Manigo Music Camp

Province: Saskatchewan

Community: Bloodvein River First Nation, Izkatewizaagegan 39 Independent First Nation 

This summer, True North Aid supported two students in attending Manigo Music Camp in Saskatchewan, giving them the opportunity to spend a week surrounded by music, new experiences, and other young people from different backgrounds.

For the students, getting to learn music was the cherry on top to everything else this experience provided; it was an opportunity to step outside their everyday surroundings, build confidence in themselves and their newfound connections, and discover new interests to bring back home and explore.

Throughout the week, the students took part in music classes each day, spending time learning alongside campers with a wide range of ages, experiences, and musical abilities.

Outside of their classes, they had the opportunity to canoe, swim, share meals, and experience live musical performances each evening!

Staying in shared bunkhouses also gave them the chance to spend time with other youth, make new friends, and become part of the camp community.

The students were accompanied by their Music Teacher, Brooke Christie, who had attended the same camp as a youth!

Having someone they knew and trusted alongside them helped the students feel comfortable navigating a new environment and encouraged them to take advantage of the many opportunities available throughout the week.

Brooke’s own experience with the camp also gave her a unique connection to the experience. She was able to share her knowledge of the program while encouraging the students to explore, participate, and connect with others.

At True North Aid, we believe that access to meaningful opportunities can have an impact far beyond the experience itself.

By supporting initiatives that are identified by communities and educators, we can help create opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn, explore their interests, and build connections.

This summer, two students got the chance to do just that, with music as their starting point.