Traditions of Aboriginal people highlighted at camp

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Hiking, swimming, canoeing and meetings held around a campfire are part of going to camp each year. To get the most out of the camping experience, a training camp is held each year.

Since 1991, the Rediscovery International training course at the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific in Victoria has trained hundreds of camp leaders from around the world. This year's training camp was held May 26 to June 9 and prepared participants in how to instruct outdoor camp activities in their communities. People that get the training at the camp may go on and start a rediscovery camp in their communities or get the qualifications they need to work in other camps.

Participants in the course choose from a number of courses for certification, such as flat water canoe level 1, waterfront leadership training, understanding tides and currents, weather, map and chart reading, and first aid courses. Other classes include fire building, shelter construction, bark weaving, and camp set up and operation.

During the program, participants stay on the college campus.

"We are located in a first growth area so we have lots of wilderness area for the participants to build a shelter and we have a lot of trees for the bark that we need," said Meira Mathison, the administrator of rediscovery training.

For 21-year-old Amanda Bedard, the experience was spiritually uplifting. Born and raised on the Queen Charlotte Islands, Bedard is looking forward to operating a rediscovery camp in Haida Gwaii.

"I think that it was an imperative course. It prepared me to run a camp. It felt very close knit. For two weeks all we had contact with were the participants and the staff so everyone became close," said Bedard. "I'm looking forward to working as a team with two other students who went through the same program. We were able to learn the same things," she said.

In each of the past five years, Rediscovery International has invited an Elder to come in and be part of the program. This year's Elder was Christine Joseph from Cochrane, Alta.

"We always have at least one Elder for the participants to talk to. It is a part of the strength of the program. In Native communities the Elder plays such an important part and we wanted to continue that role in our program," said Mathison.

More than 150 people attended the graduation ceremony on June 9. During the ceremony a number of dance demonstrations took place, as well as a Borneo blow pipe demonstration, a Venezuelan song, and a four directions Haida spirit song.

"They also had the gum boot dance from Africa and the Haida blanket dance. I know they say this every year, but this was the best one yet. It was wonderful. It went really well," said Mathison.

A guidebook published in 1989 titled Rediscovery Ancient Pathways - New Directions by camp co-founder and author Thom Henley details outdoor activities and what rediscovery is all about. A second expanded edition of the book is available to the public for $24.95. Rediscovery Ancient Pathways - New Directions Outdoor Activities based on Native Traditions can purchased on the internet at www.wildernesscommittee.org.