By ḵ̓agwiki’lakw, Shadow Alfred
Our Language and Culture Camps continue to be a transformative experience for all, offering a space to disconnect from the distractions of the outside world and truly be present. This is a time to step away from our phones and the busyness of life, to sit, listen, learn, understand, heal, and grow. Our camps are an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, reconnect with the land, and build meaningful connections with each other.
This year, we had the privilege of hosting participants from local schools and welcoming our mi’maya’a̲nł to the heart of our Ḵwiḵwa̱sut̓inux̱w territory in Hada. While each camp offers a different experience due to the season, the weather, and the age groups, they all share a deep immersion in language, culture, and the land. These camps not only teach traditional skills but also offer tools for the ga̱nga̱nana̱m to nurture their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, grounding them in the values that have been passed down through generations.
A new focus for us this year is to make the boat ride to Hada more than just a journey, but a cultural and educational experience that sets the tone for the entire camp. Our goal is to make this time on the water a special opportunity to share language, stories, and the connections we have to the lands and waters we pass through. From storytelling to practicing our Kwak̓wala introductions and acknowledging the territories we travel through, every moment is infused with meaning and serves to deepen relationships and plant seeds of knowledge.
Staff arrive Sunday morning to prepare the lodge and tiny homes, ensuring that everything is ready and welcoming. The air is filled with excitement as the team comes together to finalize schedules and set intentions for the days to come. Our team patiently waits for the students’ arrival on Monday morning, where they are greeted at the dock by the sound of drumming, singing, and dancing to Wuhuhuwe.
As the students unload their bags from the boat and make their way to the lodge, they are reminded of the old ways, when our ancestors lived together in large communal houses. In those times, everyone contributed whether through cooking, cleaning, or harvesting because they understood that “many hands make light work.” This spirit of teamwork, where everyone supports each other is at the heart of our camp experience. Our lodge, which accommodates up to 30 people, allows us to live together under one roof for the week, sharing daily tasks and truly connecting with one another like our ancestors once did before us.
The week begins with an opening circle, where the ga̱nga̱nana̱m learn to introduce themselves in Kwak̓wala. This not only brings them closer to the language and their cultural identity, but also helps build confidence in speaking in front of others. Participants learn to share their names, where they come from, and who their families are. This is an important part that allows everyone to get to know one another, and often discover family ties they may share.
Tuesday morning we welcome our elders to Hada, greeting them with the students to Wuhuhuwe. We are grateful to our mi’maya’a̱nł who join us at each camp, sharing their wisdom and teachings, and spending time with the ga̱nga̱nana̱m as they learn the language and immersing themselves in everything Hada has to offer. The connection we build with them at camp is transformative—it’s a time to listen, to learn, and to reconnect with the very nature of who we are as a people. Spending time with our mi’maya’a̱nł is crucial not only for the revival of Kwak̓wala, but also for the nourishment of our hearts and spirits.
Each morning we gather for circle is a time where we reflect, connect, and check in with one another. After breakfast, we take a moment to share how we’re feeling, what we were grateful for yesterday, and what we are
grateful for today, creating a space for openness and support. These practices ground us, and allow us to check in with ourselves and each other, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. It’s heartwarming to see how students, many of whom arrive shy, grow in confidence throughout the week. By the end of the week, their voices are louder, their spirits brighter, and they fully embrace everything Hada has to offer.
Our camps are filled with storytelling in many forms, each one weaving together our culture and language, passing down knowledge that has been shared for generations. Whether Pewi reads from the Book of Legends, our elders share their wisdom, or we watch documentaries created by Darryll that showcase the strength and resilience of our people–there is always a story to tell and a lesson to learn. A very meaningful moment takes place at camp when we gather at the T̓seḵa̱me’ carved pole to hear the origin story of the first ancestor of our Ḵwiḵwa̱sut̓inux̱w people. This story is especially significant because it is told on the very land where T̓seḵa̱me’ survived the great flood, hiding in a cedar tree in Hada.
Our camps are designed to nurture the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of our participants through a variety of meaningful activities. We believe that movement is medicine, and that engaging our bodies in different ways is essential for overall health. Whether we’re paddling canoes, hiking to the waterfall, walking among the old-growth trees, or harvesting seafood and cedar bark, each movement deepens our connection to the land and the ways of our ancestors. These activities also provide opportunities to learn about traditional medicines and the importance of sustainable harvesting—always taking only what we need. Through these practices, we are reminded of our vital responsibility to care for the land and oceans, ensuring their continued health for future generations. Each day, we incorporate physical movement into our schedule. If we’re not out on the land, you’ll find us practicing guided yoga and exercises at the lodge, where Kwak̓wala and cultural teachings are woven into every movement.
We were fortunate to have Brittley James, our new Camp Director, who spent much time over the last year at camps to offer valuable support to our staff, ga̱nga̱nana̱m, and maya’a̱nł as they navigate any challenges or emotions that arise throughout the week. At Hada, mental health, healing, and wellness are central to our focus, and we believe it’s important to introduce the ga̱nga̱nana̱m to various tools for self-care. These include grounding practices, breath work, cedar brushings, and river cleanses, all aimed at clearing the spirit and releasing emotions we don’t want to hold onto. Additionally, they learn about the power of their thoughts and the importance of acknowledging their feelings, understanding that crying is a sacred ceremony for emotional release and healing. These teachings empower the ga̱nga̱nana̱m with lifelong tools for personal growth, resilience, and moving forward in a positive, balanced way.
By Friday, the students have formed deeper connections to the land, our culture, and each other. The closing circle is often filled with mixed emotions as the students reflect on their favorite moments and share the lessons they will carry forward. In just 4 days we get to witness the ga̱nga̱nana̱m come out of their shells more, expressing gratitude for the experience and their newfound knowledge.
The success of our Language and Culture Camps would not be possible without the support of many. From our maintenance crew, cooks, and boat drivers, to our mimaya’a̱nł, and language team, each individual plays a vital role in ensuring that the camps run smoothly and that students have a meaningful experience.
