Quk' Taz' un Outdoor Leadership Camp

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In collaboration with Lake Clark National Park Service and Nodalton Tribal Council, the Quk' Taz' un ('the sun is rising') outdoor leadership camp connects young people to the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina people of Qizhjeh Vena. Lake Clark National Park Service, and the Nondalton Tribal Council have been partners of the camp for the past 10 years. The 2025 Quk' Taz'un camp will be the 11th year of hosting the camp. After each camp we evaluate how the camp went, we hear from the students on what they enjoyed and what we might improve and make adjustments according to both staff, elder, and youth feedback. Two summers ago we added a new component by hiring 3 young adult mentors to take leadership roles by teaching classes and supporting the students. The mentors have been participants of the camp over the years. The theme for the camp in 2024 was: Gratitude and Remembrance. We honored and celebrated those who have passed and held a Memorial Potlatch for respected elder Butch Hobson who passed in the Spring of 2024. Butch attended every camp, provided unconditional support and taught many classes revolving around traditional knowledge. Butch was greatly missed this past summer, yet we are grateful for all we have learned from him over the years and will carry on all he taught us, especially kindness, respect and telling a good story with a great sense of humor. Every camp has different activities, include the Dena'ina language and values and revolve around a theme.