The Rock Cree Language Council is hosting their first exciting canoe adventure of culture, history, and language this July for youth from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.
The youth healing canoe trip is called Following the Trail of Our Ancestors. The adventure will begin in July and the group will travel along the Reindeer and Churchill Rivers. and is open to PBCN all youth. They are looking for youth between the ages of 14 and 21-years-old, as 20 youth will be selected to take part in the experience.
“The youth will be introduced to the people that are living on our route, see the rock paintings in the area, will learn from elders about the history of Reindeer and Churchill Rivers, and will be immersed in the Cree language,” said Andrea Custer, Chair of Rock Cree Language Council.
They plan to travel 187 kilometers, hoping to paddle approximately 30 kilometers per day. The group will start their journey from Southend and will finish in Pelican Narrows.
“My intention is for them is to get a strong sense of pride in who they are, where they come from, and the people they are by reconnecting to the lands and the water by following the trail of our ancestors, and that they will get a sense of wellness and identity,” explained Custer.
Planning is still under way, and they are hoping to have a landing celebration to welcome home the youth. They also hope that people that live along the route will reach out to them, so they can plan a visit.
To follow the journey or to request information go to nihithawiwin.ca