The Keeping the Footprints on the Land program has been created to fill the gap opened by the closure of the Haida Gwaii Rediscovery Program this year. Raven Ann Potschka and Tawn Dingwall are trying to get help from community volunteers to lead traditional and wilderness activities that teach youth to be respectful and work together and develop new skills.In 30 years, over 1,000 youth have woken up in the summer months to greet Lepas Bay. The long-term continuation of this program shows how important it is to the people of Haida Gwaii. The fact that the camp has spread worldwide shows how important it is to all youth. We are not willing to break the chain of youth from going out to the land and leaving their footprints! We are determined to keep that tie to the earth strong and to leave the footprints of our next generation of leaders on the land this year. We feel that the closure of the rec centre in Masset limits activities for youth in our community, and that it's important to have a youth program which focuses on living a healthy, active, and traditional lifestyle.Living a healthy and active lifestyle works to build confidence and physical strength, and helps to create a skill base for participants to draw from in other areas of their life. Additional skills that result from this type of living are knowledge of healthy eating options, wilderness survival skills, and foods that can be gathered from the land.The International Indigenous Leadership meeting identified that "the teachings that have guided countless generations, rooting the children and connecting the youth, are at risk". The Haida and other peoples worldwide are facing culture loss. People like the Hopi, the Lakota, the Maya, and other Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island (North America) say, "the time to reconnect is now.. Time is short for restoring the balance. The children need us to move with love and discipline."Raven Ann Potschka and Tawn Dingwall need help to make this happen. We are looking for volunteers, money, and food donations to help run Keeping the Footprints on the Land Program. We are also accepting donations for a silent auction. For info, to volunteer, or to donate, contact Raven Ann or Tawn at 626-3464. How'aa.