The 17th Annual Wabun Youth Gathering was held in Mattagami July 15-19 for over 38 First Nation youth. The week-long event was organized by the Wabun Tribal Council Health Department with the support of the tribal council’s six member nations.
The gathering gives participants plenty of exposure and awareness of cultural teachings and traditional activities.
“We had a lot of activities like craft making, fun games, beach volleyball and swimming. This is my second year coming to this event and I really like it because I get to learn about my culture and have fun with lots of people,” said 13-year-old Olivia Wincikaby of Matachewan.
Participants camped out in tents on the sandy shores of Lake Mattagami next to the community of Mattagami. Youth were supervised during their entire visit as well as receiving added 24-hour support and security by local members to monitor for reported bear sightings in the area.
Daily activities included water games, dreamcatcher making, soapstone carving, canoe racing and team games. Event facilitators provided educational programs for bear safety, internet safety and health education. Throughout the week, youth were involved in a variety of group settings by the water, during meals or around a campfire where they met and learned from local Elders, traditional people and health educators about Indigenous culture, history and legends, and storytelling.
“This was a great event for our young people. Living on the land is a part of our culture and heritage. Bringing them out on the land is a good way to teach them and connect them to land where their families are from,” said Elaine Daley, a youth chaperone from Matachewan.
Chaperones from visiting communities supervised the youth, while local Mattagami members provided support and services.
“It’s important for us to keep this event going because our young people look forward to it every summer. They get to build lifelong friendships and stay connected to other youth and adults from the other communities. It’s a time for all of us to learn about our Indigenous heritage and to connect with the land. They get to learn from each other,” explained event organizer Josee Forget.
Mattagami Chief Jennifer Constant attended the gathering to meet with Wabun youth and show her support.
“Mattagami is honoured to host our brother and sister communities at our beautiful beach for this annual gathering. We know the importance of relationship building between our various nations and sharing new skills and cultural knowledge for our Wabun area youth,” commented Chief Constant.
The Wabun Youth Gathering originated through the vision of Wabun Elder Thomas Saunders of Brunswick House who sadly passed on before his dream came to be.