After a prolonged break, a collaboration between a band and a school in Fort Simpson led to an immersive on-the-land cultural camp near the N’Dulee ferry crossing for children. Running from September 21 to Sunday, the fall harvest camp provided an opportunity for kids to acquire traditional skills, as mentioned by Raymond Horassi, the culture worker at Łı̨́ı̨́dĺ̨ı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ Elementary School.
Horassi shared that the children engaged in activities such as hunting moose and preparing dry meat, reflecting his own upbringing where his father taught him similar skills during September excursions in nature. Expressing his joy in passing down these traditions, he described the experience as a return to a familiar sense of home.
While previous years saw a pause in the camp due to factors like the impacts of COVID-19 and reduced interest, the organizers, including Whitney Tsetso, expressed their delight in reviving the initiative. Tsetso, also the lands and resources acting manager for Łı̨́ı̨́dĺ̨ı̨́ı̨́ Kų́ę́ First Nation and the environmental monitoring co-ordinator, emphasized the special nature of the campsite along the Mackenzie River, offering various activities like fishing, berry picking, and hunting of grouse and moose.
The camp aimed to engage children in outdoor experiences, particularly to address challenges in recruiting for the Jr. Guardians program, an Indigenous-led conservation effort focusing on land stewardship and traditional practices. Tsetso highlighted the importance of nurturing youth’s connection with the land to cultivate future Guardians.
Participants like Kaiya Williams Snider expressed their enthusiasm for the camp, emphasizing the appeal of outdoor activities over screen time. Other students, Braydan Olifie, Noah Isaiah, and Linden Alikamik, shared their existing hunting and fishing skills, appreciating the opportunity for further practice.
The camp also emphasized food-related activities, with facilitator Marie Anderson mentioning berry picking and traditional food preparation. Gombée Jose, the environmental monitoring outreach co-ordinator, highlighted the value of passing down on-the-land skills to the younger generation, underscoring the role of today’s youth in preserving cultural traditions.
As the children departed on September 25, the camp remained open for public visitation until Sunday, welcoming individuals to experience the cultural and educational offerings firsthand.