About the Koeye Camps
Our main focus has always been our adventure camps for Heiltsuk youth. These camps provide life-changing experiences to 30 youth per week. We have taken the concept of rediscovery to new heights and include a strong science component in our programs.
Science and learning
Nearly all researchers operating in our traditional territory contribute their skills to our program. We typically bring entomologists, ornithologists, bear and wolf biologists, fisheries specialist, geographers and foresters together with our elders and local teachers to help our youth understand their environment and inspire them to pursue studies in these areas.
Each of our camps has a theme; Wolf, Grizzly, Salmon, Stewardship, Reconciliation, Heiltsuk Immersion or Leadership, and each theme attracts researchers specific to that theme. As well, many groups sponsor a camp related to their mandate and interest. Each camp costs $15,000 to put on so several groups interested in salmon research may donate to host the salmon camp and send their staff and a cash donation to help out for that week. This builds strong friendships for our youth and meets our goal of inspiring them to seek further education and to consider careers in science and research.
Rediscovering Heiltsuk culture
Woven throughout all of this experience there is a deep commitment to our culture and traditional values. We have constructed a traditional Big House to support our cultural programs and people from area communities and lodges attend our weekly cultural celebrations. In this we not only influence our youth and staff but also help to teach mutual respect and tolerance to our many visitors. We have partnered with groups like the Power to Be to bring youth with life threatening diseases to Koeye, we have had groups from Japan, California and Alberta join us and we bring home Heiltsuk youth who are in foster adoptive homes around the province to reconnect with their culture and family.
Healing at Koeye
We also run specialty programs like 'Camp Hope' for youth with addiction problems. We run two camps for youth affected by FASD and we operate three family camps for single moms and their children. These programs include eight months of follow-up programming back in Bella Bella. We have hosted AIDS support groups and we offer a place of refuge for volunteers who want to be in a safe supportive and alcohol free environment.
Youth around the world
We have run residential training programs for youth in carving, construction, guide/interpreter skills and in wilderness first aid. We host youth from around the world in our CADIP program; this program brings groups of volunteers to help with development of our gardens and landscaping.
