Indspire and Rivers to Success Partner with Kâniyâsihk Culture Camp and M’Wikwedong Summer Culture Camp!

Press Release

Ohsweken, ON– Indspire and its Rivers to Success: Indigenous Student Mentorship (R2S) program are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Kâniyâsihk Culture Camps and M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre. Indspire will be sponsoring students to participate in the prestigious Land-Based Training program from Kâniyâsihk Culture Camps (Island Lake, SK) and the M’Wikwedong Summer Culture Camp (Owen Sound, ON) this summer. This initiative emphasizes Indspire’s commitment to promoting cultural education and equipping participants with invaluable skills.

The Kâniyâsihk Culture Camps offer a unique blend of comprehensive outdoor skills training and cultural education. Participants will receive wilderness first aid training, paddle certification, and hiking certification, all crucial for fostering outdoor leadership and safety. This immersive experience will also incorporate Cree language learning, enriching the student’s learning journey and promoting language revival.

The M’Wikwedong Summer Culture Camp, hosted by the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, offers a diverse and comprehensive program designed to empower youth aged 11-16 through a variety of activities, including canoe and kayak instruction, swimming, bush skills, cultural activities, sweat lodge ceremonies, fishing and cleaning, strength and resilience circles, deer hide tanning, leather/beading workshops, and cultural guest speakers.

Goals:

• Skill Development: Students will gain essential outdoor skills and certifications, which are valuable for both personal and professional growth.
• Cultural Enrichment and Language Revival: Both camps promote cultural teachings and practices, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. The integration of the Cree language and various cultural activities will support language revival efforts and enrich students’ cultural education.
• Leadership Training: Participants will develop leadership skills and confidence, enabling them to lead and manage outdoor activities safely and effectively. This training will prepare them to become capable outdoor leaders who can inspire others.

“We are excited to partner with Kâniyâsihk Culture Camps and M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre for these transformative initiatives,” said Mike DeGagne, President & CEO of Indspire. “These programs not only provide essential outdoor skills but also enrich students’ understanding of Indigenous cultures and promote language revival. They align perfectly with Indspire’s mission to support Indigenous learners’ success by fostering personal and professional growth – in this case, through cultural education.”

About Indspire

Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families, communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources to help Indigenous students achieve their highest potential. In 2023-24, Indspire provided more than $30 million through 8,300 bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous students across Canada.

About Kâniyâsihk Culture Camp

Kâniyâsihk Culture Camp offers immersive programs that blend traditional cultural teachings with modern outdoor skills training. The camp is committed to promoting cultural enrichment, language revival, and leadership development.

About M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre

M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Indigenous people in Owen Sound and the surrounding area. Through various programs and services, the Centre supports the cultural, social, and educational needs of the community.

Join us in celebrating this significant step towards empowering Indigenous youth through culture, connection, and nature at the Kâniyâsihk Culture Camp and M’Wikwedong Summer Culture Camp!

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