With volunteers of Korean origin, as well as community-based programs, Children of Canupawakpa Dakota nation are enjoying two summer day programs. Several upcoming events are planned to include adults in the community, as well, this summer.
Stepping through the door of the recreation centre on Wednesday, Jul.12, Korean volunteers blend into the scene. Identifiable by their t-shirts, young people are leading in an action song, followed by story time.
In another section of the complex a group of children gather to follow their recreation leader, Brenna Bobb, to the arbor and sports grounds for games. Bobb is the Chief’s granddaughter, employed with family services to work with the community’s children for the summer.
“Every summer, we have the Koreans come,” explains Canupawakpa Chief Viola Eastman. “They do one week of camp with our children.” South Koreans from Brandon, Winnipeg and Saskatchewan gather at Canupawakpa and stay at the recreation complex to work primarily with the reserve’s children.
“They do activities with our children ... they pray, they spend time with them. The community needs something like this,” explains Eastman.
Throughout the year Korean volunteers, primarily from Brandon, hold a monthly Sunday service, offer friendship and the occassional haircut, also sharing Korean cuisine. “They’re really part of the community,” says Eastman.
A vibrant young woman, Joanne Kim, is happy to speak about their stay in the community. She says, “We come from Winnipeg. Our original purpose here is to share the love of Jesus ....”
Summer is a time when there’s not a lot for the children of the community to do. Looking to interrupt the summer doldrums and boredom, Kim says, “It’s a waste of time in the day of a precious young child, they can learn more, and to love God. So that’s why we’re here.”
This is the second year and the camp’s reputation is growing. About 25 children are gathered for the vacation school.
“The community is so welcoming,” says Kim.“For a young generation, we believe that we have to establish a good education, also a good reputation in the young generation.”
The week will end with a Saturday Family Night, which actually runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. “we are offering Korean traditional food, traditional dancing, kind of like a cultural exchanging of Korean Nation and Dakota.”
Meanwhile, with the other group of a dozen children, Brenna Bobb, puffing from the game of frozen tag, explains, “Sometime in the afternoon we’re going to go over to see them [the Korean group].”
She works with two groups over the summer. “These kids are only from this week. They have a week off and we have another set of kids.”
The entire community has something to look forward to in August. Canupawakpa is hosting a Pow Wow August 4, 5 and 6.
Chief Eastman explains, “We haven’t had one for a few years now, and I feel it’s something the community needs, to lift their spirits, to be able to have people come join and socialize; I think that’s a good thing.”
