CAMPING ADVENTURE CONNECTS AKWESASRÓ:NON WITH LAND, LANGUAGE & WELLNESS

Hosted at Parks Canada's oTENTik accommodations, participants enjoyed a unique outdoor experience surrounded by the beauty of the Thousand Islands — spending time reconnecting with nature, learning new skills, and building relationships through shared experiences on the land. 

Throughout the trip, participants shared five meals prepared over campfires and camp stoves, creating opportunities for connection, storytelling, and community. 

A highlight of the weekend was a medicine hike through Landons Bay Lookout led by Sateiokwen Bucktooth of Snipe Clan Botanicals and language speaker Otsitsia Sunday. Participants learned about medicinal plants, traditional teachings, and the importance of maintaining a connection to the natural world. Otsitsia also created educational resources and interactive activities focused on Kanien'kéha language learning, fish identification, and medicinal plants, helping participants strengthen both their cultural and environmental knowledge. 

Steven Thompson of Iakwa’shatse Youth Fitness led a morning yoga session to begin the day in a good way, followed by an evening painting activity that encouraged creativity and self-expression. Melanie Alguire of the MCA Environment Program facilitated a nature journaling workshop, providing participants with an opportunity to slow down, observe their surroundings, and reflect on their experiences outdoors. 

Field Technicians were also on hand throughout the trip, assisting youth with fishing and helping participants gain confidence and skills on the water. 

The camping adventure was a wonderful opportunity to bring together land-based learning, language, wellness, recreation, and environmental stewardship.