It’s Day 3 of Northern College’s Lightning Trail and the Nish Olympics of outdoor activities like canoeing and swimming are winding down; and campers have also participated in a healing blanket session and have begun to learn about programs offered at the college.
Things got underway with a lively, inspirational and entertaining start on Sunday afternoon with a nod to the importance of aboriginal youth enjoying contemporary life while respecting and valuing traditional culture.
The traditional ways were represented by the words and song of Elder David Faries from Northern College and the Mushkegowuk Mother Clan singers who welcomed the 40-plus campers with an opening prayer and traditional songs of welcome
Keynote speaker Dave Jones of Turtle Concepts established the theme for the six-day camp – youth can define who they want to become.
Jones’ messages encouraged the campers to decide their life from embracing contemporary styles to respecting traditional values.
The keynote speech was preceded by a rousing send off of a fashion model walkway with Jones and his team of dynamic turtles strutting their stuff confidently and frequently providing exaggerated and humorous model poses
“Love yourself and be proud of who you are,” Jones urged the youthful participants. “I am important and so are you!”
“You can write your own history,” shouted an enthusiastic Dave Jones, with his three-person team of dynamic turtles nodding in agreement.
“You don’t have to follow the stereotypes set up by others of what an aboriginal person should be,” he declared. “My mother taught me aboriginal people are wonderful and we can be whoever we want to be.”
The fourth annual Lightning Trail summer retreat for Indigenous youth between the ages of 13 and 18 brings together participants from various communities throughout Northeastern Ontario from as far away as Attawapiskat.
Four students who previously attended Lightning Trail as campers have returned as youth leaders said Melanie Watson Northern College’s communication coordinator.
The event gives students a chance to experience key programs, services and campus life.
It also provides an opportunity to explore traditional activities lead by elders like David Faries. Cultural activities will be included throughout the week including the sharing of wisdom on the seven grandfather teachings, sacred fire, medicine wheel and rites of passage.
“We welcome you to Northern College,” said Fred Gibbons, President and CEO. “We have a goal at Northern College and that is for our school to become the post-secondary institution of choice for aboriginal and indigenous students in Northeastern Ontario.”
“Please be proud of yourself as young people and of who you are,” said Mary Boyden, Aboriginal Affairs Manager for Goldcorp Inc. “As young Nishnawbe people you are going to lead this treaty area in the future and for years to come.”
On Sunday after the opening ceremonies two traditional activities took place: the lighting of the sacred fire and a chance to participate in a sweat lodge.
A description of the activities for the six-day Lightning Trail was provided by the organizing team of Jamie Klomp and Jennie Nadeau.
- Each day the campers start with a breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a team meeting to discuss the events planned for the day.
- Monday starts of with health and safety meeting and then someone from Skills Canada will be here to talk about areas where skills are needed.
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be the Nish Olympics taking place on Porcupine Lake and in the gym
- On Tuesday the campers will be introduced to the healing blanket exercises
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the educational component comes to life and gives you a change to see what it would be like for you to be a student at Northern College; break out sections will feature studies in 1) health and sciences; 2) mechanical engineering; 3) emergency services and 4) welding
- On Wednesday night a fun special activity is planned in Timmins but is a secret
The camp concludes later in the week with traditional teachings from the elders and a closing ceremony and sharing circle.
