Plan to celebrate 30 years of Rediscovery

It will be known as the party to beat all parties in 2007, if the organizers get their way. Hundreds of staff, volunteers and participants of the Rediscovery program will gather to celebrate 30 years of hard work and contribution to Indigenous education.

The Rediscovery International Foundation was established in the Queen Charlotte Islands in 1978. Today, 40 Rediscovery programs operate around the world. Their mission is to draw on the strength of Indigenous cultures while relying on the wisdom of the Elders to assist youth to discover themselves the cultural and the natural world.

Rediscovery is a broad network of affiliated programs, each community-based, independently administered, funded and unique to their regions and Indigenous cultures. Rediscovery programs draw on the strengths of the local Indigenous people, serving the needs of Indigenous as well as non-Indigenous youth within an authentic cultural context. You will not find totem poles propped in front of tipis as part of Indian lore, as cultural authenticity is integral to the Rediscovery experience.

In Calgary, the local Rediscovery program is Ghost River, which opened its new doors on Sept. 13 after a flood forced the program from its old location. During an open house, organizers welcomed the many Elders, volunteers and community members who have participated in Ghost River programming over the past 12 years.

As a founder and executive director of Ghost River Rediscovery, Mike Lickers has spent the last 15 years offering what he believes are essential skills for all young leaders-outdoor and cultural education.

"By giving young people opportunities, knowledge and skills, they will accomplish more than we ever thought they could," he said.

Founded in 1994 on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in the traditional territory of the Nakoda (Stoney) people, Ghost River Rediscovery initially ran largely on a volunteer basis offering summer programs. In 1997, the agency moved to a year-round operation with the support of the Calgary Foundation, and the City of Calgary Family and Community Support Services.

The value of the Ghost River experience was echoed by Amber Varadi, a past participant who was in attendance at the open house.

"I want to thank you for the opportunity of meeting you and your team eight years ago. I will always remember the times that I experienced at Ghost River Rediscovery. I reminisce on the days that we had on the land, and the personal growth and knowledge that happened within the camp. I gained so much from those days spent in camp and continually learn from the trials and experiences that I had there... There was one thing that I walked away with instantly and that is that I felt I had finally found myself. By learning a touch of my culture and heritage, I finally felt a sense of balance in my life. I have continued to carry the tools I gained with me. I would like you to know that I am about to complete a Native Studies course and have gained the position of Youth Program Director, starting my own Rediscovery Camp with a partner. Giving back to my community is very important to me."

Ghost River Rediscovery is unique in that it is the first and only Rediscovery program successfully establishing itself in an urban centre and the first to operate in a year-round capacity. Ghost River Rediscovery operates winter programs and urban Rediscovery programs in Calgary to provide the needed follow-up for young people who attend the summer sessions. It is recognized internationally as a development centre assisting communities in designing their own Rediscovery models.

Ghost River currently offers four key areas of operation: Summer and winter outdoor educational programs, international programs that assist Calgary's Indigenous youth in leadership development, a Rediscovery for the schools, and leadership training and development assistance programs.

For information call (403) 270-9351 or visit the office at Suite 164, 3359-27 Street NE.