Neemamo mishkanan
“WE CANOE TOGEther”
NEEMAMO MISHKANAN IS A fully funded canoe trip experience for moose cree youth
Want to know how to pronounce Neemamo Mishkanan?
Hear Rae Corston Say it!
What is Neemamo Mishkanan?
Neemamo Mishkanan “We Canoe Together” is a new program 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. The program offers a fully funded canoe trip, as well as supporting workshops, safety training, connections with Knowledge Holders and Elders, and community sharing.
Neemamo Mishkanan is led by Moose Cree First Nation, with the support of the Learning from Lake Sturgeon program team.
The first Neemamo Mishkanan canoe trip took place in August 2024, and our team is seeking funding and capacity support to make this a recurring program. However, we currently do not have a confirmed timeline for the next Neemamo Mishkanan program.
We will be offering other Learning from Lake Sturgeon youth programming activities, and so please get in touch to learn about upcoming programs!
REFLECTIONS FROM A NEEMAMO MISHKANAN PARTICIPANT
Keifer Hester was a participant in the Neemamo Mishkanan program in 2024, and is currently a member of the Learning from Lake Sturgeon Youth Committee. Kiefer wrote a series of blogs as well as producing a video series of the Neemamo Mishkanan program. Click here to get a personal perspective from Kiefer on the program.
Check out some photos from Sean Landsman of the 2024 Neemamo Mishkanan canoe trip!
Safety Training Certifications
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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.
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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.
Workshops
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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.
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Following the canoe trip, youth will spend some time reflecting on the canoe experience and participate in closing activities, and 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
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This trip is being professionally guided . In addition, Learning from Lake Sturgeon program staff from the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada and Moose Cree First Nation will be present throughout. Included is:
All travel
Overnight accommodations before and after trip
Camping and safety equipment during trip (except sleeping bags)
All meals
Return travel if needed
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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.
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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 the Workshop & Cultural Teachings while on trip.
Each night of the trip will be spent camping outdoors - there will be no buildings/facilities along this route.
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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
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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.
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Throughout the recruitment process, youth will be required to share why they are interested in this opportunity with program coordinators.
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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.
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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. -
Youth participants themselves must disclose to project leadership any existing interpersonal conflicts with other potential or existing youth participants and update leadership if any arise. Youth participation is dependent on project leadership discretion.
FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions
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We worked hard to get the funding and plan for our first Neemamo Mishkanan program in 2024. We are now working on getting additional funding and support to be able to make this a recurring program, but currently we do not have a timeline yet for the next Neemamo Mishkanan program.
We are offering other Learning from Lake Sturgeon youth programming, and so please get in touch about other opportunities for youth! -
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.
COntact us with ANY questions!
Email: learningfromlakesturgeon@gmail.com