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. A goal is to find new dollars to develop and expand the camp, have the sessions run for longer periods and provide training for staff.

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 2010

 (1)SESSION ONE:  30 June – 11 July = Full Session (12 Days) @ Kimsquit, Dean Camp

Must be at the Bella Coola Wharf by 8:30 am, Wednesday, 30 June. PACK A LUNCH! - Departure time is 9:00 am - estimated time of arrival at the Rediscovery Camp is 4:00 pm. 

- FIRST SESSION CLOSING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT CAMP, 10 JULY, SATURDAY. Parents will be notified.

-  Participants & Parents return home on the 11th of July, Sunday

(2)SESSION TWO: 10 – 20 July = Full Session (11 Days) @ Kimsquit, Dean Camp. 

Must be at the Bella Coola Wharf by 7:00 am Saturday 10 July.  PACK A LUNCH!  This group will witness the First Session’s Closing Ceremony.

- Departure time is 7:30 am – estimated time of arrival at the Rediscovery Camp is 2:00 pm

- SECOND CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN-TOWN, 20th July upon participants arrival, at the Song House.

-  Participants return home on the 20th  of July, Tuesday.    

(3)SESSION THREE, FAMILY SESSION:  26-30 July  =  5 Days @ Kimsquit

- Depart 26 July, Monday @8:00 am. PACK A LUNCH!  (Application last page) Estimated arrival approx  3:00 pm

- Families return home 30 July, Friday.

Click here for the registration form (PDF).

For more information, please contact:

Tina Clellamin, Rediscovery Organizer

P.O. Box 65

Bella Coola BC V0T 1C0