"Language is Heart of the People" Little River's Language Camp is Set

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

Language/Cultural Camp

NATIVE BRIEF: MANISTEE, MICHIGAN - The 18th Annual Anishinaabe Family Language/Cultural Camp is set for the last weekend in July. The culturally-rich event, sponsored by the Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians, attracts 500 people from several states who are interested in learning and speaking the Anishinaabemowin language.

The language and cultural camp will be July 29, 30 and 31 at the tribal campground, located at M-22 and US-31, Manistee. The campground is across from the Tribe's Little River Casino and Hotel Resort.

The event is free and open to all. People planning to attend, should get there early, because it is a first-come; first-served basis for camping. Showers are on-site.

The Three-Day Event is Filled with Activities

"The language is the heart of the people," said Jay Sam, the historical director for the Little River Band of the Ottawa to the Native News Network. "The more we use the language, the more we will reconnect to the ways of our ancestors. Learning and using out language will makes us a stronger community."

Workshops are for All Ages

The three-day event is filled with activities centered on preservation of the Anishinaabe cultural. Some presentations are: Cultural teachings, language learning, pipe teachings, natural medicines, drum making, hoop dancing, flute playing, basket making, hide tanning and games. Organizers of the language/cultural camp ask that English be the second language used at this camp. These presentations will be in both English and Anishinaabemowin.

These presentations and workshops are for all ages.

posted June 23, 2011 11:57 am et