From September 21–23, high school students in Sioux Lookout took part in Back-to-School Cultural Day Camps at Onaman Ziibi Cultural Camp.
Hosted by SLFNHA’s Anishinaabewaadiziwin and People & Culture – Human Resources teams, it provided students with an opportunity to learn and engage in traditional teachings and activities.
“The priority was to bring in the teachings and share stories of where they come from, why they are here, who they are, and where they are going,” said Anna Marie Sakakep, Director of Anishinaabewaadiziwin.
This meant sharing the creation story with students, learning about the stars from an Indigenous perspective, and the teachings behind the tipi.
“We always ensure the creation story is there. It tells of how we came about,” Sakakep said.
Staff of Anishinaabewaadiziwin lead cultural teachings but also included invited guests, Wilfred Buck and Connie West-Buck. Wilfred is an Indigenous star lore expert who brought his travelling star planetarium. Connie shared teachings using a mini tipi that students could construct.
Students also looked to the future, to explore where their own journeys might lead, with Career Path sessions hosted by the People & Culture – Human Resources team.
Throughout the week, groups of students would take turns visiting the camp. They came from Sioux North High School and Pelican Falls First Nations High School, as well as students with Windigo First Nations Council and Independent First Nations Alliance.
The Anishinaabewaadiziwin and People & Culture – HR teams extend a heartfelt miigwetch to the guests who shared their cultural knowledge and expertise and to all the students that attended.
