The Michipicoten First Nation 2023 summer camp was well under way with a full camp registration from July 17-20, 2023. Opening day, the children had a surprise visit and welcome by Chief Pat Tangie. Gimaa Kwe reminded the children about respect for Mother Earth, Aki. Minaadendamowin—Respect: One of the 7 teachings is that in order to have respect from someone or something, we must get to know that other entity at a deeper level. She also shared some brief teachings on “The Creation Story” about how humans were the last of creation on Earth. “First came the elements…air, wind, earth, and water. Second was the plants, trees, roots, flowers…Third was the animals, four-legged, crawlers, swimmers, and flyers. All of creation was doing fine. The last of creation was the humans. All of these earlier gifts from the creator have their place and purpose. Humans need to understand this, and remember we need all of these gifts, they do not need us to survive… We need them”.
Michipicoten First Nation Youth Energy summer camp is supported by Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and designed and implemented with MFN Community Energy Champion Gina Simon and Relay Education to bring programs and activities to the children that relate to energy, conservation, and awareness about climate change. Through a variety of educational activities designed to teach awareness and how each child can do their part to lessen their carbon footprint on Mother Earth. Games such as Energy Bingo whereby, the children explored the topic of conservation and consumption through a series of questions and answers like: Have you seen a wind turbine? Do you have a solar powered toy? Do you use rechargeable batteries? Can name 2 fossil fuels? Can name 2 ways to save energy at home? Do you use a reusable water bottle?
Niibi—Water’s preciousness and value was discussed with the children, followed by an activity and hike down to the local MFN Water Treatment Plant. Here the children were taken on a tour of the facility by Junior (Cecil) Shawana, Water Treatment Plant Operator. Junior’s explanation and demonstration of how a water treatment plant works, helped the children realize the complexity and hard work required to keep the community’s water system operational and bacteria free.
The children from the Power Up Summer Youth Camp overlook Lake Superior while Junior explains how the ‘intake process’ works in relation to first step in the operation and process of Michipicoten’s water treatment plant. MFN Water Treatment Plant Operator and Maintenance staff member Junior explains to the children what happens after the intake of water and why water treatment plants usually take water from a natural source like Lake Superior and then treat it so that it is safe for humans at a mass scale to drink. Junior did a fine job answering the many questions fired at him from the young inquisitive minds.
The day camp introduced the participants from Michipicoten First Nation and neighbouring communities on how to generate their own solar and wind power. Also included were hikes along Lake Superior shoreline to explore Aki’s natural creations, erosion, and to observe the sacredness of water and air, combined with teachings on how to lessen their carbon footprint on Mother Earth, Aki. They learned how solar energy is a very viable source of energy and how its successfully being used by some energy companies and First Nations to supply clean electricity for both homes and businesses. The intent is by exposing the children to how solar and wind energy works, they learn about sustainability and tweak their interest in science. To accomplish this the kids were introduced to a variety of activities including games, storytelling, crafts starting with the basics of exactly what solar power and wind energy is and why it is useful. They watched PowerPoint presentations and videos on how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. They learned how one can harness the wind to turn mighty turbines to generate electricity. In terms of solar basics, before the children could launch their own solar and wind projects, they needed to develop a deep understanding of how solar panels work.
Once they understood the basic principles, they branched out into small teams to study the variety of applications for this steadily evolving technology, in particular the kids were to design their own solar cars and wind turbines. Both challenges motivated and sparked ideas for their own solar pursuits by following the PowerPoint demonstrations and hand-outs on how to design, build and operate solar-powered cars and wind turbines.
It was surprising what clever ideas and thoughts they came up with. Each of the exercises throughout the summer camp encouraged them to build their self-esteem by looking for nuggets of value in things like bugs and trees in nature as teachers of climate change. “The sunlight shines for free, it doesn’t cost us money.” Another shared, “The animals aren’t scared in the bush, so I won’t be either.”
When it came to learning about how solar and wind energy worked, the kids loved the hands-on experiences. They watched, followed the instructions and helped gather the pieces to assemble their solar powered toy cars and wind turbines. They squealed with joy and got a huge kick out of taking their cars out into the sun and observe their creation working.
Overall, the Power Up! Summer Youth Energy Camp was a success thanks to all the MFN staff support and Relay Education team. We wish to acknowledge the camp funding provided by IESO, Independent Energy Service Provider. Chi-miigwech to the cook Joanne Wilson for her amazing patience to keep the kids fed and safely transporting them to and from the reserve daily.
On behalf of MFN, on the final day parents watched as Chief Tangie presented all the participants with ‘Awards of Acknowledgement’ and little mementos of their sunny, summer days on the beautiful white sand beaches of Michipicoten First Nation.