Chako Kunamokst Rediscovery is a personal empowerment program where participants are acquainted, or reacquainted, with the natural land and spirituality.  The camps are located on the Dean River in Kimsquit, a Nuxalk ancestral village site, accessible by boat or charter plane only.  The participants learn, grow and heal in a wilderness setting by utilizing traditional First Nations culture and other activities.  Sessions take place during the summer months for native and non-native youth, ages 11 to 18 years old and families (for all ages, at the "Family Session").

Participants take part in daily camp chores as well as: wilderness survival skills, lessons on respecting the environment, traditional food gathering, cultural song and dance, elder storytelling, journal writing, arts, crafts and outings. At the end of each day, everyone gathers at Council Fire where issues can be discussed and resolved with group input. At the end of the program session, the camp takes part in group solos or voluntary individual solos. A "solo" is considered the highest form of achievement by the participants; it's often viewed as a rite of passage. 

The participant's family is welcome to attend the closing ceremony at the end of camp. A feast is prepared, cultural songs and dances are performed by the participants and gifts are given away.

The Chako Kunamokst Rediscovery Camp is run indirectly under the umbrella of the Nuxalk Nation Wellness Program. The Rediscovery organizer works to secure funds yearly though agencies, donations and other sources. Our goal is to find new dollars to: develop and expand the camp, to include a camp session for adults, to have the sessions run for longer periods and provide training for staff. Proposal writers and volunteers would be greatly appreciated.

Chako Kunamokst Rediscovery began in 1984 in Kimsquit, on the traditional territory of the Nuxalk Nation at the mouth of the Dean River.

"Chako Kunamokst" is a Chinook Jargon word for a gathering place.

SUMMER SESSIONS 2012

Tentative Camp Dates (as of June 14, 2012):

First Session: July 8-19th, 2012 in Kimsquit
Second Session: July 23 -Aug 2, 2012 in Kimsquit
Family Session: Aug 6-9, 2012 at the Hot Springs

Click here for the registration form (PDF).

NEWS (June 14, 2012):
A volunteer Crew has been working at the Hot Springs replacing board walk to hot tub, building decks & stairs, etc. The volunteer crew also did the milling for the material. The Nuxalk Band helped with fuel & nails, and the cultural enrichment also made a donation for food for the volunteers. Thanks to Glen Clellamin, Don Durocher, Jesse Mack, and Darwin. Thanks to the Band Council and the Cultural Enrichment Program for the additional help needed for fuel & supplies and thanks to Brad for help with providing a site and getting the logs to the volunteers mill.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS & ANY MATERIAL or FOOD DONATIONS - This volunteer Crew is still looking for those who are interested in volunteering to finish off at the Hot Springs and continue onto the Dean Camp at Kimsquit. The crew will be heading off to the Dean to do covered tent platforms for the Wilderness Youth Camp. Are looking at possibly the week of June 18, 2012 for the volunteer crew to be heading out to the Dean. We Hope to have some hard working volunteers who are willing to expend some sweat for the health & safety factor of the Youth Camp. Bring your hammer and work gear. The Volunteer crew will be doing more milling before heading out to the Dean.

To donate or volunteer, please contact Tina Clellamin at the Nuxak Band Office 250.799.5959 or 1.877.799.5959

For more information, please contact:

Tina Clellamin, Rediscovery Organizer

P.O. Box 65

Bella Coola BC V0T 1C0