Porter Creek School Launches Indigenous Culture Camp for Students

Porter Creek Secondary School in Whitehorse has inaugurated its first fall culture camp on September 3, 2023. The camp, located at the newly established Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ Traditional Camp behind the school, aims to integrate Indigenous land-based learning into the educational framework. Developed with the help of First Nations elders, the camp will host seasonal activities designed to connect students with traditional Indigenous knowledge.

Nicole Cross, the school’s vice-principal, emphasized the collaborative effort with First Nations partners, stating, “We meet with our First Nations partners once a month to talk about what cultural activities we’re devising and then we set the plan in motion.” This approach ensures that the camp’s programming is relevant and reflective of community practices.

Traditional Skills and Community Engagement

This fall, students are participating in various activities including archery, canning, chainsaw sharpening, and lureless fishing. Cross noted that these skills correlate with the harvest season and help reinforce community ties. The new hands-on learning approach has significantly enhanced student engagement in traditional practices, according to Cross.

The direction of the camp is shaped through monthly meetings with Yukon First Nations, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas. Cross mentioned that the school is in a continuous learning phase, using trial and error to refine the activities offered. While hand games remain a popular feature, the school plans to introduce separate camps for each grade level, each focused on seasonal themes.

Assemblies will be held around the camp’s fire pit, where students will gather to discuss school values and expectations. “Every year, we will do mini assemblies with each grade level. So right now, all the grades are coming out and we meet with them and we talk about being at Porter Creek, what that looks like,” Cross explained.

Participation in the camp is voluntary, but the involvement of staff has been strong. Teachers are encouraged to bring their classes outdoors, teaching beyond the traditional classroom setting. Each fall, Grade 8 students will assist in maintaining the traditional Njel dwelling made from willow. Cross highlighted that this project helps students develop a connection to the camp’s purpose and history.

Cultural Exchange and Community Use

Southern Tutchone Elder Harold Johnson, who constructed the camp’s Njel structure, is collaborating with teachers to design activities centered on traditional housing. Rather than sending students off-site for cultural experiences, the school invites community members to utilize the camp space, fostering a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and learning.

Cross pointed out that the camp is accessible to students outside of formal programming, contributing to its role as an inclusive part of the school community. The camp has frequently been booked for informal use, indicating its growing importance as a shared space for both education and cultural activities.

By establishing the Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ Traditional Camp, Porter Creek Secondary School is not only enhancing its curriculum but also promoting a deeper understanding of Indigenous heritage among its students, ensuring that these vital cultural practices continue to thrive within the community.