Fasting camp teaches respect

LONG LAC 58 – It was four years ago that Veronica Waboose, former Chief of this Superior Region First Nation, started thinking of ways that youth from her community could experience some of the culture and traditions she has seen during her time as a Sundancer.

She originally brought a group of youth to Sundance Ceremony but found that many of the children were unable to fully participate, but were thirsty for the knowledge.

Since then, Veronica has gathered volunteers from the community – Elders, young adults, and youth – to participate in a traditional healing and fasting camp. The project has grown out of the need for youth to learn tradition, understand culture, and build a sense of community and nationhood.

The Youth fast has become an annual undertaking where two groups, boys and girls, ages 8 to 12, spend four days in bush near Fernow Lake.

The youth have this time to work and learn from the Elders. They learn the importance of resources and stewardship of the lands, participating in a variety of activities such as setting nets to fish traditionally, collecting berries and medicines from the areas, crafting medicine pouches and dream catchers while hearing stories and learning cultural history.

Evening sharing circles give the children an opportunity to share and absorb everything that they experience.  They are restricted to only broth, fruits and vegetables, with a small meal at dinner, for the duration of the camp. Abstaining from these comforts helps the youth to be thankful and respect not only themselves and Mother Earth, but also community Elders, and each other.