Ojibwe Language Revitalization and Traditional Ojibwe Activities to be held over 4 days in Sawyer, MN starting on June 21

Gidaa aabijitoomin Anishinaabemowin ji bimaadiziimagak Anishinaabe Izhitwaawin! We are here to keep the Ojibwe language and traditions alive!

All are invited and welcome to attend the 4th Annual Ambe , Ojibwemodaa (Come on, let’s all speak Ojibwe) Language Camp at the Kiwenz Campground in Sawyer, Minnesota on the Fond du Lac Ojibwe Reservation.

The camp will occur during June 21 – 24, 2012 and is free and open to the public. Campers can set-up their area on Wednesday, June 20 (Bring own camping gear, utensils, and chairs). Security will be provided and new to the campsite area are bathrooms and shower facilities.

This camp will include hands-on cultural learning and traditional arts activities that people of all ages can participate in. At each station, there will be a fluent Ojibwe speaker and a translator. Fluent Ojibwe speakers will include: Rick Gresczyk, Jacob “Sonny” Greensky, Thomas Jack, Loretta Atatise, Ted Atatise, and Dawn LaPrairie. They will also be on hand throughout the camp to help teach the language. On that Saturday, there will be some fun events including a Canoe Race followed by a Canoe Race using only a Ricing Pole and Knockers. Cash prizes to the top four placement winners.

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE!!! Camp is free and open to the public.

Cultural activity stations will include:

• Waaganogan (Activity Building Stations) Making with Jim Northrup, III

• Flute making with Frank Montano

• Moccasin Making with Sarah Agaton Howes

• Rice Cedar Knockers with Charlie "Tuna" Nahganub

• Drum Stick Making with Randy Gresczyk

• Dream Catcher & Little Drum Craft Making with Victoria Ellis

• Birch Bark Basket Making – Birch Bark Baskets

• Tobacco Pouches – Victoria Ellis

• Basswood Doll Making – Rita Kulk

• There will also be a section of the camp called "Ojibwe Only Zone" where people can listen or hold conversations in Ojibwemowin only. Cheat sheets will be provided.

• Other cultural activities held throughout the camp will include:

• Canoe Races and Rice Poling Canoe Races will happen Friday and Saturday! Something new this

year, cash prizes will be given to the teams who place in the top 5 spots!

• Moccasin Game with Gordon Jourdain.

• Nature walk identifying Ojibwemowin names for plants with Rick Gresczyk.

• Family games like Ojibwe Jenga and Cribbage with Rick Gresczyk.

• Ojibwemowin Fun Time with the children with Dawn LaPrairie.

• Mad Science Experiments with Dr. Arne Vainio.

• Music and Entertainment: Saturday evening there will be an art display of the art items that people/campers made at the camp and also there will be mini powwow where people can dance and there will be games such as musical chairs.

If you have any questions regarding this camp please contact Jim or Pat Northrup at 218-878-0245 or Rick Gresczyk at 952-215-1973.

The camp is FREE and OPEN to the public! EVERYONE is welcome regardless of proficiency in Ojibwe Language.

To make a cash donation to the camp’s operation please send your check to: Fond du Lac Language Camp, Fond du Lac Reservation, 1720 Big Lake Road, Cloquet, MN 55720 – Acct #: 45.8235.

Financial Support Contributors: Duluth Public Schools, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, St. Scholastica, Thirteen Moons, Age to Age Program, Bois Forte Health & Human Services, Sawyer Center, Brookston Center, the Northrup Family, the Vainio Family, the Gresczyk Family, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and Metropolitan State University.

Ivy Vainio

Multicultural Student Services Specialist

University of Wisconsin-Superior, Main 230

715-394-8415

yvainio@uwsuper.edu

http://www.uwsuper.edu/oma

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