We acknowledge, with full transparency, that tipi structures originated in the Great Plains region of the United Stated and Canada within the Plains Native Culture. Nor’wester does not have an authentic connection or tie to this culture, so we are currently in discussion about what it means for us to continue our tradition of living in tipis. We are striving to educate our community and choose to continue to move into the future with sensitivity, compassion and intention around all things we do.

The United States must begin to confront its own history of genocide and Indian boarding schools. The time is now to listen . The time is now to locate all mass graves on the grounds of Indian Residential Schools, uncover the truth about the missing children, and honor their lives in ways determined appropriate by their families and communities.

As an organization that serves a multi-generational community around the world, Camp Nor’wester is committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Toward that end, we affirm our commitment to the practice of anti-racism, while recognizing that each of us connected to Nor’wester is at a different place along this path of awareness, education and engagement.

We are compelled to share with you our sadness, frustration, and anger given the events of the last week following the murder of George Floyd. We see and hear how all People of Color, and all people, are affected by the tragic, senseless murders of Black Americans.