First Voices

First Voices is a project that works with historically marginalized First Nations people across generations to express their stories digitally. Founded by Thresh under the leadership of cultural storyteller and choreographer Preeti Vasudevan, this groundbreaking initiative seeks to build an archive of First Nations elders' wisdom through their storytelling. Narration from tribal elders is accompanied by artistic interpretations from Native and non-Native artists alike, linking their ancestral stories to contemporary life for future generations.

This project focuses on fostering inter-tribal and intergenerational exchange and collaboration, which are critical connections between different cultures and peoples. Through this process, community members transcend individual tribal histories and create a new story within a contemporary collective. A key area of this project is focusing on the healing of trauma and isolation amongst the community, especially youth, through the interplay of stories (both ancient and modern) that help individual identity and build a strong sense of community within the tribes and outside. Another important aspect of the project is the preservation of tribal languages rendered through oral storytelling techniques by the elders of the tribe. This inspires younger generations to appreciate and understand cultural significance and ancestral roots through the elders' use of their language.

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At the heart of this initiative is a year-long Mentorship Program tailored specifically for high school and college students from reservations, taking place at their schools and tribal colleges. This intergenerational component links voices across generations and reveals the contemporary relevance of enduring Indigenous cultures.  Through participation, students increase their confidence, build trust and discover talents across multiple arts, and develop leadership skills.