Porter Creek School Launches Indigenous Culture Camp for Students

Porter Creek Secondary School in Whitehorse has inaugurated its inaugural fall culture camp at the Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ Traditional Camp, which officially opened on September 3, 2023. This innovative outdoor space is designed to integrate Indigenous land-based learning into the school’s curriculum, fostering a deeper connection between students and traditional knowledge.

The camp, located adjacent to the school, was developed with the guidance of First Nations elders, ensuring that it aligns with community practices. According to Nicole Cross, the school’s vice-principal, the initiative aims to create seasonal activities that resonate with both students and the broader community. “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,” Cross explained.

The activities offered this fall include archery, canning, chainsaw sharpening, and lureless fishing. These skills are particularly relevant to the harvest season and reflect the community’s traditions. Cross noted that this hands-on approach has significantly increased student engagement in traditional activities, marking a shift from conventional classroom learning to experiential education.

Yukon First Nations play an essential role in shaping the camp’s offerings through monthly planning meetings. Cross emphasized that the school is still in the process of refining its activities, learning what resonates best with students and the community. Traditional hand games remain a consistent feature, but the school is also looking to expand its programming to include camps tailored for each grade, aligned with seasonal themes.

Building Community Connections

Grade-level assemblies are set to take place 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. Right now, all the grades are coming out and we meet with them and talk about being at Porter Creek, what that looks like,” Cross shared.

Participation in the culture camp is voluntary, yet the involvement from staff has been robust. Teachers are encouraged to bring their classes to the camp, fostering learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Additionally, Grade 8 students will assist in maintaining the traditional Njel dwelling constructed from willow, reinforcing their connection to the camp’s purpose and history.

The camp’s traditional Njel structure was built by Harold Johnson, a Southern Tutchone Elder, who collaborates with teachers to develop activities centered around traditional housing. Rather than isolating students from the community, the school has opened the camp space for community use, aiming to transform it into a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and learning.

Cross remarked that students have the opportunity to access the camp outside of formal programming. The facility is frequently booked for informal activities, contributing to its role as an inclusive part of the school community.

Porter Creek Secondary School’s commitment to integrating Indigenous culture into its educational framework not only enriches the students’ learning experience but also strengthens community ties, ensuring that traditional knowledge is preserved and celebrated.