4th Annual Yacunne Fish Camp
This event was held on April 12th & 13th, 2024 and created an opportunity for community to gather and share stories while fishing. The program was sponsored by the National Parks Foundation (Moore's Creek Battlefield), Duke Superfund, NC Museum of Science and NC Wildlife Resources Commission. We provided fishing poles, bait, food, snacks, drinks, cultural history and this year we have some amazing gifts for those who come. Including free raw vegetables. The event was free and open to the public.
This year we offered a "Storytelling with the Elders" portion of the event on Friday morning at the Corner Grill, which is a location that holds significant history for our people. We also attempted to camp on Friday night, but mother nature had other plans.
The land you will be visiting is the ancestral lands of the Waccamaw Siouan people. You will be learning more about the Waccamaw Siouan People and our culture during the event. Your respect for the lands in which you will be accessing is necessary.
Morning Breakfast
Tribal members shared stories, moments and history of Isanti and Waccamaw Siouan People
Waccamaw Siouan Tribal History
This presentation was provided during the Yacunne Fish Camp by Waccamaw Siouan Tribal Members. This is a digest of the tribal history and does not reflect the entire history of Waccamaw Siouan Peoples.
Sisitonwan Wahpetonwan Dakota Sioux Spearfishing
This presentation was provided to help show and demonstrate the techniques and types of spearfishing Indigenous to our people.
Important Information to know before attending in 2025
Here is what you need to know:
Complete the liability and photo release waivers at the link here prior to arriving. One waiver is required per adult and each adult can include up to three minors on one waiver. If you cannot complete it online, you can also print and bring a copy with you to the event. Click here to access the printable waiver. You only complete the waiver once.
The location of the 211 Pecan Bass Ponds is 3605 Green Swamp Rd, Bolton, NC 28423. You will enter into the driveway and follow the signs for parking with elder parking up front. Click here to see a map, with direction and event layout information.
We will also have a golf cart to help transport elders available.
Bring chairs, snacks, sunblock and drinks to keep you hydrated during the camp. You are welcome to bring any umbrellas or tents for additional shade.
You may want to bring a cooler or bucket if you plan to take fish home.
Most sessions are over typical meal times, so please bring any extra or snacks with you. We will also have food and snacks onsite.
Friday dinner is served from 2 Natives Smokehouse, Saturday campers breakfast is from The Corner Grill and Lunch is from Subway.
Fishing gear will be provided and spears.
Bathrooms will be onsite and handicap accessible.
Here is what to expect after you arrive:
First stop at the Welcome Tent, you will complete the virtual check-in process and if you have not completed the waiver on Docusign, you will do so at that time. We will have iPads for check-in, but you can also use your cell phones.
Afterwards , you will receive an event T-shirt, water bottle and handouts for the event while supplies last. If you are participating in the event, a member of a tribe and traveled over 30 miles to attend, we will provide you with a $20 Gas Card upon your arrival. This is only available while supplies last. Please inform registration of your qualification during check-in.
If you are new to the area or want to learn more about who we are, you will visit the Waccamaw Siouan History Tent to gain a deeper understanding of our tribe.
Finally, you can head to our Fishing Trailer and receive your fishing gear and choice of fake bait, worms or crickets to fish with.
We will have Spear Fishing Demonstrations by Lee Ann Eastman (Sisseton-Sioux) on Friday at 7PM, Saturday at 10AM & 2PM. Please visit her tent at those times to learn more.
On Saturday at 11AM & 3PM, Waccamaw Siouan Men (Winda & Delton Patrick) will hold a cooking demonstration with shad (roe) preparation and food tasting.
You are responsible for the care and safety of your children.
You will be allowed to keep up to 3 fish you catch during each session.
If you are camping with us Friday night, here is what you need to know:
During the encampment, we will have a fire, hotdogs, smores and a lot of fun. It's a night with the stars, where we teach Indigenous Star knowledge and share creation stories. The next morning, we will have breakfast catered from the Corner Grill, Buckhead, NC.
The encampment location is a walk-in site located at the back of the fishing ponds. You will not be allowed or able to drive back to the site, so whatever you bring will need to be rolled or carried to your tent locaton. It's about a 1 ⁄ 4 mile walk.
Tent setup begins at 5PM and we recommend having all equipment and items at the site prior to the sun going down.
Safety: We will have lights around the ponds and bathrooms. You will be responsible for bringing everything you need for camping, with the exception of food and wood for the fire. Please do not forget flashlights and mosquito spray. The temperature for Friday night is estimated to be between 55-60 degrees, so dress and bring the appropriate amount of clothing and sleeping bags.
Breakfast will be served between 7:30-8AM Saturday morning.
Volunteers Registration!
Volunteers are needed!
We have volunteer opportunities for supporting the event. Please reach out to stem@waccamaw-siouan.org if you are interested in volunteering for our 2025 event.
Let's go Fishing!
Fishing is traditional. It is how we have sustained life on this continent for thousands of years, yet in the past 100 years our appetite for this traditional way has declined. For the past two years STEM Studio has hosted a Yacunne Camp that brings together hundreds of community members to reconnect with fishing and bring back traditional ways of spear fishing. The camp is held in the spring in our tribal community and has attracted hundreds of participants and families over the years.
Free Coloring Page
In 2022, Domonique Mitchell (Waccamaw Siouan Artist) created a coloring page that depicts a Waccamaw Siouan male spearfishing. The spears where made of hickory and used deer antler tips for a point. Some elders remember when spearfishing was more promonit in our culture as a way of fishing. In the 1950s, there was still accounts of this practice continuing and with much larger bowfin fish we see today.
This is a free coloring page for you to use in continuing to educate about our culture and traditions as Waccamaw Siouan People.
The Yacunne (fish) Camp welcomes friends from our surrounding community to come fish on our traditional lands.