In August 2022 Dancing With The Spirit organized and led a Gwich’in Youth and Elders Trip to the Midway Lake Music Festival in Teetl’it Zheh (Fort McPherson), Canada, with 11 Gwich’in youth in grades 6-10, 6 Gwich’in elders, Native speakers and musicians from the Yukon Flats of Alaska. The Midway Lake Music Festival is a large regional gathering celebrating Gwich’in traditions including music, dance, storytelling and traditional food within a safe and sober environment. The youth performed on stage three times, assisted with instruction during the youth music camp, made new friends and life-long connections in the Gwich’in community, practiced speaking and singing in Gwich’in, and learned to live and grow together in community. On their return, they spoke and performed live on local KRFF radio and toured the University of Alaska Fairbanks. We returned with beautiful memories of the long road trip through the backcountry, the music and dance performances, and many moments of laughter, story-telling, music, healing and connection. We are grateful to the village tribal councils, St Matthew’s Episcopal Church Endowment Board, Southcentral Deanery, and many generous individuals for their support. Mahsi! Thank you!
