Culture Camp: Passing Down Knowledge, Strengthening Community

The 2025 Dot Lake Village Culture Camp brought together youth, elders, and instructors for three days of immersive, hands-on learning. Rooted in both tradition and modern knowledge, each day offered a balance of cultural teachings, subsistence skills, and educational presentations. The camp is designed to prepare the next generation to thrive while honoring their heritage.

Youth learned the fundamentals of ethical and legal hunting through detailed moose lessons, gaining an understanding of:

• Habitat.
• Proper shot placement.
• Alaska’s game management practices.

Campers also worked alongside instructors on traditional crafts like beading lanyards, keychains, and earrings, honing patience and attention to detail.

Trips to the historic Sam Lake fish camp provided real-world experience in setting and pulling fish nets, canoeing, boating, and processing native whitefish. Instructors also shared skills essential for a self-reliant lifestyle in Alaska’s Interior region:

• How to preserve foods.
• Identify edible plants.
• Prepare traditional recipes.

Cultural preservation was woven into every activity. Elders and traditional instructors led singing and drumming lessons, teaching songs from Interior villages and encouraging participation in dances. Guest speakers introduced new opportunities in fields like anthropology and environmental science, connecting cultural heritage with academic and career paths.

The Tribe’s behavioral health team also provided education on the impacts of opioids and available community resources, underscoring the importance of wellness alongside cultural knowledge.

More than just a camp, this gathering served as a bridge between generations. It celebrated the land, strengthened community ties, and instilled pride in cultural identity. Culture Camp helped ensure our traditions, values, and skills continue to be carried forward by the youth of Dot Lake.