Cultural Exchange Camp 2003
by Bruce Dixon
August 16, 2003
Saturday - 12:05 am
Ketchikan Indian Corporation and the Village of Saxman teamed
up to offer a first ever regional Cultural Exchange Camp at Mahoney
Lake. Cape Fox Corporation graciously allowed the use of their
beautiful site as a staging area for the Camp. KIC and Saxman
have been holding camps separately for years and it was decided
to join forces and invite Metlakatla and Prince of Wales residents
as well. Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
assisted in funding the Camp with Tribal Wellness funds.
Photo by Debbie Patton
The intention of the camps is to celebrate and learn about traditional
Native lifestyles in Southeast Alaska and support sobriety and
healthy lifestyles. Adult instructors educated the kids about
traditional art, foods and customs. Prevention and consequences
of drug and alcohol abuse were reviewed with talking circles
and other healing ceremonies were offered. Art, archery, canoeing,
fishing, swimming and gathering of Native foods were some of
the activities enjoyed.
Seventy (70) kids from the
Ketchikan area participated in the eight-day camp along with
twenty-five (25) adult staff, native instructors and Elders.
Thanks to the overwhelming community support the camp was a tremendous
success!
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