The Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe holds a cultural camp for children ages 8-14 each summer. Volunteers from the tribe as well as neighboring tribes teach campers about their culture and heritage through many activities such as:
-
Indian French lessons to teach the tribal language
-
A Indian French song directly related to their heritage which was created by a tribal member
-
Traditional Native dances
-
History lessons in the form of stories from tribal elders of the experiences as children in all facets of life and each child is given an ancestor to research
-
Drumming
-
Singing
-
Palmetto basket weaving
-
Sewing, making, and designing of regalia and shawls
-
Blow gun demonstration
-
Bow and arrow demonstration
-
Crafts include beadwork, drumsticks, dreamcatchers, painting oyster and crab shells, chokers, coasters, willow bracelets, decorating medicine bag
-
Boat ride to historical sites such as burial grounds
-
Building a palmetto hut
-
Traditional meals for lunch prepared by Elders
The day begin with Elder story time, followed by a rotation of lessons and crafts. In addition to these activities, the children take a boat ride into the bayou to explore their ancestral lands. The boat ride is scheduled for midweek to allow time to reschedule in the event of a rain delay. On Friday, all are invited as we close our week with a presentation by the campers of song, dancing, drumming, and a report of the ancestor each child is given during their week at camp. The items made while at camp are displayed for all to view. Following the presentation, guests are invited to enjoy a potluck meal.