During this year’s summer camp, we will be studying the Wounaan and Embera, a semi-nomadic indigenous people living in the Darien Province near the Rainforest. The Wounaan-Embera were formerly and widely known by the name Chocó and both their languages are part of the Chocoan language family.
Choco refers to the language group and geographical location of peoples living along or close to, the Pacific coasts of southeastern Panama and northwestern Columbia. Among these natives are those who identify themselves as Wounaan and Embera. They have been successful in maintaining their cultural traditions, exercising political autonomy, and engaging in commercial activities on their terms. Exploiting their native rainforest environment to produce domestic goods for both secular and religious uses, their material culture represents similar lifestyles and beliefs.
Explorer’s Camp is for children ages 8-12. There is a $100 registration fee for this five day opportunity to have fun exploring the Wounaan and Embera cultures of Panama. Camp will be June 23-27 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Call the Museum of the Red River in Idabel, Okla., @ 580-286-3616 to enroll. Space is limited so please call early.