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1999 Siksika Camp by Linda Jones

IMCA members, again in 1999, went to assist Quinn Blackrider with the Youth Culture Camp held in the Sikisika (Blackfoot) Reservation in Alberta, Canada. FRAA interns were also present to help. This was the third year for the camp, which was held, July 26-29, 1999.

The camp was on the Bow River on Old Tobacco Flats, which is sacred ground for the Siksika. The kids were reminded by Quinn and their Elders more than once that they were on sacred ground and to respect it. It was a truly beautiful setting and the Good Spirit was there.

When we arrived at the camp on Monday, four teepees had already been put up. The kids were already arriving. Some were dropped off by parents or grandparents, but most were brought out by Quinn who made many trips back and forth to town to get all who wanted to come.

This camp was for the Elders of the Horn Society to teach the children their culture so they wouldn't lose touch with it. This was a first for IMCA to be involved with the Horn members in the camp. It was quite an honor and hopefully, just the first of many. IMCA helped by fixing three meals each day and doing crafts in the afternoon. We cooked over an open fire and the only complaints from the kids were that there were not more meals in the day! But really, no one went away hungry. We served around 80 people each meal. Sometimes we had visitors from town and served more.

Monday night Chris and Fred, both Elders of the Horn Society, came out and had prayers on behalf of the camp, the children and us. This gathering of the whole camp was peaceful and with a good Spirit. You could see how much the kids respected the Elders. Over the next two days Chris and Fred held classes that taught the boys how to put up teepees, how to skin a deer and make jerky. They also taught them how to build and run their own sweats. The girls made key chains, necklaces, bags, and did paintings on rocks. The FRAA kids slept in the teepees with the kids and played games with them. FRAA also had learning groups with the children on subjects such as being truthful, being kind, . and not being angry, etc.

We broke camp on Thursday. Most of the kids tried to talk us into extending the camp another day. We couldn't extend the camp because the FRAA interns had to return home. The kids were sad but also very appreciative. They said, "Thank you, we had a good time. Will you be back next year?" They also said, "I want to come again next year."

Following are just two of the testimonies involving the children: On Tuesday, Lisa accidentally tipped the table that had the coffee pot on it. The pot hit her finger and hot coffee spilled on her hand. She just stood there with tears in her eyes, tightly clutching her hurt hand. Her finger was blistering. I took her to the nearest trailer, where Pam put cool water on it and I got my consecrated oil and put it on her finger. When I saw Lisa later that day, I asked her how her finger was. She held it out for me to see and there was no sign of the blister. She just smiled and said, "It hasn't hurt for a long time."

Pam related a testimony to me about a boy named Sonny. Sonny had a tooth that was loose which needed to be pulled but he wouldn't let Quinn pull it. Well, the tooth broke off. Sonny was in so much pain and the bleeding wouldn't stop but he didn't want to leave the camp. He was in Pam's trailer tossing and turning on the bed in agony. Pam prayed with him and as she said, "Dear Jesus," Sonny said, "Dear Jesus." Pam realized he didn't know how to pray, so she said a child's prayer and he repeated the whole thing after her as she said it. An Elder arrived and Sonny was administered to and immediately the bleeding and pain stopped. Sonny immediately started eating all kinds of things including an apple. Later, Pam asked Sonny if he was better and Sonny simply said, "Jesus fixed it."

I was very thankful for these healings; and I have prayed that the children would recognize the blessings they have received, and that the camp would be a blessing for all those who attended. I know it was for me. We go with a desire to minister to others and we are ministered to.

There are many testimonies of our trip, as there are with all who are going to do the Lord's work. Prayer got us through many difficult times and we saw His hand at work every day of our trip.

I am thankful for this camp experience with these children and if it be the Lord's will, I would love to go again.