Métis Youth Gather for an Unforgettable Otawn Cultural Camp experience
Thirteen Métis students gathered at Camp Tawingo near Huntsville, Ontario for the 2025 Otawn Cultural Camp, a four-day experience from October 17 to 20 filled with workshops exploring Métis culture and way of life.
Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Vernon, the camp provided a picturesque location for Métis students to connect with their peers.
On the first day, students arrived in the late afternoon, settled into their cabins, and got to know each other through icebreaker activities. They reviewed safety guidelines and capped off the evening by enjoying a hearty dinner together.
The next morning, the group made their way to the camp docks for a fishing activity, where several students proudly reeled in smallmouth bass. Later in the day, they took part in a tracking challenge, rotating through six stations to identify animals based on tracks, scat, and other signs of activity. Congratulations to the top participants who earned prizes for their skills!
On the final day, students set out on a hike to take in the beauty of the Muskoka landscape while learning about outdoor safety and how to stay prepared when exploring nature in their own communities.
Back at camp, they turned their creativity to the decorative arts—crafting custom phone cases and practicing traditional blanket stitching. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to harvesting and preparing traditional foods from the water, such as fish and wild rice, before everyone gathered to share a delicious fish fry and smoked fish snack.
As the weekend drew to a close, campers gathered for a special ceremony to reflect on their experiences, offer a closing prayer, thank the dedicated staff, and celebrate the youth graduating from the program. The evening also welcomed four new members to the camp community through a traditional sash presentation.
“Some of the most unforgettable moments from these weekends come from seeing the strong sense of community and personal growth each student experiences in just a few days,” says André Nault, Métis Youth Culture Camp Project Coordinator. “We strive to create an environment where students feel confident embracing who they are as Métis, so seeing that pride come to life is incredibly rewarding..”
Students departed Camp Tawingo with lasting memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Métis knowledge and traditions—maarsii to this year’s students and staff who made the weekend unforgettable!