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“There are several unique elements to this camp,” said Tina DeCastro, the board’s FNMI and summer camp consultant.

While the instructional focus is still aimed at reducing the learning gap in literacy and math, the kids will read books by Indigenous authors and get instruction in the Oneida and Ojibwe language from local community leaders known as knowledge leaders or authentic voices.

There is also a field trip to the Southern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

“These students are so spread out across our system, this gives them an opportunity to create friendships and really build a community network,” DeCastro said.

Mgiizi Wright has been coming to Camp Migizi for the last four years.

Lacrosse is one of the nine-year-old’s favourite parts of camp.

“I like that we can check and hit sticks to get the ball,” he said. “I also like that First Nations made it up.”

Wright is learning to master the Ojibwa language and leads the other campers in a traditional water song.

“He’s very confident and proud of his culture,” DeCastro said.

This is the first year Camp Migizi (which means Eagle) has offered two classes — one for JK to Grade 3 and another for Grade 4-6 with 55 kids registered in all.

They started with 25 kids in 2014.

Photo by Dax Melmer / Windsor Star

Every year, about 70 per cent of students sign up for Camp Migizi again.

“I think that speaks to the value of it for the children and their families,” DeCastro said.

She has numerous comments from parents on the impact of the camp that she uses in different presentations.

“When you live off-reserve it is easy to become isolated,” one parent wrote. “But these students have the opportunity to be together, develop friendships, recognize knowledge keepers and community. It will be a huge benefit to them in the future.”

All three Summer Learning Program camps wrap up next week.

mcaton@postmedia.com

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Photo by Dax Melmer / Windsor Star