1997 COMPUTER/SCIENCE CAMP, OUJE-BOUGOUMOU

Ouje-Bougoumou Cree Nation's first ever computer/science camp was held between July 29th and August 8th, 1997. The camp's objectives were to introduce the communities young people to various fields of science that affect their daily lives and to show them that science could be fun and interesting and a possible avenue of study for them to pursue.

To view the results of our computer camp Web Pages, you can click on the individual student's picture or name.

This years camp was being organized as a pilot project. Thus it was decided to run the camp for only two weeks and to take in a total of only 20 kids. This way the organizers could learn what it would take to efficiently run a summer long camp and prove to doubters that the camp was indeed possible. Given the short duration, it was also decided to focus most intensely on the role of computers in science and on the use of computers and the Internet.

Where ever possible the students were shown how different fields of science used computers in their work. David Denton, of the CRA, presented a demonstration on archaeology and focused on the way Crees' are using computers to map archaeological sites and keep track of traditional knowledge. Similarly, the Ouje-Bougoumou Forestry Department dealt with forest plots and introduced the students to digital mapping, Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning System. Mining issues were dealt with as well and included a visit to the Mining Museum in Chibougamau.

While "modern" science was a prevailing theme, the camp also focused on traditional knowledge and traditional designs, with the intent of showing the students how science has always been a part of the Cree world and how computers could be used as tools to add to culture. One way of doing this was to have Anna Bosum, Ouje-Bougoumou's Cultural Co-ordinator, to talk to the kids about traditional Cree culture, medicine, designs and way of live and to indicate how science is now proving the benefits of many of these practices.

The computer sessions were held at Petaapin Youth Centre and were taught by Peter Pronovost, a Mohawk computer consultant and President of Kahnawake Computer Consulting. The students learnt about the Internet, graphic art, how to use a digital camera and a scanner and how to make Web Pages and Sites. They were then assigned the task of developing their own individual Web Sites using Corel Web Designer and asked to include the following elements in their Web Pages:

1) Formatted text — using different styles and fonts;

2) Hyper-links — link different documents to the student's home-pages;

3) GIF files — gif files were used in the form of backgrounds to add colour to Web- Pages; and

4) Jpeg files — jpeg files were used to incorporate photos that students had taken with a digital camera

For many of these kids, some who never used a computer before, this was a serious challenge, but one which produced excellent results. The students were fascinated with the technology and were so anxious to work on their Web Pages that they even asked for extra classes in the evening.

The camp will help make the kids in the community aware of the science options available for them to study and challenge them to be part of the technological world. When a frequent visitor to Ouje-Bougoumou was told that the community was holding a computer/science camp she exclaimed: "Wow, the first time I visited here, which was only a few years ago, the community didn't even have telephones and now the kids are making their own Web Pages and communicating with people around the world!"

Planning is already underway for an expanded camp for next summer. A camp which will be open to both Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal children and one with expanded programs in computer graphics and Cree culture.

Finally, we must thank some special people and organizations who made this year's camp happen. Among the many supporters of the camp our gratitude goes out to Robert Weistche of the Cree School Board, Doug Hull and Joe McKendy of Industry Canada, Peter Pronovost of Kahnawake Computer Consulting, the Secretariat aux affaires autochtones, Marc Bertrand of Telebec, the Commission touristique de Chibougamau, David Denton of the CRA, Mark Forsyth and Minnie Wapachee of the Petaapin Youth Centre and Chief Abel Bosum and Reggie Neeposh of Ouje-Bougoumou Cree Nation and last, but not least, a very very special thank you goes out to Ms. Diane Grenier who came up with the idea in the first place and whose effort through some trying times made the camp impossible to stop from happening.

For more information or specific questions about setting up an Aboriginal Computer Camp, please contact:

Bernard Perlman
Economic Development Officer
Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation
203 Opemiska St.
Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec

Tel: (418) 745-3906
Fax: (418) 745-3544
E-mail: obt@idlogic.com