Everyone invited to Fond du Lac Reservation's Ojibwe Language & Culture Camp to start Sunday

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"Everyone from everywhere is invited," to the first-ever Fond du Lac Reservation Ojibwe Language & Culture Camp June 22-24.

The three-day educational workshop will immerse participants in Ojibwe language and will feature fluent speakers and activity stations to make it fun for people to learn everything from numbers to how to introduce yourself in the language, explained Jim Northrup, one of the camp's organizers.

People can also make baskets, wigwams, play ball, swim and canoe.

Northrup and hosts Pat Northrup, Rick Gresczyk and Dan Jones came up with the idea while talking one day and they plan to make it an annual event.

"The Reservation was really impressed with our work to make it happen and they've donated food and other items," he said.

Anyone is welcome at the camp (children must be accompanied by an adult) and can stay overnight at the site at Molstad's (Fond du Lac Tribal Campgrounds) on the north shore of Big Lake in Sawyer.

"We have security, firewood and canoes, as well as a cook shack," Northrup said.

The event is drug and alcohol free and although participants are encouraged to bring food to share, the camp is otherwise free of charge.

"You only need a willingness to learn," Northrup said, or, Bi-nanda-gikendan ojibwemowin, meaning 'Come & Learn Ojibwe.'"

Campers can arrive starting at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 21. Camp runs until 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24.

For more information contact Pat Northrup at 218-878-0245, Rick Gresczyk at 952-215-1973 or Dan Jones at 218-879-0800.

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