A Weekend in May 2026 to Remember: Passing Knowledge to the next Generation
The Learning from Lake Sturgeon partnership between Moose Cree First Nation and the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada has been guided for years by both an Elders Advisory Group, as well as a Youth Advisory Group. In the last year, the Youth Advisory Group has gone to great lengths to ensure that they are sharing additional opportunities to engage in cultural and stewardship learning in Kit Aski Nahnuun (Moose Cree Homelands) for more youths in the community. To do this, the group of 8 Youth Advisory Group Members spent much time fundraising, planning and facilitating events, including their most recent event this May.
From May 22-25, a group of like-minded youths came together at Flood’s Landing campground outside of Cochrane, Ontario to share in cultural teachings and stewardship workshops. The workshops were also supported by local Elders, Moose Cree First Nation Resource Protection, and Wildlife Conservation Society Canada. This was a camping event along the Frederickhouse River, which set the stage for reconnection with the lands and waters over the course of the weekend.
View of the Frederick House River at sunset!
The event included many different activities – read on to learn more about what the youths got up to at the event!
Sharing with Elders: Bob and Regina Sutherland travelled out to spend a morning sharing stories and teachings related to the land, a time that Arthur Koosees (MCFN) opened beautifully with a song and smudge.
Suture Workshop: Youth learned techniques for fish sutures on fake flesh from Claire Farrell (WCSC) – these techniques are the ones that are used by trained biologists in the field for lake sturgeon surgery, and provided youth insight into the care and precision required to non-lethally study the movements of lake sturgeon.
Birding Workshops: Youth had the opportunity to participate in two birding workshops to identify the local bird species in a variety of ways with Alysha Riquier (WCSC)
Crafting: Youth Tie-Dyed their own shirts to remember their time at the event, and promote lake sturgeon stewardship! Check out the before.
Traditional Cooking: Jennifer Simard (MCFN) shared moose stew preparation with youths.
Fishing: Time was spent along the river to learn and enjoy shore fishing. Many walleye were caught – some as the youths’ first fish!
Water Rangers Testing: WCS Canada was a happy recipient of Water Rangers testing gear, which was put to use at this event. All youth learned these important water health monitoring techniques from Claire Farrell (WCSC).
Resource Protection Background: MCFN shared the history and importance of resource protection in the Moose Cree Homelands, specifically related to hydroelectric power.
There was a lot of fun had at this event, and many strong connections built among the youth to continue their stewardship journeys together.
HUGE THANKS to all members of the Youth Advisory Group for their commitment to the environment in hosting this event: Bella Cheechoo-Wesley, Mackenzie Taylor, Melinah Rickard, Keifer Hester, Rachel Corston, Syracuse Monture, Meegwyn Phillips, Arthur Koosees
