Introducing Nimkii Aazhibikong

Summary

Isaac Murdoch and Christy Borst discuss Nimki Aong, a camp aimed at reviving indigenous culture and connection to the land. They plan language immersion, community kitchens, and a roundhouse for ceremonies. The camp seeks to counteract the Indian Act's impact, emphasizing the importance of language, land, and traditional governance. They invite support through visits, donations, and sharing of resources, aiming to become a hub for the resurgence of indigenous ways.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Nimki Aong is a camp focused on the resurgence of indigenous culture and traditions, particularly for youth.
• 🏕️ The camp is located on a former M&R site, now being transformed into a space for cultural reconnection.
• 👵 The camp aims to connect young people to the land, emphasizing the importance of learning from nature as a teacher.
• 🗣️ A special area of the camp is dedicated to language immersion, focusing on preserving indigenous languages.
• 🍽️ There is a community kitchen where meals are prepared and shared, playing a central role in camp activities.
• 💬 The camp is part of a larger response to reclaim what was lost due to the Indian Act, including language, land, and freedom.
• 🏞️ A roundhouse made of logs is planned as a gathering place for ceremonies and potentially traditional governance.
• 🌊 The camp has a deep connection to the land and waters, with plans to build platforms and stairs to connect to the nearby lake.
• 🙌 The camp is part of a broader resurgence movement, with similar efforts happening across various indigenous communities.
• 🎒 People can support the camp by volunteering, donating supplies, or contributing resources like tents, canoes, or even language teaching.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Nimki Aong camp?

The purpose of the Nimki Aong camp is to foster a resurgence of good ways on the land, connecting young people back to the land, and promoting language and cultural reclamation.

What is the significance of the location chosen for the camp?

The location is significant as it is the site of an old M&R site, and it will serve as a Language Sanctuary, indicating its historical and cultural importance.

How does the camp plan to engage the youth?

The camp plans to engage the youth by having land and waters be their teachers, immersing them in language and cultural practices, and involving them in the building and maintenance of the camp.

What is the role of Elders in the Nimki Aong camp?

Elders play a crucial role in the camp by sharing their knowledge, participating in ceremonies, and potentially instigating traditional governance practices.

What is the 'Language Sanctuary' mentioned in the script?

The 'Language Sanctuary' is a designated area within the camp where language immersion will take place, focusing on the preservation and teaching of indigenous languages.

How does the camp address the impact of the Indian Act?

The camp is a response to the impact of the Indian Act by reclaiming language, land, and the freedom of indigenous people, which were threatened by the legislation.

What is the Shack mentioned in the script and what is its purpose?

The Shack is a cook Shack being built by the community without prior knowledge, intended to serve as a Community Kitchen where Elders and others can enjoy meals.

What is the significance of the roundhouse planned for the camp?

The roundhouse is significant as it will be a community gathering place for ceremonies and potentially for instigating traditional governance.

How is the Nimki Aong camp connected to a larger movement?

The Nimki Aong camp is part of a larger resurgence movement where indigenous people are returning to the land, indicating a widespread cultural reclamation effort.

What are some ways people can help support the Nimki Aong camp?

People can support the camp by visiting, donating supplies, providing materials like generators or canoes, or by offering their skills as language instructors.

What is the vision for Elders in 50 years according to the script?

The vision is for Elders in 50 years to be fluent in the language, knowledgeable about living off the land, and having grown up with these experiences, thus becoming climate leaders.