BEMIDJI -- BSU’s Ojibwe language summer camp - Ojibwemowin Niibinishi Gabeshi - that offers an opportunity for students to become immersed in Ojibwe culture, has won the Innovative Award for Non-Credit Programs from the North American Association of Summer Sessions, the university announced this week.
Jan Yopp, the association’s committee chair for creative and innovative awards, said Ojibwemowin Niibinishi Gabeshi was recognized for “its impact on students and adaptability for other campuses,” a release said.
The association recognizes member schools that offer creative and innovative programs each year at its annual conference, this year held in Montreal. The awards are meant to highlight the importance of curriculum development, acknowledge programs that make outstanding contributions to the management, operation or marketing of summer sessions, and to give its members an opportunity to learn from one another.
“We have a unique program and its impact on students is so great,” said Angie Gora, BSU’s summer programs director. “Even if we didn’t win, it was important to let others know that we have this camp. There’s an opportunity for for other universities to do programs like this.”
At the two-week Ojibwemowin Niibinishi Gabeshi, Anishinaabe faculty and staff teach campers about the Ojibwe language, history, cultural traditions and Native arts. Current BSU students serve as camp counselors, chaperoning students to daily activities and facilitating evening programs. Ojibwe language proficiency isn’t required to participate in the camp, the release said.
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Dates for 2016 are July 11-22. Registration materials are now available on the conference website, www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/summer/summer-academies-and-camps/ .
