Mr. Speaker bringing back traditional first nation’s cultural practices is very important in this age of reconciliation. This summer two camps were held by first nations groups for the youth and residents. The first camp was a Youth Summer Camp hosted by K’iyeli Services out of Fort Simpson in partnership with Liidlii Kue First Nation Wellness Program. This camp ran from July 31 until August 8. The second was a Dene Zhatie On the Land Campfire Program; Introduction to Dene Drumming Education. The second camp ran from August 23 – September 1.

The camp is set up across the Mackenzie River from Fort Simpson. It models a small community equipped with outhouses and cooking stations, as well as tepees and tents for sleep.
During these camps participants attained a plethora of traditional knowledge, from hiking and boating with elders and traditional harvesters to tracking animals and setting fish nets. Participants also learned how to clean and prepare the fish they caught, as well as how to prepare moose meat and moose hide.

Mr. Speaker beyond offering youth knowledge on traditional practices, there were teachings on spirituality and morality. Youth participated in exercises surrounding respect, trust and support systems. The youth were also engaged in healthy coping methods.

Additional teachings included how to respect the land and what it provides for us to survive. The first nations prioritize not taking advantage of the land’s resources by using more than you need; through this the youth learned gratitude and moderation.

Mr. Speaker the traditional drum is not only essential to Dene Tradition but also to Dene identity. At the drum camp male youth were taught how to make their drums, and how to play traditional songs. The first nations of this land strongly believe in the healing frequencies of the drum and the spiritual connection it offers.

The pride and joy that the youth experienced in making the drums and learning traditional songs was very evident. You could sense an overall feeling of purpose and achievement from all participants of these camps. It truly is an uplifting and educational experience.

I would like to see traditional Dene practices continue to offer solace and support for the indigenous residents of my riding. There is a lot of healing that these activities can offer. These are all part of cultural traditions that embody a way of life for the first nation people of this country, a wonderful way of life that the first nations were once forcefully removed from and now wish to return to.

Mr. Speaker this will not be the only practice required for healing and reconciliation but it is a great starting point.


Thank you.