Featured Story
Land-Based Youth Gathering A Huge Success
For three days in March, high school students gathered for Kitanskoninanaw, which means “we are connected,” hosted by the Land-Based Program at NNOC high school.
This program was created to bring teachings into the school curriculum, taught by Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
This gathering gave NNOC kids the chance to be immersed in various land-based activities that tested their skills and teamwork.
Students came from South Indian Lake, Split Lake and Lynn Lake to participate, too. Everyone enjoyed three delicious meals every day, which gave participants a chance to share food and conversation.
The first day began with a prayer from Virginia Moose, followed by welcoming remarks from NCN Councillor Jeremiah Spence, NNCEA Director Nic Campbell, and school board trustees Chief Jerry Primrose and Lou Moody.
Each speaker emphasized the importance of land-based learning and of reconnecting youth with Cree culture. Then participants got right into it, starting with log cutting, trap setting and snowshoeing.
On the second day, grade seven and eight students from OK School joined in the day’s activities. A highlight was a performance by Bighetty and Bighetty, Cree puppeteers and brothers from Pukatawagan. They shared stories in Cree and English inspired by life on the Rez, including bologna sandwiches, life with Elders, and growing up in the North. Some Elders laughed so hard they were brought to tears.
That day, participants enjoyed Kim Moore’s incredible moose stew. After lunch, everyone travelled by skidoo to fishing spots at RC Point.
On Day Three, students from all four communities were split into teams to test their skills in building shelters, starting fires and cooking the perfect stick-bannock. Awards for the fishing derby, races and traditional skills were presented by the NNOC Junior Chief and Council and
the NNCEA Land-Based teachers.
The final day was bittersweet, but even as students said goodbye, NNCEA organizers began to dream about making the Kitanskoninanaw gathering an annual event. A special thank you to NNCEA staff who truly went above and beyond to create an unforgettable gathering of knowledge and culture. All participants walked away standing taller and proud of our heritage.
Read the March Newsletter for the complete story.
- OKIMAHKAN OTY’AMIWIN From the Chief – Highlights and Recent Activities in NCN – Page 2
- KITITAHWINAOW ACHIMOWIN COMMUNITY: 17th Annual Nelson House RCMP Youth Ice Fishing Derby – Page 3
- OSICHIKIWINAH AKWAH KAWIATI AETUKUMIKUK: ARTS & EVENTS 313 Winter Fest Fun – March 16-22 – Page 14
- NCN Elders Await Return Home After Wildfire Evacuation
- Signs a Young Person May Be Struggling: How You Can Help Save a Life
- Manitoba Trappers Fur Table – A Popular Event
- NCN Athletes Shine on the Provincial Stage
- NCN State of Emergency Extended
- Crafting Ribbon Skirts
- Visit to the Fire Station
- Emergency Operations Training
- Learning About Us Through Language
- Clearing The Way To Leftrook
- Spelling Fun
- NCN’s New Healthcare Technician – Tori Yetman
- Leading The Way To Healing
