Applications are being accepted for the second Khehlok zhan iidalii/IhIak kSA国际影视传媒櫭瑃 iidilih or 'We Are United as One' canoe trip set for August.
Building on the success of last year, the Aug. 21 to 29 journey through the Mackenzie watershed from Fort McPherson to the Gwich'in Wellness Camp will teach participants the historical importance of the waterways and key moments and places in Gwich'in history.
"It's an opportunity to reconnect, transfer knowledge and stories and learn about Gwich'in history and values," said organizer Ashley Ens. "We're bringing Elders and youth together, and also Gwich'in participants who are living outside the Gwich'in Settlement Area to come back home and learn their history, meet family and join us.
"It's to keep these stories living, connect our youth with the past and how we used to live on the land," Ens added.
Paddlers must be at least 14 years of age, be Gwich'in participants and prepared to be physically active. Ens noted that the trip is open to all body types but cautioned participants would be paddling a canoe down river and setting up camp, so they should come prepared for that. The most important thing is a desire to connect with Gwich'in culture, to be on the land and "have an open heart and an open mind," she said.
Joining the youth will be a number of on-the-land experts and guides. Participants will be educated on canoe and water safety before setting out. Safety boats will also accompany the paddlers in the event of an emergency.
"Last year we had all different skill levels," Ens said. "There's some people who are really familiar with the water, the route and paddling, and we had people who were first-time paddlers.
"This is an opportunity to learn. Our canoe trip coordinators are skilled guides. It's going to require a bit of physical work, but we're also willing to take different skill levels and have a teaching opportunity.
"We're going to be up early, spending at least six hours paddling and in the evening we're going to be setting up our camp and cooking. Everyone has roles and responsibilities on this trip SA国际影视传媒� we'll all work together to make sure everything falls into place."
After each day of paddling, Elders will visit the camp to tell stories about Gwich'in history and places of importance. Ens said food will be provided, with the travellers enjoying "as much traditional food as we can get our hands on."
Waterways historically were the predominant means of transportation in the North. Ens described them as the "highways" of the Gwich'in.
"People lived along the river," she said. "It's where they had their trap-lines and fishing camps. So this is a time where we can hear about these places and sacred sights.
Twenty-four participants took to the waterways on last year's expedition. Ens said up to 30 applicants will be accepted this year and there were still openings. To apply, either fill out a form at https://form.jotform.com/gtcforms/canoe-trip-2025, reach out to Ens directly by emailing aens@ualberta.ca or call 587-394-7865.
