On the eastern side of Jolliffe Island, the Rainbow Coalition is putting on a free and open fish camp to provide inclusive access to teach about food security.

Indigenous language and LGBTQ2S+ program coordinator Jiah Dzentu, who is running the camp, said the goal is to teach participants every aspect of processing fish including setting nets, scaling and gutting and preparing the food.

SA国际影视传媒淭hey learn the whole process, start to finish, from auguring the hole to bringing home some food,SA国际影视传媒� Dzentu said. SA国际影视传媒淢ost people are used to fishing in a hole but setting nets under the ice is a unique experience.SA国际影视传媒�

Dettah elder Berna Martin will provide insights into fish processing and teach the Wiliideh Yati language.

Being run by a Rainbow Coalition, the camp is welcoming to members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

SA国际影视传媒淭his is a queer inclusive camp and that might not seem like much, but the reality is folks from the queer community don't necessarily have access to cultural or on-the-land activities,SA国际影视传媒� Dzentu said.

SA国际影视传媒淥ften times spaces for learning these things are not very welcoming.SA国际影视传媒�

Dzentu, who grew up in Fort Simpson, said learning how to live off the land has been a priority in her life. She's thrilled to have the opportunity to oversee the camp.

SA国际影视传媒淭his is my dream job,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淏eing able to put on a fishing camp has been amazing and the response has been great. People are showing up to check nets at nine in the morning on. They really want to learn.SA国际影视传媒�

In addition to fish harvesting and processing, the camp is also offering fish scale art lessons from artist Charlotte Overvold. Her approach to art, Dzentu said, was a perfect fit for the camp and will avoid unnecessary waste once fish are processed.

SA国际影视传媒淚'm North Slavey Dene and part of me trying to identify more with my culture is showing people how we use every part of the animal,SA国际影视传媒� Overvold said. SA国际影视传媒淲e don't believe in waste and try to use every piece respectfully.SA国际影视传媒�

Respect for the fish, she said, is essential and helps create a positive atmosphere for her work while mindful of cultural protocols.
SA国际影视传媒淲hen I cut or catch the fish, I always make offerings with tobacco or do a smudging,SA国际影视传媒� Overvold said. SA国际影视传媒淚 don't talk negative or talk around the fish or the pieces I'm working on.SA国际影视传媒�

She observes similar principles while mentoring youth.

SA国际影视传媒淲orking with youth, I always ask them not to make negative comments to the fish,SA国际影视传媒� Overvold said. SA国际影视传媒淲e always say mahsi cho (thank you), we light tobacco, and it changes the dialogue. It's very meditative; it's very healing.SA国际影视传媒�

The healing and cultural aspects inspire her to stay involved in these community and school workshops.

SA国际影视传媒淭hat's what's beautiful about it,SA国际影视传媒� said Overvold. SA国际影视传媒淭he art comes from something that is sacrificed and we eat it and we can also use it and wear it and share that art with each other. The fish can nourish in our stomachs but also in our hearts and in our souls.SA国际影视传媒�

The camp runs daily until March 23.