Project: Cultural Camp for Tribal Youth
Organization: Nez Perce Cultural Camp Committee
Year: 2007
Tribe: Nez Perce Tribe
Reservation: Nez Perce Reservation
Location: Lapwai, ID

The Nez Perce Cultural Camp for tribal youth began in 2000 as a way to build a new generation of “cultural bearers.” One of the main focuses of the camp is teach the traditional language and encouraging language retention in youth from grades 4-12.

The idea behind the camp is that by giving Nez Perce youth a better sense of their cultural identity, they will be less likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

While at the camp, Nez Perce youth participate in activities such as:
• Learning to make Native American crafts
• Participating in traditional drumming, dancing, and storytelling
• Healthy activities (including swimming, hiking, horseback riding, basketball).

Each year, the camp plans their activities around a central theme. This year’s theme was quicx^néw’eet weetesne kaa titóoqana, meaning stewards of the land and people. Nez Perce elders worked with the youth about being responsible for the land, air, and water.

All students in grades 8-12 took on a special project and not only cleaned-up waterways at the camp’s site, but also in three other communities on the reservation.

Running Strong provided general support to the 8th Annual Cultural Camp.