Outtatown Site 1 Guatemala: First Nations Cross-Cultural Experience

The art of living in community has been a vital lesson that our group has had to learn for the past two months. We have come to realize how important it is to work together as a team and walk through the difficult questions we as Christians face everyday. Experiencing the First Nations culture gave us a new perspective on what it means to live in community, more importantly it stretched us to think deeper on what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
During the First Nations week we got to spend some time with Brander McDonald who in our sessions taught us about Native culture and the history of his people. We got to hear what it means to live in community from a Native standpoint and the hard work that goes into that to keep it a positive atmosphere. We were given the opportunity to take part in a smudging ceremony, as well as a healing circle where we got to share where we come from and where we believe God is leading us through this Outtatown experience. We as a group went to a Native culture center where we learned the history of the people of the area and how labor was a huge part in keeping the community together. We learned how to make hatchets, canoes, how to weave and make bracelets out of cedar bark. We got to physically see a smoke house and hear what it took to build one. We also got the chance to go on a boat tour of Harrison Lake where we got to hear the many different legends about the Sasquatch and the waters that they’ve been sited by. We got to see bald eagles, seals and enjoy a relaxing boat ride as a community in spite of the rainy weather. We met a man named Darren who explained to us what a Long House is and how it plays an essential part in the community. We learned how you could be part of a long house, what goes on in one, and the many different things you can be involved in.
We were given the opportunity to learn that First Nations people lived a simple productive life. We came out of that week with the understanding that it takes more than one person to live in harmony. To survive, it takes cooperation and hard work, two very important lessons I’m sure our group could put to the test. Through the First Nations Culture week we got a whole new perspective on the art of living in community and more importantly what it means to be a disciple.

By Darin Hovius

We spent the day with Brander "Standing Bear" McDonald, he shared about his culture and Christianity.

Part of class was we were put into groups and we had to make a song, dance and use the drum. Also when explaining the song, a women will explain to the man and then the man will explain to everyone. Linda is explaining to Trevor what she wants the group to know.

And know for their dance!

This is another group's dance. Looks like they have back pain?!

The next day we went to Hatzic Rock Museum. This lady was a great guide and shared about the Stolo people of Mission. She is holding up a piece of dried salmon, which is a staple food for the Stolo people.

Joel and Nic pounding some cedar.

Shanin also pounding cedar.

Steve carving out a canoe like they would have done hundreds of years ago.

Anyone feel creative?

Careful Linda, don't get the colors mixed up!

Christina working on her weaving skills.

Ethan you're doing a great job! Keep on looming!

Jason and Holly twisting cedar to make bracelets.

Our group then walked to a "modern" House Pit.

Janine and Elizabeth at the door of the pit house.

Inside the pit house.

Students listening closely as to how the house was made.

Getting warm by the fake fire!

Nic with a wooden frog.

Kristine and Jill in front of cedar woven mat.

Here we are facing off to play a game that the Chehalis community plays.

We went on a boat tour down the Harrison Lake and some of its tributaries.

Darren Charlie took us on the boat tour and shared some of his communities stories and songs. This is his drum, which has the Sasquatch, an Eagle and Salmon which are all very important to the Chehalis community.