Urban youth delve into culture at Treaty 4 Resurgence Camp near Regina

A group of First Nations teens spent Labour Day weekend at a land-based cultural camp outside Regina.

During the three days, 10 teens ages 15-18 learned survival skills, Cree language lessons, tipi teachings, Dakota elder teachings, and were part of a ceremony.

Clarie Gordon came from Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta, to take part in the camp, held at a horse-assisted therapy centre near McLean, Sask.

"I love the energy here," she said.

"I don't know how to explain it, I just get really good vibes here."

She said she enjoyed being around the horses; before attending the camp she had never been around horses or pet them.

Being a part of a sweat ceremony was also something Gordon never got to experience. She said she was around them as a kid, but never understood what they were about.

"I think it's really like eye-opening," she said.

"I didn't believe in a lot when I came here."

She said she cried a little while she was participating in the sweat ceremony.

"Maybe it could have been from the smoke in my eyes, but I don't know, it was just really emotional."

She said she might've been holding onto a lot before participating in the ceremony, but felt better afterwards.

Jessica Gordon, who is nehiyawak and Anishinaabe from Pasqua First Nation, is the founder and co-ordinator for the Treaty 4 Resurgence Camp. She said it started as a way to teach kids survival skills and cultural teachings.

"I want the students to understand that we come from a really rich culture and really rich history," she said.