The upcoming Ojibwe Winter Camp is a free gathering for the community that's infused with food, storytelling and outdoor activities. Along with the schedule of events comes engagement about physical activity and healthy choices.
"All of these [activities] are important because they provide a connection to culture and language for native youth and we know that both of those are important in improving health outcomes," says Dr. Mary Owen, Director for the Center of American Indian and Minority Health (CAIMH). "We're also trying to implement some nutrition pieces."
This weekend's events, hosted by CAIMH, begin at 5pm at the UMD Planetarium with a free dinner at 5pm, and will be followed by storytelling by Mike Sullivan at 6pm. The following morning, the gathering continues at 10am at Bagley Nature Center with an opening blessing. For the following 5 hours the community is welcome to join in for ice fishing, snow snake, a free lunch, more storytelling, and traditional lacrosse.
"The whole event is free to the public," says Owen. "We're trying to promote culture and language of Anishinaabe and talk about the strengths that have preserved people for thousands of years."
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
