About Qmunity Camp NWT
Qmunity Camp NWT was created in 2019 by Chelsea Thacker and Lindsay Debassige as a joint project between the Northern Mosaic Network and the NWT Creative Collective. The project started with humble beginnings, but very quickly, we realized that the space required intention beyond just a fun summer camp experience. This is where the true purpose of Qmunity Camp NWT came to be, a space where Two Spirit, Indigiqueer, Queer and Transgender Indigenous youth can access an on the Land space where they can live as their authentic selves.
Camp Sessions are typically 4-7 days in length and have historically been held at the Camp Connections Site located at KM57 on the Ingraham Trail outside of Sǫ̀mba K'è, Dënéndeh (Yellowknife, NWT) on Chief Drygeese, Akaitcho Territory. We welcome campers throughout Northern Regions in so-called Canada who identify as 2SLGBTQIPA+ and/or questioning. Our programming is rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and these community members will be prioritized in our applications. Our programs are free to attend.
Programming can change from session to session depending on staff and community capacity but will always include the following activities:
Cultural Ceremonies
Land-Based Skill Learning
Traditional Foods
Expressive Arts And Creation
Identity Exploration And Discovery
Cultural Teachings
Our mandate is to create a space where all people can explore gender and sexual identities without boundaries and build community through traditional Indigenous practices on the land. Built on our values of safety, acceptance, nurturing belonging, reclaiming knowledge and access to the land, celebrating self and tradition, exploring expression, and reconnection. We do this through:
Providing safe and inclusive gathering opportunities for 2SLGBTQIPA+ youth throughout the NWT
Celebrating identities and expression within the 2SLGBTQIPA+ community
Encouraging and fostering traditional arts
Providing 2SLGBTQIPA+ youth opportunities to connect with culture and the land
Supporting 2SLGBTQIPA+ youth on their journey of self-discovery
