Mi'kmaw 13 young people from the community headed to Bridgewater, New South Wales. To participate in a week-long educational program aimed at connecting them with culture, using science as a tool.
The Melkiknuawti Athletics Education Program is led by staff and outreach instructors from her SuperNOVA and Ulnooweg Education Center atDalhousie University. "Melkiknuawti" describes Miku'u's idea of nature as a way of power.
"Today's Indigenous youth can grow up disconnected from their own culture," says Caitlin MacPhail, her program coordinator.
The program "provides them the opportunity to learn about the traditions and customs of their culture."
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The camp will be held in Windhorse, known as a healing retreat for those seeking a connection to the land.
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Learn about fish cycles, build a sweat lodge, set traps and more in this free program with hands-on experiences provide. Participants are taught the science behind everything.
"We have elders and facilitators coming this week to help with these teachings. An important part of it is that participants bring back a connection to their land," she said. says.
According to MacPhail, the main goal of the program is to help young people feel more connected to themselves and who they want to be.
She said she hopes some of them will pursue her STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) career.
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For 13-year-old Lily Beth Fischer, her experiences have made her feel more connected to nature.
She said she would like to participate in the opportunity to learn more about her heritage. We are trying to learn languages and learn how our ancestors survived,” said Fisher.
You can also join us to develop general skills ranging from survival to digital literacy, and have meaningful reflection time.
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Indigenous Practices of the Seven Sacred Teachings Incorporated into Curriculum, Mi'kmawi'simk (Mi 'kmaw language) is used by Windhorse and throughout the program.
MacPhail said this is the first time SuperNOVA and her UInooweg Education Center have offered such a ground-based educational program.
She believes they will last for years to come. People like Fisher want that to happen.
"I hope there are more camps like this where children can get away from technology and the internet and reconnect with their own culture," said one participant.
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