An Indigenous Perspective of Doing Good Works at Camp - with Dan Henhawk - The Pudding #23

Full show notes: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/indigenous-perspective-doing-good-worksRelationality, Appropriation, Truth and Reconciliation, and Thanks-giving: Indigenous Perspectives on Summer Camps in North AmericaThis episode of The Pudding features Dr. Dan Henhawk, a Mohawk scholar and assistant professor at the University of Manitoba. Dan speaks to Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison about how camps can engage truth-telling about Indigenous experiences and knowledges. Dan describes his own journey of becoming aware and decolonizing his own thinking about sport in Indigenous communities and embracing notions of relationality. He illustrates how many Indigenous languages are heavily verb-based reflecting the interconnectedness of all beings and how we act in relation to one another. The conversation highlights cultural appropriation in camps (e.g., mock regalia and drumming, and decontextualized canoeing, lacrosse, and outdoor skills) and discusses how camps might engage truth and reconciliation, while cautioning against pan-Indigenous generalizations and romanticism. The podcast concludes by discussing “the thanksgiving address” (Kimmerer, 2013), a practice of expressing gratitude at the beginning of each day for the many resources the land gives - recognising that many camps use similar practices and deserve to give credit to Indigenous knowledge and teachings that have been adopted into summer camp culture.00:24 Meet the Hosts and Dan’s Progression to Research04:11 Contrasting Head Thinks of Indigenous and Settler Knowledge Systems09:54 The Problem of “Pan Indigenous” Generalizations16:38 Identifying Appropriation in Camp Culture25:25 Truth and Reconciliation Actions for Camps31:59 Relationality and Daily Practice36:59 Recognizing Indigeneity in Settler/Colonial Society40:06 Thanksgiving and the Teachings of Corn43:11 Future Directions & Episode Wrap-upYour HostsDr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - [email protected] Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - [email protected] Henhawk - Assistant Professor - University of Manitoba - [email protected] Links of Interest: Braiding Sweetgrass - Books by Robin Wall KimmererThanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - IllinoisThe American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.CamptivitiesYou know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.