These Skateboard Deck Designs Raise Awareness About Aboriginal Issues
Cadhla Gray — September 9, 2015 — Art & Design
References: tikiroomskateboards & vice
These skateboard deck designs teach about Canada's largely unacknowledged history of colonialism, genocide and the major issues in Aboriginal rights. Colonialism skateboards is a line of decks created by Michael Langan, a young man from Saskatchewan who spent his time growing up comparing the lives and conditions of the city of Regina and the Cote First Nations reserve. Witnessing many problems like rampant alcoholism and unclean drinking water on the reserve, Langan wanted to create a product that could make this a topic of conversation for potentially influential youth.
The first deck designed features the Pass and Permit System, a law that was in effect all the way up until 1960 that isolated First Nations people by limiting their physical and economic activity. The boards have become very popular in Saskatchewan, with a big skating culture both on and off reserves. By introducing the issues in a fashionable way, these boards successfully raise awareness without being blatantly educational.
The first deck designed features the Pass and Permit System, a law that was in effect all the way up until 1960 that isolated First Nations people by limiting their physical and economic activity. The boards have become very popular in Saskatchewan, with a big skating culture both on and off reserves. By introducing the issues in a fashionable way, these boards successfully raise awareness without being blatantly educational.
Trend Themes
1. Skateboard Deck Designs - Opportunity to create innovative skateboard deck designs that raise awareness about social issues.
2. Youth Activism - Opportunity to engage influential youth in conversations about important societal topics through impactful products like skateboard decks.
3. Cultural Awareness - Opportunity to foster cultural awareness and provoke dialogue through visually appealing and thought-provoking designs.
Industry Implications
1. Skateboard Industry - Opportunity for skateboard companies to incorporate social issues into their product offerings and engage their target audience.
2. Youth Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands targeting youth to collaborate with skateboard deck designers to create trendy products with a social message.
3. Community Education - Opportunity for educational institutions and community organizations to use skateboard decks as tools for teaching about colonialism and indigenous rights.
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