Summer at AICHO

Language Camp: On June 17 AICHO staff, housing families, an AICHO Board Member and our Ojibwe Language Table Instructor all attended and participated in the 11th Annual Kiwenz Ojibwe Language Camp in Sawyer, MN on the Fond du Lac Ojibwe Reservation. 
Activities included moccasin making, beading, drum stick making, doll making, canoe races, horse shoes, lacrosse and other Indigenous games, a talent show, language sessions, meals, a walk/run, a nature walk, and much more. 
It was a beautiful and cultural 3.5 days to be surrounded by Anishinaabeg culture and traditions. 
Everyone is already looking forward to next summer's camp. 
Photos by Ivy Vainio.

Creek Hike: A refreshing adventure and hike to Coffee Creek! On the way Katie Schmitz, Volunteer Laura, and Gimaajii Youth discovered wild strawberries, spittle bugs, snails, monarch caterpillars, yarrow and more. They offered asemaa before picking strawberries and yarrow leaves for tea.
Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation
Northland Foundation
Ordean Foundation

Trainings: AICHO recently held a Trafficking and Human Exploitation Training for AICHO staff. It was led by Dabinoo’igan Shelter Director Shannon Larson, Director of Planning Daryl Olson and Cultural Arts Coordinator/former shelter advocate Moira Villiard. We had Katie Eagle from Mending the Sacred Hoop and Mary Cowen from Safe Harbor/Life House present as well. It was very informative. There are other trainings/gatherings that will happen for staff and program participants.
Did you know that $150 Billion is profited from human trafficking in the United States, and $99 Billion is from Sexual Trafficking? 

Photos by Ivy Vainio

Outdoor Rooftop Yoga: AICHO has hosted several “Yoga in the Garden” sessions at Gimaajii. Miigwech to Mitra Emad for facilitating these twice a week sessions for the AICHO residents and staff.