"Native Skywatchers-GTCUW-Voyageurs National Park
- Summer Camp”

This project is about getting back to the land & water... and under the stars! One of our most important Indigenous teachings is 'Kapemni' or As it is above; It is below' (Ref-Albert Whitehat Sr.) This tells us that we are part of the sky, the sky is part of us! We are part of the land; and the land is part of us. We carry this connection wherever we go. We are connected to all living things; and all life is connected to us. Indigenous knowledge tells us there is a mirrored relationship, earth and sky... and us! So what are we waiting for... let's go to Voyageurs National Park and soak in the wilderness. Be brave! Be present! The wait is over, here's your invitation to adventure:

Summer 2023 Collaboration with Voyageurs National Park/Voyageurs Conservancy  and the Greater Twin Cities United Way

Native Skywatchers-Voyageurs National Park Teen Ambassdor Program, in collaboration with Voyageurs Conservancy. Generously funded by Greater Twin Cities United Way - Career Academies - Purpose Driven Paychecks! Ages 13-18, High School Students

 

Dates July 2023 - Three sessions:

• Session 1 is July 12-16, Wed-Sun
• Session 2 is July 19-23, Wed-Sun
• Session 3 is July 26-30, Wed-Sun

Students experience Voyageurs National Park on a 4-night camping and paddling trip this summer! Learn about wildlife, Indigenous astronomy, history and culture, conservation and outdoor career paths, and more... You will enjoy camping under the stars, swimming, eating by the campfire, hiking, fishing, spotting wildlife and more! No experience required - we'll help you and get you the gear you need.

Native Skywatchers Affiliates will be working with Voyageurs Conservancy and Wilderness Inquiry to make this a unique and exceptional camp experience that supports our Indigenous youth through learning framework called two-eyed seeing“. As described by Mi’kmaw elders: Etuaptmumk Two-Eyed Seeing is learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing, and to use both these eyes for the benefit of all. (Bartlett, Marshall and Marshall 2012, 336) Native Skywatchers and the Voyageurs National Park Educational programming support environmental stewardship, leadership and teamwork, conservation careers, and the history and ecology of Voyageurs National Park. Together we can do better. 

 

Collaborative Partners:

• South High School
• Washburn High School
• Fond du Lac - Gidaa Program
• 1854 Treaty Authority
• We are Still Here Minnesota

Native Skywatchers - GTCUW - Voyageurs Summer Camp - Summer 2023    

"Native Skywatchers - Summer Camp" ©2023

Native Skywatchers - Lake Kabetogama - Summer Camp - Summer 2023    

"Native Skywatchers - Summer Camp" ©2023

Native Skywatchers - Greater Twin Cities United Way - Summer 2023    

"Native Skywatchers - Summer Camp" ©2023

Miigwech! Pidamayaye! Pilamayaye! Great job everyone!