Atreyu Lewis, the founder of Rising from our Roots, shares insights into their grassroots organization’s mission. Operating in Toronto* and Montreal*, the entirely volunteer-run group aims to support marginalized youth, especially those who are BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, or disabled.
Their event, The Climate Roots Fair, bridges art, climate justice, and community solidarity. Atreyu explains that Rising from our Roots focuses on providing resources and safe spaces for marginalized youth. They conduct training on harm reduction and anti-oppression and host community solidarity events in both cities.
Atreyu said that what inspired The Climate Roots Fair idea was attending other events and thinking, “it would be cool to merge art and social justice together, and invite youth to celebrate together, listen to music and find new outlets for consuming products that are more sustainable.”
The Climate Roots Fair seeks to address representation and accessibility gaps for underrepresented artists and vendors. Atreyu was inspired by conversations with friends experiencing discrimination in mainstream markets. They envisioned an inclusive event merging art, social justice, and climate action.
Atreyu thought it would be awesome if there was an “event that intersected underrepresented youth artists and small businesses in a welcoming space for them”, while also merging the discussion and intersectionality with climate action.
Occurring on March 9, 2024, at Toronto’s Centre for Social Innovation, the fair included panel discussions with climate activists and a market featuring local artists and sustainable businesses. The aim was twofold: to engage youth in climate discussions and promote underrepresented artists and vendors.
The fair showcased BIPOC Queer Trans artists and vendors offering sustainable fashion alternatives. Atreyu hoped for an attendance of 50 to 100 people, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity for all attendees. Vendors were paid an honorarium to ensure equitable participation.
Atreyu mentioned that, “the end goal is for people to reclaim and root themselves in their identities.”
Attendees engaged with educators on topics like slow fashion, grassroots art, and climate resiliency strategies. Independent artists created and shared art, fostering community engagement and discussion.
When organizing the event, Rising from our Roots faced challenges in marketing and outreach. Limited resources required strategic venue choices and reliance on social media and grassroots networks for promotion. Securing grants, like those from The Youth Harbour, helped cover event costs and expand reach.
They are also active members part of the Youth Harbour’s Climate ShareSpace program at the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI):
“Being a member at the CSI workplace is a great opportunity to be able to co-work with other like-minded youth and meet other members who live in the city and are doing work on social justice advocacy, climate justice and public policy. It’s an accessible environment where I can both do grassroots work and run events for youth who are looking for a safe third space in the city,” Atreyu shared.
The overarching goal of the fair, and all Rising from our Roots events, is to create inclusive spaces where marginalized community members, especially youth, feel heard and empowered. Atreyu stresses the importance of reclaiming identities and fostering community care through non-hierarchical, anti-oppressive knowledge.
Looking ahead, Rising from our Roots seeks to expand its volunteer base and increase outreach for future initiatives. Those interested in participating or volunteering can connect through their Instagram page or recruitment form.
The Climate Roots Fair stands as a testament to Rising from our Roots’ commitment to intersectionality, community engagement, and climate justice. Through events like these, they strive to amplify marginalized voices and enact meaningful change at the local level.
* The land on which Rising from our Roots operates is the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples. In Toronto, this includes the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Montreal is situated on the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk) Nation, including the Kanien’kehá:ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg.
