overview thof the 5 th and 6 first nations leadership camps
TRANSCRIPT
Overview of the 5th and 6th First Nations Leadership Camps April 11-16, 2019 (French) May 23-28, 2019 (English)
Wendake, July 4th, 2019 — The New Pathways Foundation and the Breakfast Club organized the
5th and 6th editions of the First Nations Leadership Camp that were held in April and May of this
year. The French-speaking camp included 34 youth from 10 different communities, while for the
English-speaking camp, 26 youth from 9 communities participated. In total, about 60 young people
between the ages of 10 and 14 years had the chance to meet at the Base de plein air Bon Départ
in Wentworth-Nord (north of Montreal) for six days.
The youth had the opportunity to participate in activities with a cultural component (drumming
workshop, drum awakening ceremony, introduction to cultural dance, transmission of values and
traditions, teachings on the appropriation of ancestral lands and the four directions, drumming
practice with an elder and making bannock).
They also had the chance to experience several activities in the form of sports, playful or reflexive
games to help them discover their strengths and interests, develop their leadership skills and
improve their self-esteem.
These wonderful moments of sharing allowed these young people to enjoy an enriching
experience from the point of view of transcending oneself, strengthening self-knowledge and
affirming cultural identity. These youth have returned to their respective communities full of
wonderful memories, forever engraved in their minds.
Quotes from our young campers
“I enjoyed learning more about my culture, making new friends from different communities and
getting stronger.”
“Everything was perfect, and I would like to come back next year. The camp helped me get out of
my shell and make new friends.”
Cultural activity with the drum made by the youth during the camp Photo: Mélanie Brière
We would like to thank all our partners for making these First Nations Youth Leadership Camps
possible.
The Foundation plans to hold a 7th Leadership Camp next fall while continuing to provide enriching
and memorable experiences for First Nations youth.
Sources
New Pathways Foundation Mélanie Brière: [email protected]
Breakfast Club Serge Rock: [email protected]
Our official partners