2024 Pink Shirt Design Contest Winner:
Brooke Gillam, 15 years old from Oromocto First Nation
"I am a part of the Oromocto First Nation Community in New Brunswick on the east coat of Turtle Island and recently reunited with the other side of my family who originates from Victoria, British Columbia on the west coast. I chose the feather design after getting to know my Grandfather from the Shell Beach community of Stz'uminus First Nation.
I chose a sacred feather because it symbolizes and represents a high honour, wisdom, power, and freedom. The three hearts inside represent kindness, friendship and love. When I tied the two together it felt right because my heart told me it felt like it was meant to be."
Brooke Gillam
Brooke Gillam, a 15-year-old artist hailing from Victoria, BC, finds her roots in the small town of Oromocto, New Brunswick, situated along the Wolastoqey River. As a proud member of the Oromocto First Nation community, Brooke is one of eight siblings, living alongside her mother and stepfather.
Brooke's artistic journey is marked by a deep passion for drawing and painting, with additional skills in weaving baskets, beading, and crafting dream catchers—though drawing remains her foremost love. Actively engaged in the cultural fabric of her community, Brooke participates in First Nation drumming at Oromocto High School as part of her Oromocto First Nation class. Since her kindergarten days, she has been immersed in learning about her heritage, delving into cultural nuances, sacred teachings, traditions, and the Wolastoqey language.
Her connection to the language, culture, and traditions is owed to the guidance of influential figures like Brendan Foley, Kim Sark, Charlotte Keenan-Thurber, Chief Shelly Sabattis, and Robin Paul. Brooke's cultural exploration extends to class trips that involve immersive experiences such as sweat lodges, reading Wolastoqey books to elders and younger generations, and communing with nature through walks along the Wolastoqey River.
Additionally, she and her fellow First Nation classmates showcase their talents at schools, donning traditional regalia to share the richness of their culture through dance and song.
Brooke Gillam
Pink Shirt Design Contest Winner 2024
Brooke Gillam is from Oromocto First Nation
"I chose a sacred feather because it symbolizes and represents a high honour, wisdom, power, and freedom. The three hearts inside represent kindness, friendship and love. When I tied the two together it felt right because my heart told me it felt like it was meant to be."
Koyah Morgan-banke
Pink Shirt Design Contest Winner 2023
Koyah Morgan-banke is a 17 year old artist from Toquaht
This piece is inspired by unconditional love and support, designed to encapsulate the feeling of support and your ability to “uplift” those around you. It’s important for all of us to remember that we really do carry the hearts of others in our hands.
Bayja Morgan-Banke
Pink Shirt Design Contest Winner 2022
Bayja Morgan-Banke is a 19 yr old Toquaht / Secwépemc (Shuswap) artist born and raised in Tofino British Columbia, now living in Victoria British Columbia.
"To stand up for those weaker than ourselves regardless of consequence is one of the strongest acts of love we can show one another. When we choose to use our strength to protect rather than to harm others we make the world a better place for at least one person. The eagle represents wisdom, strength, and courage. I believe that to achieve a kinder world for our children we need to have the wisdom to think before we act, the strength to defend one another, and the courage to stand up and take action. We lead by example for our youth and showing them love with the definition of unconditional is the most important thing to ensure them the most success raising the next generation."
Jeremiah Peters
Pink Shirt Design Contest Winner 2021
Jeremiah Peters is a Coast Salish artist from WSÁNEĆ.
"I chose the thunderbird for its great strength and protection. The thunderbird's wings are wrapped around the Childs's face, from the biggest hearts to the smallest."
