3rd Annual Nisga’a Youth Wellness Expedition
On July 28, 2016, the 3rd Annual Nisga’a Youth Wellness Expedition ventured off starting at Gitlaxt’aamiks and will be rafting the Nass River to Laxgalts’ap. The trip began with stories of the Nass River told by Sim’oogit Hleek, Dr Joseph Gosnell. As the youth sat and listened, they were presented a map that landmarked historic Nisga’a names preserved by the Elders. “Each one of these places have a story behind it” said Sim’oogit Hleek. He shared a few of those stories, what to watch out for along the way, and mystically, what to listen for. Sim’oogit Hleek saved more language, culture, and traditions for the evening of their overnight camp at Gwinaha, a Nisga’a Fisheries post. Other activities during the adventure include; a cultural night, leadership team building activities, cultural wellness, and health workshops.
Awaiting their arrival in Laxgalts’ap will be the venture group’s family, friends, Elders, and NLG staff where they will have a celebration of accomplishment dinner and the youth will take the opportunity to share on their experience with the land, water, and the knowledge they gained from traveling the path our Nisga’a ancestors once travelled.
The expedition was made possible by Nisga’a Lisims Government, Programs & Services staff, the Youth Organizing Youth Coordinator, Skeena Watershed, Nisga’a Fisheries, and most importantly, the brave Nisga’a Youth participants. Si’aamhl wilsim̓ (Continue to do well).
