Much to do this summer right across Saskatchewan

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Summer is finally here, and with it comes a long list of events and activities to take in right across the province.

If you're looking for an opportunity for your children to combine learning with having fun, be sure to check out the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) annual science camp program. The science camps will be travelling to 10 communities across the province this summer, teaching participants about science with a First Nations perspective. The theme of this year's science camps will be protecting our riverbeds and shorelines.

The program started its summer run on July 1 on Onion Lake First Nation, and will be moving to Flying Dust First Nation July 8 and 9, just in time to be part of the Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games, being hosted by Flying Dust from July 6 to 10.

The next stop for the science camp will be Gordon First Nation on July 15, then on July 17, the camp will move to Okanese First Nation.

From July 21 to 25, the camp will be in Regina at the First Nations University of Canada, formerly the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. Kahkewistahaw First Nation will host the camp on July 25 and on July 28 and 29, the camp will move to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

The science camp will be on Big River First Nation on July 31, Shoal Lake First Nation on Aug. 6, and Red Earth First Nation on Aug. 7.

For more information about the science camps, call the FSIN science program at 1-866-442-7444.

A number of First Nations communities will also be hosting powwows over the summer.

One Arrow First Nation will be holding a traditional powwow from July 11 to 13, and Carry the Kettle First Nation will be holding their annual powwow from July 18 to 20. For more information about the One Arrow powwow, call Phyllis Durocher at 423-5493. For more information about the Carry the Kettle powwow, call Tim Eashappie at 727-2169, or visit the First Nation's Web site at www.carrythekettle.ca.

Onion Lake First Nation will be hosting its annual competition powwow from July 18 to 20, with about 600 dancers from across North America expected to attend. For more information about the powwow, call Raymond Whitstone at 847-2200.

The Sturgeon Lake Powwow will take place July 22 to 24. For more information, call 764-1872.

Touchwood Agency Tribal Council will also be hosting a powwow this summer, running from July 25 to 27. For more information about the powwow, call 835-2125.

Also from July 25 to 27, La Ronge will be hosting a competition powwow, the first of what organizers hope will become an annual event. For more information about the powwow, call Rose McKay at 425-2157, Anne Cook at 425-3645 or Doris Morin at 425-3284, or send an e-mail to larongepowwow@hotmail.com.

The Little Red River powwow is being planned for Aug. 1 to 3, while Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation will be hosting its powwow on Aug. 8. For more information about the Little Red River powwow, call 953-7200. For more information on the Standing Buffalo powwow, call 332-4685.

Big Island Lake (formerly Joseph Bighead First Nation) will be hosting its powwow from Aug. 8 to 10. Call 839-2277 for more information.

From Aug. 12 to 14, Cowessess First Nation will be holding a powwow, while Thunderchild First Nation will host its 37th annual powwow from Aug. 14 to 17. For more information about the Cowessess powwow, call 696-2520. For more information about the Thunderchild powwow, call 845-7431.

From Aug. 15 to 17, both Muskoday First Nation and Kahkewistahaw First Nation will be holding powwows. For more information about the Muskoday powwow, call the First Nation at 764-1282. For more information about the Kahkewistahaw powwow, call 696-3291.

Mistawasis First Nation will be holding its annual treaty day competition powwow from Aug. 22 to 24. For more information, call 466-4800.

A number of other popular annual events will be held again this summer, including the Back to Batoche festival and the Internationl Traditional Healing Gathering.

Back to Batoche will be held at Batoche National Historic Site from July 24 to 27. This annual celebration of Metis history and culture will feature a memorial service, Metis dancers, fiddling and jigging contests, ball tournaments, musical entertainment, a talent show, chuckwagon events, a rodeo, and traditional voyageur games. For more information about Back to Batoche, visit the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan Web site at ww.metisnation-sask.com, or call 242-8285.

This year will mark the fourth year Nekaneet First Nation will host its International Traditional Healing and Medicines Gathering, where people come together to share and experience traditional Indigenous medicines, healing practices and spirituality. This year's gathering will take place Aug. 18 to 21. For more information, call Sharon Longjohn at 596-2007, Chief Larry Oakes at 662-3660, or Cheryl Brazeau at 332-2556.