DEH CHO - A group of Deh Cho youth has a better understanding of the geography and ecology of the greater Nahanni ecosystem thanks to a recent camp.

Fourteen youths ranging between the ages of 12 to 16 participated in the Youth Ecology Camp that was held at North Nahanni Naturalist Lodge Aug. 4 to 10.

Jordan Villeneuve, left, and Winona Cli-Letcher work to steady the canoe while Cody Hardisty and Michael Gast perform a canoe-over-canoe rescue in Cli Lake during the Youth Ecology Camp. - photo courtesy of Loyal Letcher

The annual camp is a joint initiative between Dehcho First Nations and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The purpose of the camps is to introduce youth from the Deh Cho to the diverse ecology throughout the region, said Loyal Letcher, one of this year's facilitators.

Because of the lodge's location, about 15 km from the boundary of the Nahanni National Park Reserve, this year's camp focused on celebrating the park's expansion and its unique features.

On the opening day, Letcher led a presentation on the park, its expansion and its ecosystem.

"They were very aware. Everybody knew about it," he said of the participants.

During the week the theme was expanded upon as Bruce Townsend with Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Ocean Management (AAROM) led eight sessions focusing on water ecology in the area. Participants looked at zooplankton under a microscope and learned about the food chain.

There were also lots of outdoor activities during the camp.

"Anything to do with water was a highlight for the kids," said Letcher.

The students learned about water and canoe safety and practised canoe-over-canoe rescues in Cli Lake. On dry land they learned about wilderness safety and survival before making and lighting large signal fires.

Traditional activities were also incorporated into the camp. Virginia Tsetso showed the youth how to make dry fish, how to skin and stretch a beaver hide and how to identify medicinal plants. Johnny Denethlon taught the youth how to set fishnets and check them daily.

The camp was a great success and it was because of the youth, said Letcher.

"The students were all eager participants," he said. "They participated and that's what made it good."

Elaine Landry, a student from Fort Providence, said she had a lot of fun at the camp.

"I wish I was still there," she said.

Landry, 13, said she wanted to attend the camp so she could learn more about the land and explore new places. Some of her favourite activities included canoeing, learning about various plants and making dry fish.

"I'd love to go back there," said Landry about the lodge and the camp.

Michael Gast, a participant from Fort Simpson, said he also had fun at the camp.

All of the outdoor activities were good, especially making the signal fires, he said. Gast, 12, said he learned things about water during the camp that he didn't know before, including the fact that there are different layers of water in a lake.

Gast said he would recommend the camp to other youth.

"It's a good experience for people," he said.