Finding Their Way Back: Island Lake Youth Reconnect with Culture, Community, and Identity at Old Post

According to Maria McDougall, Executive Director of Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), the initiative was created in response to concerns about young people aging out of care without strong family or cultural connections.

"A lot of our youth have grown up disconnected from community," said McDougall. "Some have never been home before. Some don't know their relatives. We wanted them to reconnect with who they are and where they come from."

The gathering brought together a large group of youth from across the Island Lake region, including many who had spent most of their lives in Winnipeg or in foster care.

Nadine Anderson, Pre/Post Majority Services Worker at Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), said many participants initially felt nervous or uncertain about attending because they had little or no connection to their home communities.

"We have a lot of youth who grew up in care and grew up away from home," said Anderson. "Some of them don't know their communities, some don't know their families, and some are trying to reconnect with who they are and where they came from."

Throughout the trip, participants took part in fishing, swimming, boating, campfire gatherings, and traditional teachings shared by Elders and community members.

Kelvin Harper shared teachings about traditional medicines, survival on the land, and the importance of protecting the lakes and environment for future generations.

For many, the experience became much more than a camping trip. Several participants described feelings connected to community and culture in ways they had never experienced before.

Phoenix River Harper, who visited his home community during the gathering, said the experience gave participants an opportunity to reconnect with one another while spending time on the land.

"My first day was awkward because I didn't really know many people," said Harper. "But the second day was great. I got time to connect with more people, build relationships with everyone here, and do things I've never done before."

Hunter Monias reflected on the challenges many young face growing up away from home and the importance of overcoming obstacles.

"There's a lot of obstacles here and there, but at least we overcome them," said Monias. "I hope we all end up doing well on our journeys."

Participants also spoke openly about their hopes for the future and their desire to support others facing similar struggles.

Harper shared that he hopes to become a social worker in the future to help First Nations youth.

"I want to help First Nations kids who had difficult homes like me," Harper explained. "I want to help change that future not only for me, but for other kids too."

Sean Ranville said the experience also encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones and reconnect with culture and community.

"We're out here actually getting into nature and connecting with the land," said Ranville. "A lot of us are usually stuck in the city and don't really get this kind of opportunity."

Many participants also shared dreams of becoming teachers, social workers, musicians, and community leaders who hope to support other First Nations youth facing similar challenges.

Verla Umpherville, Pre/Post Majority Unit Supervisor at Island Lake First Nations Family Services (ILFNFS), said many participants returned home with a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and purpose.

"They realized they belonged to something bigger - to family, community, and their people," said Umpherville. "A lot of them came back more confident and more connected."

Ron Monias, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Authority, said initiatives like the Old Post gathering demonstrate the importance of culturally grounded approaches in supporting youth and families.

"Land-based and cultural programs create opportunities for youth to reconnect with identity, community, and belonging," said Monias. "These experiences can have a lasting impact on healing, confidence, and future growth."