Language Camp 2024

Welcome to Language Camp 2024. Our event featured language speakers from all around North Western Ontario and Northern Minnesota. We had students attending and participating in language teachings, as well as games and activities. Elders from Biinjitiwaabik Zaagi’ing Anishinaabe (BZA - also known as Rocky Bay First Nation), were able to share the history of BZA and their knowledge about the language within the community.

The chief of BZA, Gladys “Treedy” Thompson, was in attendance along with fellow councilors. Language Speakers and knowledge carriers were able to network with each other and shared teaching techniques. The students were very receptive to their teachings and enjoyed every moment while attending the language camp. The meals served were traditional in nature ranging from moose meat to fish, which our ancestors thrived upon while growing up in the area.

Photograph of three men at BZA Language Camp 2024, with a water and sunset background. The man on the left wears sunglasses and a black shirt, the man in the middle wears glasses, a black hat with a green and white design, and a red and black flannel shirt, and the man on the right wears sunglasses and a cap labeled 'Toronto Maple.'
Group of five people standing outdoors in front of a white tent, including two police officers in uniform and three women, at BZA Language Camp 2024.

Also, In attendance were the Conservation Officers of Ontario. They came around to educate the students on safe hunting practices and to communicate with the BZA members. Throughout the day the day there were many activities held for the students, and the elders. This was a community celebration and everyone had a great time. I look forward to the next Language Camp coming in 2026. It will be exciting with more students set to attend, and more knowledge keepers and language teachers coming from all areas of Northwestern Ontario and beyond.

Collage of three people at BZA Language Camp 2024, outdoors near a lake and a grassy field, with the text 'BZA Language Camp 2024' on a dark background.
Three men outdoors at BZA Language Camp 2024. The man on the left is smiling, wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a white shirt, holding a microphone. The middle man is giving a thumbs-up with a curious expression. The man on the right is making a peace sign, wearing sunglasses, a colorful cap, and a red shirt. Background features trees and a grassy area.
Three large hand-written posters on easels outdoors during daytime, titled 'BZA Language Camp 2024', listing various words and their meanings or relationships, including topics like family, spiritual, and physical responses.
Collage of two photos from BZA Language Camp 2024. The left photo shows four people standing outdoors next to a tree, smiling at the camera, with two women in skirts and two men in shorts and T-shirts. The right photo shows five people gathered near a white canopy tent outdoors, engaged in conversation. One woman is wearing a white T-shirt and a long skirt with stripes and lace, and a man is wearing glasses and a blue striped shirt. A black speaker is visible near the tent.
A group of people gathered under a white tent outdoors on grass during daytime, at BZA Language Camp 2024, engaging in conversation and activities.
A collage of photos from the BZA Language Camp 2024 showing women sitting at a table outdoors, engaged in conversation, with a scenic background of trees and water, and a sign in the top right corner that reads 'BZA Language Camp 2024'.

2023 Language Bowl

This event was a huge success! With 5 schools participating, Spirit Bay placed an honorable 2nd place. We love the passion these students have for the anishinamebowin Language.

A woman with glasses and long dark hair, wearing a red t-shirt with black sleeves, smiling at the camera in a classroom setting.
Classroom bulletin board with children's photos and bear paw prints, featuring the phrase 'Makwak Omaa Ayaa Wk Bears Are Here'. The board is decorated with colorful borders and is on a light green wall.
Three smiling people taking a selfie outdoors in front of green trees, two women and one man, all casually dressed.
A woman with dark hair and glasses standing in an indoor gymnasium. She is wearing a black hoodie with a colorful graphic at the front and a black jacket. In the background, there are people, stacked chairs, and a large drum on the floor.
Two women standing and smiling at an indoor event, with other people in the background. One woman wears glasses, a denim jacket, and a red floral skirt. The other woman wears a black hoodie with a logo and a floral skirt with a purple ribbon.
Three smiling people sitting at a table during a group event, with food, drinks, and papers in front of them, in a large indoor space with other people in the background.
People sitting around a table with a variety of colorful fruits and snacks in a gymnasium or community center.
A man with a beard and mustache, wearing a red t-shirt and a black vest with a badge, sitting in front of a refrigerator in a casual setting, smiling with eyes closed.
A group of eleven people standing in front of a large banner that reads 'Spirit Bay School' and 'Anishinaabemowin Kaagan'. The group includes individuals in yellow, white, black, beige, and red clothing, some wearing glasses and some smiling. The background features colorful artwork, signs, and a window with blue paper decorations.
A group of students in a gymnasium participating in a dance or activity, some are holding hands, others are standing and watching, with diverse clothing including hoodies, t-shirts, and a traditional dress.
A boy with brown hair and a red shirt giving a thumbs-up inside a classroom.
Two young women sitting at a round table wearing black hoodies and sunglasses, with multiple people in the background at an indoor gathering or party.
Two young girls wearing sunglasses and smiling, posing for a photo at a large indoor gathering with many children seated at tables in the background.
A man with gray hair wearing a black Nike baseball cap and black polo shirt standing indoors with colorful children's artwork in the background.
Children and teenagers dance and have fun in a gymnasium during a school event. They are dressed casually, with some wearing rain boots. The background features wooden walls and a yellow accent wall.