N.A.T.I.V.E. INC. offers chance for youth to learn and experience Tlingit culture.

who we are:

N.A.T.I.V.E., INC., is an umbrella organization that sponsors a variety of projects which emphasize traditional Native American values, knowledge, philosophy, and history. Our goal is to increase self-esteem of Native and non-Native children through success from their own efforts and acceptance of responsibilities; to teach respect for nature’s power; to value our natural resources because of personal dependence – being close to nature. Parents and native elders are encouraged to spend time at the camp.

who it is for:

All youth ages 6 – 16

where is it:

The camp is located three miles from Sitka, Alaska and is accessible only by boat. The Dog Point fish camp site is a traditional summer camp owned by the Littlefield family

what we do:

Teach traditional hunting, fishing, gathering and preserving of local foods as well as boating safety, modern survival skills, gun safety and local history and culture. We focus on Tlingit Indian heritage, language, food and lifestyle.

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program highlights:

Learning how to use and harvest Hudson Bay tea, herbs, medicines, and other wild foods, learning traditional deer and seal hunting skills, collecting herring eggs branches for trading with Southeast communities, beach seining for salmon, smoking salmon to share with relatives, elders and friends, campfire stories told by elders, drum making and picking berries to process and share.

when it is:

The program starts in March with field trips to harvest herring eggs, seaweed, spring greens, and clams. Week-long camps are scheduled in June, July, and August to fish for halibut and salmon.
The camp in June is slower paced. It’s easier for younger students but it has abundant challenges for the older camper.
Students will beach seine for salmon and some will be able to go hunting for deer in July and August.

the instructors:

Adult volunteers, Native elders, and local fishermen volunteer to share their talents with student campers. The volunteer staff also includes professional instructors from the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association and SEARHC.

Children and parents are required to attend an orientation class before each camp starts.

For more information and to register please contact Roby Littlefield  747-6866, robylittlefield@gci.net