From Both Eyes, On The Land We Learn
Ch’indee neekaii gwits’at: nankak gatr’onahtan
What: An annual 10-day, Land-based Learning camp is the foundation of this project. Hosted on the homelands of the Sahtú Dene and Métis based at the Drum Lake Lodge, near Tulita and Norman Wells, NWT.
The project will train a generation of young people to work and care for the lands and waters within their traditional territories. We are excited to welcome this new group of land guardians to the 2023 Land Based Learning Camp!
Specific activities during the camp will include training Indigenous youth about place-based knowledge, reconciling with mother earth and one another, how to take care of the land through an Indigenous lens, using ethical and non-invasive methods of monitoring species and bringing together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing.
They will also learn conflict resolution, listening and communication skills for dealing with Indigenous people and others within our homelands. The team will centre elders, knowledge keepers, and Land Guardians from within the Northwest Territories. Training will be practical and is designed to allow these young people to apply their learning to specific future projects or employment opportunities.
Once recruitment has been completed, we will run 2 pre-camp “virtual get togethers” so everyone can meet before heading out to the land.
Where: Drum Lake Lodge, near Tulita and Norman Wells in the Northwest Territories.
When: August 19-29, 2023
Participant Characteristics:
We are looking for participants of all genders who are 18-34 years old who are interested in:
Leadership roles and/or are looking for leadership skills
Collaborating with peers and mentors
Caring for the environment and biodiversity
Sharing and learning more about climate change and how it is affecting the Land at local, regional and global scales
Respecting diverse knowledge systems and ways of knowing
Beginning their journey as a Land Guardian
What’s included at camp:
- Costs of flights and ground transportation to camp
- Stipend of $150/day for 10 days
- Shared accommodations at camp in wall tents
- Meals (Dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated)
- Insurance at camp
- Gear for all activities (i.e. lifejackets, paddles, research equipment)
- On-site Mental Health and Wellness support
- Certificate of Participation
What’s not permitted at camp:
- Alcohol and drugs
- Outside visitors
- Bullying and harassment
- Verbal abuse and inappropriate behaviour
- Weapons
Camp Considerations:
Due to the remote location, safety considerations, supplies and resources in camp, children cannot accompany parents and child care is not provided. Participants will expect to be offline for the entire duration of camp. There will be no cellphone signal or wifi access. Camp leaders will have satellite communication devices for emergency purposes only.
Participants are expected to contribute to daily camp living and maintaining a safe and tidy place. Wellness is a core value of this program; we will provide physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellness support. We welcome all genders and we will strive to ensure a balanced diversity of youth at camp.
How to Enroll:
For participants to apply, they need to send an email explaining why they are interested in camp and how they will use their skills to help their communities after they graduate camp.
Email expressions of interest to: Aviva Fialkow, Land Based Learning Coordinator: landbasedlearningcoordinator@cmn-rcm.ca.
Those who have expressed interest will be contacted directly.
