winning image for Tikinagan Child and Family Service’s “Red Alert! Bullying Hurts!” campaign.
14 year old Memekwe Apetawakeesic-Morisseau explains she reflected on one of her worst bullying experiences, as inspiration for the drawing.
“I was 3 or 4 and I was getting off the bus at Fort Albany, so I was walking down the road since they just dropped me off and these 3 girls came up to me and they said they’ll cut me. Then they pushed me on the ground, so that’s where the big towering figures came from.”
At first Morisseau says she was hesitant to participate in the contest, but felt it’s important to share her story and stand up to bullying.
“My Mom and Dad told me, just to do it because people die from bullying. Bullying has to be prevented because some children will take drastic measures to make the pain stop.”
Tikinagan Red Alert Bullying Hurts Campaign Featuring Morisseau’s Winning Drawing/Tikinagan Child and Family Services
Morisseau hopes her image will help others going through bullying know that they are not alone and help is available.
“Try telling someone about it. And if you’re bullying someone, you’re really, really hurting them and I’m pretty sure you’re hurting too trying to make yourself feel better. Reach out to someone and tell them that you’re hurting.
Tikinagan recognized Morisseau with a certificate, for being a difference-maker in her community and across the north, with her image now featured on their campaign.
About Tikinagan’s Anti-Bullying Campaign and For Help
The campaign’s slogan, “Red Alert! Bullying Hurts,” was created by Joni Trout from Lac Seul First Nation.
It was selected by a panel of First Nation youth, who judged more than 130 entries.
For supports on bullying in your community, children and youth can speak with your Parents, your local Tikinagan workers, NAN community Well-Being workers, Nodin Mental Health Services, NAPS, OPP, Teachers, and Principals at your school about some of the bullying or issues you may be experiencing.
You can also call the NAN Hope Line @ 1-844-NAN-HOPE or the Kids Help Line @ 1-800-668-6868 to speak with a professional counsellor.
For more information on Tikinagan’s “Red Alert! Bullying Hurts” campaign and other difference makers click here.
