Anishinaabe Summer Camp

Algoma District School Board Indigenous students, who would be transitioning from Grade 8 to Grade 9 in September, had an opportunity to explore and strengthen their Anishinaabe identity through cultural, place-based education. For three weeks in July, ADSB provided an "on-the-land" Anishinaabe Summer Camp opportunity for Grade 8 Indigenous youth. Niibing - Enakamigisyang (Things We Do in Summer) was developed and facilitated by Great Lakes Cultural Camps. One camp was run in-person in Garden River with students learning on the land and on the water, working with elders and community members. A second camp was offered as a blended learning virtual camp for Grade 8 students residing outside the Sault Ste. Marie area.

They participated in online learning in the morning and in an experiential work project later in the day with community partners. In addition, well-being and positive mental health sessions were facilitated by Turtle Concepts throughout the three weeks for the virtual camp. In total, 25 high school credits were earned: 15 in-person and 10 through blended learning.