Neemamo mishkanan

“WE CANOE TOGEther”

We are excited to offer a new Youth program for 2024 with Neemamo Mishkanan (“we canoe together”), a fully-funded on-the-land canoe trip learning experience for Moose Cree Youth.

Source: Jennifer Simard, MCFN

program description

Neemamo Mishkanan “We Canoe Together” is the newest program offering of Learning from Lake Sturgeon. This program is intended for Moose Cree youth to strengthen connections with the Moose Cree Homeland and culture, while also learning valuable skills and practices of environmental conservation.

Neemamo Mishkanan is led by the Learning from Lake Sturgeon program, which is a partnership between Moose Cree First Nation and Wildlife Conservation Society Canada.

Learn more about our partnership

Safety Training Certifications

  • Safety training will run May 28-June 1, 2024 outside Ottawa. Plan for 2-3 travel days on either end. Travel, food, and camping accommodations are provided.

  • Youth will have the opportunity to earn their Paddle Canada Level 1 Certification, as well as their Wilderness First Aid Certification - both valuable for those looking into future careers in Environmental Conservation or Guiding Services.

  • Travel to and from the training site will be provided. For those travelling from Moose Factory, travel by train to Cochrane and bus to Palmer Rapids will be arranged.

    For those travelling from alternate locations, travel will be coordinated for youth separately.

  • All meals while travelling and during course will be provided. Camping and canoe safety equipment will also be provided.

    Youth will be given a detailed packing list prior to training which outlines the personal clothing and other items required. Program Coordinators are able to help source items if the youth does not have them.

  • Professional training will be provided by MHO Adventures. To learn more about their practices, please visit their website.

Workshops

  • The spring workshop will be combined with safety training - more details to follow closer to the date. Youth will have the opportunity to meet the other participants and program leaders.

    Cultural teachings on travel on Mattagami and Moose Rivers will be shared by Elders who travelled the rivers before they were dammed.

    Youth will be led through traditional teachings and story-telling by Elders and Knowledge Holders. Scientists, and other specialists may also lead activities.

  • Immediately following the canoe trip, youth will spend two days in Moose Factory to reflect on the canoe experience and participate in closing activities.

  • This event will occur Fall/Winter 2024. This may be in-person or virtual. Youth will be asked to share trip reflections in a format of their choice with the community - this could be as art, song, written reflection, or any other format that speaks to them.

guided canoe trip

  • The canoe trip will occur August 13-20, 2024. The program will coordinate youth travel to arrive in Cochrane by August 12, 2024.

    The trip will begin at the Kipling Generating Station near Kapuskasing, and conclude 8 days later in Moose Factory.

  • This trip is being professionally guided by MHO Adventures. In addition, Learning from Lake Sturgeon program staff from the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada and Moose Cree First Nation will be present throughout.

    • All travel to Cochrane

    • Overnight accommodations before and after trip

    • Camping and safety equipment during trip (except sleeping bags)

    • All meals

    • Return travel from Moosonee/Moose Factory if needed

  • Youth participants will be provided with a detailed packing list prior to the trip of what personal clothing and items to pack. Due to limited space, youth must not pack more than listed.

    Rain gear, quick-dry clothing, and sleeping bags will be included on this list. Program coordinators can help to supply these extra items if youth do not have them.

  • This is a trip of a lifetime! Youth will be given the opportunity to paddle a traditional route, while learning about environmental conservation through traditional and scientific lenses.

    Youth will be able apply skills from Spring Workshop while on trip.

    Each night of the trip will be spent camping outdoors - there will be no buildings/facilities along this route.

  • Youth will be required to attend multiple pre-trip virtual planning meetings. Regular communication will be required by selected youth prior to the trip.

    Pre-trip sessions will cover various topics such as Wildlife Safety, Packing for a Canoe Trip, food accommodations, establishing group norms, and more.

Participant requirements

  • This program is only open to youth that identify as Moose Cree. On-reserve and off-reserve Moose Cree youth are given equal opportunity throughout the selection process.

  • This program is offered to youth who will be age 16-25 at the time of the August 2024 canoe trip.

  • Throughout the recruitment process, youth will be required to share why they are interested in this opportunity with program coordinators.

  • This program welcomes youth who have experience in the outdoors, and those who do not have experience at all.

    Youth must be comfortable and able to spend periods of 8-12 days away from home. If you have questions or concerns about this, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.

  • This is a dry trip - meaning no alcohol, cannabis or mind-altering substances are welcome on the trip. This is zero-tolerance.

    Tobacco will be allowed in certain areas throughout programming.

Questions?

  • This program is fully-funded (FREE) for youth participants. This includes travel to events, food during events, and all supplies/equipment required to safely and comfortably be able to participate.

  • While this is not a paid position or employment opportunity, the youth participants will be provided honoraria to recognize them for the time given to the program.

  • This is intended to be a trip to reconnect youth to a traditional canoe route in the Moose Cree Homeland.

    After youth participate in this program, we hope that their training certifications will support youth and their interest in protecting the Homeland and/or use toward future employment endeavors in the environmental conservation field.

  • While we are recruiting a group of approximately 8-12 participants, each applicant will be reviewed individually.

    We encourage youth to share this with their friends and family who may also be interested, but cannot guarantee that all youth who apply will be selected to participate.

  • Applications open January 19, 2024, and will close for the first round of applicants on February 22, 2024.

    Depending on the number of applicants received during this period, additional applications will be accepted until all spots have been filled.

    If the application form is still open, we are still accepting additional applications.

  • No - this program is specifically for youth participants.

    If a youth requires additional support in the form of a parent or alternate support person, please contact us by phone or email to discuss further.

  • There are limited spots in this program. If you are not selected to participate this year, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about future opportunities to assist with scientific fieldwork or on trips in future years.

    There will be two alternate positions offered to youth. These youth must be available for all events, but are not guaranteed a place on the trip. These youth will still attend training camp for their certifications, and must be willing to join the trip if a position opens up.

COntact us with ANY questions!

Email: learningfromlakesturgeon@gmail.com

Phone: (807) 285-9125