Home All Programs Walking With Indigenous Communities Elder’s Camp Documentary
As a free reconciliation-based educational opportunity, this documentary shares the stories of various multi-nation Elders as they explore: 1) the importance of these camps for growing the capacity of Elders, 2) the healing process of connecting to the land, and 3) the power of recreation to lift the human spirit.
Following the screening, Janet Naclia (ARPA Director of People & Programs) discussed the creation and experience of these camps with organizational partner and co-organizer, Adrian Goulet (Mahegun Tails Inc. and Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary) as well as Elder Vinnia Van Overdyk who, was not only involved in the Elders’ Camp initiative, but also featured in the documentary.
We kindly thank director, Sandy Hoekstra and her team, for capturing the essence of the Elders’ Camp in a way that truly honours the voices and stories of Indigenous Elders featured in the documentary. This documentary recently won an award for Best Story in the Short Doc Category at the 2024 Okanagan Screen Awards. It was also featured at the 2023 Regina International Film Festival, the 2023 World Leisure Congress in Dunedin, New Zealand, and the 2023 ARPA Conference & Energize Workshop.
We are so grateful to the Elders in sharing their wisdom, knowledge and personal experiences in the making of this documentary. To hear more from the Elders, visit the Elder Library.
The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association would like to acknowledge the First Nations, the Métis, the Inuit and all of the people across Alberta who share a history and a deep connection with this land. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.