Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech

Walking with the Squamish

Since 2015, the David Suzuki Foundation, Ayes Menmen, the Squamish Nation and Camp Fircom have worked together to offer a multi-generational, nature-based summer camp that combines environmental stewardship and Indigenous-led outdoor education.

With time, Squamish leaders became so embedded into Camp Fircom (not just for the Camp Suzuki week but throughout all of Camp Fircom’s annual programming) that a week dedicated to Squamish teaching wasn’t needed anymore. The Foundation is proud to have helped with the relationship-building. Ongoing relationships and learnings are the legacy of Camp Suzuki.

To learn more about camp, please contact Camp Fircom.

The experience of a lifetime

The teachings of the Squamish people, paddling together in the canoe, stories by the fire, ethnobotany, language, storytelling, and so many candid conversations over meals or in down time opened my eyes even wider to a diversity of opinions, experiences and cultural histories. I take these new insights into my everyday life, sharing my experiences with my friends and family.

Fonda, Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech participant

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Local Squamish legends (Sempulan and Unka Buck) teach local Squamish legends by the campfire with Átl’ka7tsem and the full moon in the background.
Sempulyan leads a group lesson in Squamish singing.
Ethnobotany with Jared Van Somer from Ayas Men Men.
Learning Squamish history in the K’xwu7lh (ocean-going canoe).
Cedar weaving is one of many activities enjoyed during Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech.
Morning shukw'um with the Squamish Nation at Camp Suzuki: Howe Sound. (Photo: Jennifer Deol)
Members of the Squamish Nation share traditional song and dance.
Canoes and kayaks at Camp Suzuki at Chá7elkwnech. (Photo: Janice Williams)
Paddlers at Camp Suzuki: Howe Sound.