Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (July 22/02) - For the first time, a full-scale science and technology camp for young people is underway in Fort Smith.

The camp is being presented by the South Slave Research Centre of Aurora College.

Paul Egotak, 12, concentrates on the computer during the science and technology camp in Fort Smith. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

It is divided into three groups -- grades 1-6, frades 7-12, and high school graduates and older.

The older group will develop a multi-player computer game based on Dene hand games, featuring three-dimensional animation and graphics.

"The big thing is amalgamating culture, language and science all together," says Laura Aubrey of the research centre.

Some of the participants in the camp recently attended the Dene Nation assembly in Fort Simpson to see the Dene hand games.

The participants will also develop a Web site.

The younger participants are learning a various aspects of science and technology, including a specialized curriculum concentrating on climate and the environment. Each week, there is a different theme, along with field trips into the community.

Aubrey says the camp is designed to get students into a college atmosphere, celebrate aboriginal culture, support innovative education and research, and create partnerships with the community, all aspects of Aurora College's corporate plan.

"We're doing exactly what the college is promoting," she says.

The camp began July 8 and will run until Aug. 16.

Ruth Ann Gal, manager of the South Slave Research Centre, says the camp is running on about $50,000, most of it from Industry Canada. It is also supported by the territorial Department of Education, Culture and Employment; the Fort Smith Metis Council; Salt River First Nation; and Aurora College itself, which provides classroom space, computers and technical support.

However, Gal says it has been difficult finding enough funding for the camp. "We decided this is important and we just do it."