Koeye – Educational Camps for Children and Youth

In 2023, the Tree and Tomorrow Foundation (TTF) began working with Qqs Projects Society, a Canadian non-profit organization that has been supporting the Heiltsuk Indigenous people of Canada (British Columbia) for over 20 years, who are still struggling with the dramatic consequences of colonialism and forced, brutal assimilation. Traditional communities affected by the trauma of colonization, especially the aftermath of so-called “residential schools”, still feel the consequences of the tragic experiences of their ancestors. The activities of the Qqs Projects Society focus on cultivating and maintaining the traditions and culture of Indigenous people while simultaneously protecting nature.

The primary beneficiaries of this organization’s activities are children and young people. In 2023, the TTF co-financed the participation of a group of 156 children and young people aged 7-21 in six-week summer camps, organized annually by QPS, as well as two-week training and team building trips for a group of 22 leaders and staff of these camps. The thematic blocks around which trip activities focused included: revitalization of the native language; importance of intergenerational transmission of tradition; mental health and the importance of contact with the land of ancestors as a factor supporting mental well-being; independence from external food suppliers – importance of independent crops. Daily activities included: sailing on traditional boats and canoes, trips to the forest to acquire survival skills in the wild, learning traditional weaving techniques, making ritual objects, practicing traditional singing techniques, and gardening.

In July and August 2024, six five-day camps for children and youth were held. Each included 30 children aged 7-15.  Many participants attended more than one camp (totaling 84 participants). The trip program included both recreation and relaxation in nature as well as the intergenerational transmission of the traditions and skills of the ancestors by the community’s Elders. Workshops were conducted to revitalize and learn the traditional language and methods of obtaining food (hunting and gathering skills, making traditional medicines). Participants also developed skills such as:  weaving, woodworking, and an introduction to traditional rituals and ceremonies and the related dance and singing techniques. A particularly important topic of the workshops was mental health – addressing the trauma of forced assimilation and colonization passed down through generations – as well as physical health through mindfulness, meditation, healthy eating, and a fitness program.

Two additional camps were also organized for youth leaders of the Heiltsuk community (totaling 30 participants).  These programs focused on developing practical knowledge on community building and peaceful conflict resolution, as well as training in child protection standards and promoting mental health and well-being.

Additionally, in September there were two weekend workshops for older youth at risk of social exclusion (for 33 participants) and one family trip – a queer family camp (for 20 participants).

Returning to the areas once inhabited by their ancestors and participating in the educational programs and workshops offered creates the opportunity to learn and understand the traditions, customs and language of their communities. All this helps strengthen cultural identity and shapes a sense of security and self-esteem among children and young people from Indigenous communities.

The project continues in 2025.