High school students from Garden Hill, Manitoba, have the opportunity to travel to Tataskweyak Cree Nation for the 5th Annual Mino Pimatisowin Kaminawyayan Winter Land-Based Youth Gathering, a five-day winter culture camp running March 9–13, 2026. The gathering focuses on teaching young people traditional and land-based skills while helping them build mental-health resilience through outdoor activities.
The event is organized by the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) and teaches students hands-on activities such as ice fishing, beading and land-based survival skills. Former NHL player and mental-health advocate Jordin Tootoo will also be at the camp to share his personal story and talk about the importance of staying strong during difficult times.
The trip provides a chance for students to learn outside the classroom, which is a major focus for the community as it awaits a promised new high school following years of mould, overcrowding and related closures. Local education director Kurt Mason says the goal of the program is to help every student feel more confident and successful.
Students who want to participate must sign up by February 20, 2026. Those who take part in the gathering can also earn high school credits for the traditional, land-based lessons they complete during the week.
