Reawakening the Spirit of Camp - Part 3 of the Elders Mentoring Elders film series.
The transmission of traditional knowledge from generation to generation was largely disrupted during the Boarding School era. This film series documents the work being done in supporting Alaska Native Elders to resume the knowledge of culture, land, and language.
University of Alaska Fairbanks is proud to partner with Denakkanaaga to hold annual “Elders Mentoring Elders” culture camps. This project is funded by the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity, Office of Minority Health (Grant #1CPIMP211317-01-00). The camps teach participants traditional activities based on Athabascan Alaskan Native values that include honoring ancestors, respect for knowledge, and wisdom from life experiences. It is our hope that the participants will return home and teach others what they’ve learned to help carry on the Native ways. Through this, there is a reawakening of memories and spirit that will be carried on by the next generation. In August of 2025, Elders and emerging Elders hosted an intergenerational transmission of cultural practices at Howard Luke’s Ga’aleeya Spirit Camp, including Caribou Fur tufting and Dyeing by Selina Alexander, Language games by Susan Paskvan, and Caribou Boots by Miranda Wright. Interviews with Miranda Wright, Helen Andon Stafford, and Faith M. Peters.