Anishinabek Educational Institute hosts fourth Annual Land-Based Learning Camp

By Abigail Yzereef

NIPISSING FIRST NATION — The Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) hosted its fourth annual Spring Medicine Camp last month, marking a significant milestone with the formal adoption of an Anishinaabemowin name for the camp: Ziigwang Mshkikiikeng.

Held over three days, Ziigwang Mshkikiikeng brought together AEI students, instructors, grandmothers, alumni, visiting secondary school students, and staff for an immersive land-based learning experience grounded in First Nation knowledge systems, cultural teachings, and community connection. Participants represented multiple AEI programs, along with a visiting group from Nbisiing High School, creating opportunities for intergenerational and cross-program learning.

Teachings throughout the camp were led by Gookmis Glenna Beaucage, who shared knowledge on the 13 Moons Calendar and Natural Law, supporting participants in understanding seasonal cycles, responsibility, and balance. Gookmis Beaucage also facilitated teachings on traditional teas, led water teachings, guided the creation of water necklaces, and demonstrated how to prepare Mkwemskikiikeng (Women’s Medicine) using freshly peeled tree bark. These teachings emphasized respectful relationships with water, plants, and medicines gathered from the land.

Participants also engaged in hands-on medicine-making with Brenda Roberts, who taught about the medicinal properties of the flowering plant, mullein, and guided the preparation of a respiratory salve. Kimberly White led ash wood basket weaving, sharing both technical skills and cultural context, while Sam Stevens supported participants in creating rattles for their bundles. An evening activity led by Jules Armstrong invited participants to paint aprons using Ojibwe floral patterns.

Land-based activities included tree tapping led by Laura Liberty and Tory Fisher, who guided participants onto the land to learn about harvesting sap in the spring. Tory Fisher also demonstrated how to make maple butter over the fire, walking participants through the process from start to finish. AEI alumni and instructor Kelsey Borgford also joined the camp to teach participants how to create bone necklaces, highlighting the importance of making and carrying personal items with intention.

A key development this year was the formal naming of the camp in Anishinaabemowin. AEI worked with Anishinaabemowin Commissioner Barbara Nolan to select a name that reflected cultural accuracy and intent. Rather than a direct translation of “Spring Medicine Camp,” the name Ziigwang Mshkikiikeng translates more closely to “Getting Medicine in the Spring.” Commissioner Nolan explained that within the language, the word ‘camp’ is not required, as “it is understood that’s when you get or work with the medicine.”

In addition to teachings and skill-building, participants were supported through moments of rest and care, including a cedar foot bath, the creation of personalized foot soaks, and the distribution of land-based learning kits to encourage continued learning beyond the camp.

Ziigwang Mshkikiikeng concluded with a Drum Social led by the Juniper Singers, who shared songs, stories, and teachings with participants. The evening brought together students, families, facilitators, and staff, and concluded with a Round Dance, marking a joyful and meaningful close to the week.