Indigenous organization purchase farmland to reconnect youth with their roots
A local Indigenous organization is hoping to reconnect Indigenous youth with their roots with the purchase of farmland north of Winnipeg.
Rylee Nepinak, the co-founder of Anishiative, said the land purchased is being turned into an Indigenous youth summer camp where kids will be able to live off the land.
“What it can offer is a purpose, some belonging. Our youth really need that,” Nepinak said. “They can make long lasting friendships, tell stories by the fire, plant and pick medicine, sleep in teepees…I feel like we all needed a place like this when we were younger.”
The land is near Fraserwood, Man. and the idea for a permanent location came after the organization hosted a successful summer camp last year.
“It was such an amazing experience and had such a great impact on them that we realized that this is something we want to do every year.”
Nepinak said he has always wanted to host a land-based camp as it helps kids discover themselves. He added it also gives him an opportunity to continue to grow as a person.
“I’m a North End kid and a lot of kids in my neighbourhood, like myself, we didn’t get an opportunity to build this connection to the land and attend a grassroots experience like this. We didn’t get that. This is helping too on my journey.”
He said they are hosting the first camp in July and then in the fall they plan to build permanent structures like cabins and a teaching lodge.
Nepinak said the long term goal for the area when construction is done is to have the ability to have year round camps for inner city youth and kids from up north. He said each season brings new experiences for kids to learn from.
“This has been a long time coming and much needed…this is something special.”
The camp will officially be named next month. For those who are wanting to attend between July 15 and 17, Nepinak said it is completely free and people can reach out to him directly to register.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.