Culture Camp for Children Preserves Native History

October 27, 2015
Small Image of Knik Tribal Council Youth Member

Knik Tribal Council Youth MemberA young member of the Knik Tribal Council participates in the annual “Culture Camp” to learn about their Native traditions and culture.By Tim Murphy, Child Care Program Specialist, Office of Child Care, Region 10

The Knik Tribal Council in Wasilla, Alaska organizes an annual summer “Culture Camp,” also known as “Shan Qayeh.” The camp teaches children about the history and culture of the Mat-Su Valley’s First People known as the Dena’ina.  This project is a terrific example of collaboration, creativity and quality care for children.

“Shan Qayeh” means fish camp.  At this week-long camp, some 75 children do learn about fish – they practice net fishing and how to handle, identify and preserve fish in traditional and more modern ways.  But the experience includes a host of other cultural and educational activities.  Here are just a few:

“Counting” cords:  these are cords that are marked to count specific events in a person’s life (first fish, first moose, reaching adulthood, etc.). They may be rope or other material with feathers, fur, or beads used to mark or “count” the events.

  •   How to track animals.
  •   How to distinguish and identify plants, such as tea for traditional healing.
  •   Making bead necklaces.
  •   How to use birch bark for making baskets and canoes

Additionally, children are instructed by archeological experts to recognize geological formations used by their ancestors, the Dena’ina people. They also  learn artifact protocols used by archeologists on digs.  Finally, staff from the nearby Benteh Nutaah Clinic spend time with the children. Staff have discussions about their social and emotional health.

Knik Tribal Council uses its Child Care and Development Fund quality dollars to support this project.  These dollars can be used to improve the quality and availability of child care.  In order to make the best use of its quality dollars, Knik Tribal Council partners with several tribal and non-tribal organizations.  Knik Tribal Council received additional CCDF funding from Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) to support the Camp.  CITC and the Native Village of Ekluntna also provide youth mentors to assist camp teachers and staff.   Other partners that provide instruction and/or services are:

  • The Alaska Native Tribal Health Care Consortium (plant identification)
  • The Food 4 Kids Program (lunches and snacks)
  • The Southcentral Foundation’s Benteh Nutaah Clinic (Social and Emotional Health)
  • The Mat-Su Borough Archeological Department (artifact identification)
  • The Mat-Su Borough School District (classrooms, teachers and a nurse) 

The Culture Camp is not only fun and instructional for the kids; it’s a community building project that has grown into a summertime celebration of the rich history and traditions of the Knik Tribe.


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