This past July marked the Sudbury Catholic District School Board’s fourth year running the Summer Learning On The Land course in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, in partnership with Great Lakes Cultural Camps.

SCDSB students took part in a variety of hands-on cultural and historical activities in Atikameksheng and the surrounding area — from preparing bulrush and hominy corn to learning about sustainable harvesting practices and preparing hides. Learning took place on the Sacred Grounds of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and extended to visits to Science North, Dynamic Earth, French River Provincial Park, the French River Trading Post, and Killarney Provincial Park.

Students also had the opportunity to connect with guests from Laurentian University, Cambrian College, Greater Sudbury Police Service, Atikameksheng Health, Lands, and Mino Bimaadziwin Departments, the Shawanaga Species at Risk Department, as well as staff from Killarney and French River Provincial Parks. Special thanks to our own Co-Op/OYAP Teacher, Dan Levecque, and local Elders and Knowledge Carriers, including ‘Papa Art’ Petahtegoose, Brian Nootchtai, Jennifer Petahtegoose, and Shannon Agowissa, for sharing their teachings.

The Great Lakes Cultural Camps facilitators — Maheengun, Cookz, and Noodin Shawanda — created a nurturing, welcoming environment where community members and families felt comfortable stopping by to visit. We even had past participants drop in to reconnect, a true testament to the strong relationships this program builds.

Chi Miigwetch to Atikameksheng Anishnawbek for your continued support, to Indigenous Education Consultant Ginette Toivenen and Retired Superintendent Louise Franklin for your dedication in planning and preparing the course, and to Teacher Jennifer Petahtegoose for continuing to lead the program with care and commitment.

The students who complete this program leave with powerful knowledge, experiences, and stories to share. We are incredibly proud of each one of you for dedicating part of your summer to this important work. While the program is full of fun, it also requires focus, perseverance, and hard work — especially in the summer heat. Congratulations to all for your achievements!