Environmental,restoration and social work with first nation kids
July 13 - July 26, 2008
July 27 - August 9, 2008
Koeye River
Watershed, 30 miles south of Bella Bella and 70 miles north of Port
Hardy. Surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and rugged coastline
with numerous islands, inlets and coves, this magnificent area
offers breathtaking scenery and wildlife. To get an idea of this
amazing natural beauty, see the slideshow of the local hosting
organization
here.
Located in British Columbia’s Great Bear
Rainforest and overlooking the Pacific, the Koeye (pronounced
“kway”) have been for millennia cherished by the Heiltsuk First
Nation people for its healing and sustenance and have been a home
for 'Qaikas Nan' - the Great Grizzly Bear. Nestled at the mouth of
Koeye River is the Koeye Lodge - a non-profit society that is
committed to supporting Heiltsuk youth, culture and environment.
This summer they are opening a traditional ceremonial Bighouse which
is to support the culture and science camps organized for kids and
youth as well as their healing programs.
International group of volunteers will assist the Heiltsuk First Nation with restoration
project and the completion of the traditional ceremonial Bighouse.
They will be also involved in some work with the youth culture and
science camps, healing courses and non-profit ecotourism which will
also be on site.
Volunteers will help landscaping the
Bighouse area, including bushing, moving sand and rock, stream
clean-up, rock fire pit work and building. Among the other planned
activities are clearing and building trails, some garden preparation
for medicine and demonstration gardens and collecting plants,
assisting the set up of obstacle course for team building.
Volunteers may also take part in some plant propagation and pruning
for trails as part of a 1000-year restoration plan for a small
logged area.
Around 30 first nation kids at the age of 10-15, some of whom with
disabilities, attend the culture and science camps at Koeye Lodge
each week. Volunteers will be involved in organizing and attending
some activities with those kids. Each Friday night, a feast is held
around the big camp fire, filled with traditional songs, dances and
ceremonies. Kids present what they’ve learned of their cultural
history and the elderly tell stories about the past.
The official opening of the Bighouse will be celebrated on July 29.
Volunteers in the second project will take part in the preparation
and running of the big event, which is expected to host around 500
guests from the area.
Requirements: Volunteers are
required to provide a clear criminal record check.
Nearest international airport: Vancouver, BC
Age range: 19-30 years
More information: www.cadip.org/volunteer-in-canada.htm
For volunteer opportunities in other countries please click here: www.cadip.org
phone: 604-628-7400