Community, Culture and Digital Agriculture
OHSWEKEN, August 28, 2024 – From July 15th to July 26th, Six Nations Polytechnic STEAM Academy facilitated its second annual Land Camp that focused on Community, Culture and Digital Agriculture. This Land Camp was offered as a reach-ahead credit for graduating grade 8 students and as a credit for students entering grade 10 at SNP STEAM Academy this fall.
Land Camp would not have been possible without the generous support of Actua, Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) organization. Actua is a national charity that is preparing youth to be innovators and leaders by engaging them in exciting and accessible STEM experiences that build critical employability skills and confidence.
Six Nations youth had a transformative two weeks filled with educational and engaging activities that ignited new passions and knowledge. Land Camp emphasized the development of essential skills like leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. Participants explored various STEAM activities, including coding and digital design. They were able to showcase their creativity by creating a model tipi, a hand-crafted blanket, and a stunning ash basket! During their downtime, the youth-focused on enhancing their crafting skills by making a leather pouch with the guidance of experts from SNP's Deyohahá:ge: Indigenous Knowledge Centre.
Land Camp was held at Chiefswood Park which offered students a range of outdoor activities. They had the opportunity to participate in kayaking, canoeing, tree and plant identification, agricultural lessons and archery. Local farmers, athletes, and storytellers shared traditional teachings with the youth, including the Haudenosaunee ways of living and maintaining food sustenance. The youth participants were able to deepen their understanding of important cultural aspects with the Thanksgiving Address and the Creation Story. They also learned about White Corn Sustenance and Lacrosse.
One memorable part of Land Camp was the chance to go fishing on the Grand River. The S.N.I.P.E presenters also added a touch of suspense and excitement with their investigation of the Chiefswood Mansion. To top it all off, participants enjoyed a 2-night stay in the well-designed, beautiful log cabins at Chiefswood Park.
After two thrilling weeks, Land Camp 2024 concluded with a fantastic closing event. The youth participants were celebrated, and their projects were proudly displayed. Parents, grandparents, SNP STEAM Academy Director Judy Reuben, and SNP STEAM Academy Principal Reva Bomberry were all in attendance and shared words of praise and encouragement.
SNP would like to extend our appreciation to SNP's Land Camp Coordinator, Connie McGregor, Land Camp Instructor, Mike Berdusco, Volunteers Simon dePasquale and Joshua Jonathan-Shawana, caterer Diane Sault, and Six Nations Tourism for their guidance and programming for students. Land Camp 2024 was an outstanding success, and we look forward to next year’s camp!
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