Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Cultural Camps are a fundamental part of living our heritage. Cultural Camps are an opportunity for Citizens of all ages to get out on the land and participate in activities like hide tanning, foraging, crafting and cooking. These camps are deeply important to continuing land stewardship and teaching our fundamental values to future generations.
Camps take place at Nänkäk Chèholąy (Land of Plenty), Cache Creek or Moosehide. The Heritage Department hosts a variety of camps throughout the year.
Hide Camp
Hide camps are usually held at Nänkäk Chèholąy in May or September. Participants learn about preparing hides (skinning/scraping, traditional brain-tanning, smoking, fleshing, tool-making, etc.). Participants may bring their unfinished hide projects to camp and get assistance and direction if they need it.
First Hunt
First Hunt usually happens in late October. Participants learn about small and large game, hunting preparation, how to moose call, conservation practices in hunting, traditional medicines and food preparation, Hän language names for game animals, and how to field dress game. This camp will take place at Cache Creek on the Dempster Highway.
First Fish
First Fish usually happens in July. Participants learn about traditional fishing practices, fish preparation and drying, the importance of our riverways and the current environmental pressures on our marine habitats.
Trappers Day Trips
Day trips on the trap line are often possible between November and March. Participants gain hands-on experience in both traditional and modern trapping techniques. Activities include setting traps, working a trapline, harvesting from the trapline, creating trails, identifying tracks, and observing tree and trail markings as well as animal dens.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in hosts many land-based cultural activities through various other departments. To keep up to date on the most recent opportunities, have a look at the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in monthly calendar.
For more information, contact camps@trondek.ca