The Impact of the Haisla Culture Camps
As a Youth Worker, Cassidi is a strong advocate for youth as she witnesses firsthand the positive impacts of the Haisla Culture Camps in her community. She began as a summer student in the Haisla Youth Program and was eventually hired on as a Youth Worker. Over the last decade, she has built connections with youth while guiding them on their wholistic wellness journeys.
Cassidi says there is always excitement as groups return home to share all they learned and experienced at camp. The programs are constantly changing as Cassidi adjusts them to meet their needs. She always wants to ensure she is empowering youth with opportunities to share and teach what they learned.
In 2022, Cassidi was hired as the Haisla Culture Camp Administrator in her community's Culture and Language Program. She views this role as an opportunity to build on the skills and knowledge she has gained as a Youth Worker to further support her community's youth.
This summer, the Haisla Culture Camps returned to overnight camping following the COVID-19 pandemic. Cassidi was eager for her first year as Camp Administrator, believing in herself and her team to navigate any challenges that may arise. She was particularly interested to see how the camp grew as previous participants returned as Camp Guides to pass on their knowledge and wisdom.
The Importance of Cultural Teachings and Connection
Cassidi has many memories of when she was a young girl, going out on the land to learn about plant medicines and how to make oolichan grease, a Haisla and Henaksiala staple. Some of her fondest memories are of sitting around a campfire and learning about her people's history from Elders.
“When they have that time to sit with you and teach you, you can't help but embrace it. I loved every moment of it."
The Haisla Nation is a matrilineal system, with knowledge and history passed through the mother's family line. Since Cassidi is the eldest daughter in her family, she has the role of a knowledge holder. She is often called to help to teach and guide younger relatives. She in turn is guided by matriarchs in her household.
Finding Her Voice Through Drumming and Singing
Cassidi describes herself as a quiet student who often struggled to speak in front of others when she was in high school. It was through drumming and singing that she found her voice and gained confidence.
She joined the Haisla Braid Drummers and Dancers at a young age and found it empowering. She feels a deep appreciation and connection to her culture by learning songs that her grandmothers once sang.
“You feel the beat not only on your drum but also in your heart. Inside your spirit, it awakens something."
Throughout her journey, Cassidi has learned from different group leaders and feels honoured to help guide the next generation of youth in finding their voices. She feels pride and hope for the future when she sees the youth eagerly learning and participating in land-based and other cultural activities. She particularly looks forward to when the youth start taking their place in leadership positions.
Advocating for Positive Change
For her experience as a youth worker, Cassidi recognizes the importance of having safe, trusted adults to support youth when they have struggles. She recommends having advocates available for First Nations youth in high schools. She feels it is beneficial for them to have someone they can connect with who does not work for the school district. This way, students will feel comfortable opening up and being honest about the challenges they are facing.
Another suggestion is to strengthen collaboration between Health Centres in First Nations communities and local schools to increase youth presence at health events, programs, and workshop opportunities. Wholistic health education is important and all First Nations youth should have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding.
Cassidi wants to remind all First Nations youth that whichever career they pursue or wherever their path takes them, they will need hard work and a positive mentality to achieve their goals. Her motto for work and life is: “Positive mind, positive outcomes."
