First Nation's children have been busy all week making crafts, participating in a teepee raising, and taking part in various activities centered around the northern plains indigenous culture and history. It's all part of spring camp at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
Cameron McRae, the visitor services manager at the park, says the camp is a chance for the kids to have a fun and educational break from school. "Celebrating who they are and where they're coming from and try to answer their questions as best as they can. Engaging them in dancing and traditional games. Just getting out on the land and giving them a break from school and making sure they get fresh air and lots of chances to interact with dance performers and also interpretive guides."
One of the more popular events has been the importance placed on keeping history alive through the power of storytelling. .
Cheryl Hoftuizer, the senior interpreter at Wanuskewin, says she didn't realize how much can be learned through stories."I thought maybe stories wouldn't go over so well, but it's amazing what happens when you start telling stories to kids. Something just comes out and all ears are on you."
Wanuskewin Heritage Park hopes that youth will be able to walk away knowing the unique things the park has to offer. And not just to First Nations, but everyone.
"I think they'll take a better sense of what Wanuskewin is all about and how they can connect to the land. And also to learn about the beautiful cultures that exist in this area," says Hoftuizer.
The camp will wrap up Friday afternoon, and staff are already preparing for a second camp that will run in April.
