Earlier this summer, iEmergence's Mish Adventures Camp 2025 offered a deeply needed reminder of what it means to walk together in honesty and hope, led by the incredible example of the Mishkeegogamang community and its leadership.
This year, our journey at camp took us into the Grandfather Teaching of honesty, guided by the Sabe, also known as Bigfoot. The Sabe teaches us to live truthfully, to walk in integrity and to be our authentic selves, even when the world feels uncertain. Given the recent attacks against the fundamental rights of Indigenous communities locally and globally, it is more important than ever to create spaces where peace, trust and community can flourish and, with an honest heart, to make our voices heard.
In partnership with Mishkeegogamang First Nation, Mish Adventures brought together more than 80 children and youth in a series of joyful, challenging and memorable camp experiences in northern Ontario. Our youth leaders were the heartbeat of the program—organizing meals, leading group activities and stepping into leadership with care and strength. Their examples of honesty and generosity helped shape a space where younger campers felt safe, seen and empowered.
This year’s camp was filled with laughter on the lake, stories shared in circles and moments of quiet connection with the land. We witnessed children building visions of the future for their community using LEGO and youth playing and paddleboarding on the beautiful lake. These experiences, rooted in cultural teachings and collective care, remind us what is possible when we build strong, intergenerational relationships.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to bring this energy into our next initiative — Community Culture Camp: Indigenous Futuring — this August in Saskatchewan.
From Aug. 18-22, more than 20 Indigenous youth and their families will gather at Beaver Creek Camp for a land-based experience that blends traditional teachings with new experiences aided by exciting technologies, both past and present. Youth and their families will take part in sewing projects like ribbon skirts, go on medicine walks, explore the skies in a mobile star dome planetarium and participate in Indigenous Appreciative Inquiry and storytelling circles. This camp builds on the principles of the Circle of Courage — belonging, mastery, independence and generosity — creating spaces for youth to say with confidence: I am loved. I am good at something. I can influence my world. I have purpose.
As always, none of this would be possible without our supporters, our partners and the communities who continue to dream and build with us. Thank you for walking alongside us as we create spaces where Indigenous communities can thrive in identity, leadership and hope.
It takes all of us to come together to speak out against the atrocities happening around us, both in our own backyards, as well as in the global community. People around the world are demanding justice, and they are asking us to stand with them. If you would like to find out how you can get involved, please reach out to us.
— Matt LeBlanc, Director of iEmergence