Sweetgrass culture camp returns to Fort Smith, N.W.T., after four-year hiatus

For many students at Paul William Kaeser High School in Fort Smith, N.W.T., the Sweetgrass culture camp is the highlight of the year. 

This year's camp is the first since 2019 — it had previously been cancelled due to COVID-19, flooding and wildfires.

While at Sweetgrass, students learn survival skills, connect with nature, and gain a deeper appreciation for the area's history. Allie McDonald, a teacher at the high school and one of the camp organizers, said it's a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students.

"It feels very exciting to have the camp back up and running," McDonald said. "It really means a lot to our school, to our school community."

McDonald said students learn how to set up camp, cook on a fire and identify different types of wildlife and trees. With the help of knowledge keeper Louie Beaulieu, they also learn about different medicines and resources from the land.

While the camp has a deep educational focus, it's also about personal growth and connection among students. McDonald said it's an excellent opportunity for students to build relationships during the trip they usually may not have.

"The bonds and the relationships that our students create while they're out at camp are really special, especially because they're disconnected from technology. They're just out there with their classmates, building this valuable experience together," she said.

McDonald has been involved with the program since 2014. She said Sweetgrass is vital to the school's on-the-land learning initiatives. For Grade 7 and 8 students, the camp marks the beginning of their journey as "on-the-land learners."

"We're very fortunate and lucky to be able to offer on-the-land programming for each of our grades," she said. 

Sweetgrass Station, where the camp is held, is located inside Wood Buffalo National Park. The site was developed in the 1950s to study and manage bison populations. The area was used to test bison for diseases like tuberculosis and anthrax, and it was once a bison ranch and abattoir site.

McDonald said the journey to Sweetgrass is an adventure in itself. It begins with a three-hour bus ride to Moose Island, Alta. From there, they load into boats driven by community partners and local Indigenous governments and travel to Sweetgrass Landing.

After a half-hour boat ride, students hike 14 kilometres to the camp.

"The pride that the students feel about walking 14 kilometres out to camp is very magical," she said.

Students must carry all their supplies for the four-day trip on their backs, adding to the physical and emotional challenge of the experience.