By Deacon Eric Gurash
In July of 2022, Cote First Nations Elders’ Council hosted its first youth culture camp at Peepaw Lake, Saskatchewan with financial support from the Archdiocese of Regina through the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. This groundbreaking initiative marked the first project of its kind in Canada to receive a grant from the fund.
The camp was a significant milestone for the community, as it provided an opportunity for youth to engage in land-based activities, explore cultural traditions, and receive language instruction from the elders. Participants learned valuable skills, such as the process of drying meat and the proper techniques for skinning and cutting a deer.
The camp aimed to bridge the generation gap and strengthen the connection between the youth and elders. It also sought to address various challenges faced by the community, including substance abuse, mental health issues, and social disconnection. The collaboration between the Elders’ Council and the Archdiocese demonstrates a shared commitment to reconciliation and healing.
The success of this inaugural camp has instilled hope and a desire to make it an annual event, with even more community members, expected to participate in the future. The involvement of the Archdiocese of Regina in this cultural endeavor has been warmly received, signifying a positive step toward unity, understanding, and reconciliation.
Through initiatives like the youth culture camp, the Cote First Nations community hopes to preserve its cultural heritage, passing it on to future generations while fostering collaboration, community, and togetherness.
Watch to learn more about this exciting project
