601: Nimiigwechwendam Nibiish (I am thankful for water) Collaborative LTBB Youth Camp
9:45-10:45 am
General Track 1
Ki Nswe’-Ki Nye;w
Mtg Rooms 3&4
This presentation will share a unique summer camp experience that connects youth with the water, land, and traditions of the Waganakising Odawak through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures!
Camp Highlights:
-Exploring local rivers, streams, and lakes
-Learning about water stewardship and Anishinaabek traditional knowledge (& how they are inherently intertwined)
-Water science experiments/real field work experience
-Anishinaabek cultural activities
-Action & information sharing with the community to protect our watersheds
-Fostering the importance of water protectors
-Including water ceremony in each day together — practicing songs and protocols
-Infusing learning with Anishinaabemowin
-Collaborating with LTBB tribal government departments
-Highlighting meaningful collaboration between a tribal education department and a local non-profit watershed council
Sharing youth camp experience exemplifies the importance of water protection to our youth and influences their perspectives on what it means to be a good relative to all beings in creation.
Lead By:
Amanda Weinert (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa), PK-12 Tribal Student Advocate, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Education Department
Boozhoo! Gitigaaneyaashikaaniing indoonjibaa, Nmebin Zaaga'igan ndodaa, Anishinaabe ndaaw, mukwa ndoodem, Waabishkamakwakwe ndizhinikaaz. kinomaagekwe ndonaangzhe.
Amanda Weinert grew up in Garden, MI, and lives in Carp Lake, MI. She’s a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa and descendant of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa (LTBB). Amanda serves the LTBB Niigaandiwin Education Department as the PK-12th Grade Academic Services Student Advocate (formally the Ishkaakimikwe Kinoomaagewinan (Teachings of the Earth) Coordinator, and Curriculum Specialist). They have worked for Niigaandiwin since 2016. Her involvement in Indigenous Education began while student-working at the Center for Native American Studies at Northern Michigan University about 15 years ago. Amanda studied Art and Design (jewelry/metalsmithing emphasis) and Native Studies (Bachelor of Science, 2014).
Eli Baker, Education Manager, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Eli joined the Watershed Council in 2016 after volunteering through the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program. Eli is primarily responsible for working on the Watershed Academy project, the Michigan Shoreland Stewards project, and other educational and outreach opportunities within our service area. Eli went to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. He then interned at the AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies, where he taught natural history and Michigan history. He grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan, where he spent his summers working on his family’s blueberry farm. He loves fishing of any kind, but fly fishing in Northern Michigan’s waters is his favorite pastime.