EMMA FAQ’s

Overview

  • The EMMA International Collaboration takes place in a boreal forest in northern Saskatchewan. The site is accessed via a gravel road. The nearest town and hospital Big River is a 15 min drive away however we encourage participants to bring everything that they need or pick up en route as town runs are not provided during the Collab.
  • There are very few indoor areas: washrooms, and the Jack Millikin Centre (an indoor heated event hall). Expect to spend most of your time outside.
  • The dining area is an open walled roof covered shelter that is not heated or cooled.
  • The temperature and weather conditions are guaranteed to range from cold rainy weather bordering on just above frost temperatures to sunny heatwave 32 degrees C temperatures. Expect big skies, hail storms, thunderstorms, northern lights and sideways rain.
  • The food is excellent. Wanda, who plans and cooks all of the meals, makes accommodations for all diets but expects individuals to follow through and eat the special food they request.
  • The site is fairly spread out. Part of the whole experience is to move around and through the site from one area to another so it is very useful to have a small shoulder bag/ backpack you can carry rain gear, thermos, water bottle, an extra layer of clothing, phone, charger, camera, sketchbook.
  • For cabin and general site information please visit: discovernesscreek.com
  • There are “outhouses” near the campsite
  • Wi-fi is limited on the site and most abundant in the Jack Milliken Centre.
  • This is old school summer camp for adult artists!

Packing List

(in addition to the assumed collection of gear and clothing you might bring)

  • Toque
  • Bathing suit
  • Head lamp/ Flashlight
  • Chargers/ backup charger
  • Water bottle
  • Sun screen
  • Mosquito repellant!!!! (for international travelers, TSA will allow you to fly with aerosol spray)
  • Rain gear
  • Wool sweater
  • Wool socks
  • T shirt
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Long pants
  • Shorts
  • Footwear: Work boots, running shoes, sandals – the site is grassy; roads are gravel - muddy after a big rain.
  • Light coloured clothing is less likely to attract mosquitoes and blackflies.
  • Personal snacks and beverages
  • Canadian currency
  • Hoodie (temp really drops at night and the hoodie is nice protection against the bugs
  • Did we mention mosquito repellent?

Important Details

  • No on-site laundry facility
  • Shower facilities are located in one central heated building. Showers are free (they operate with coins but coins are provided)
  • The distance from your accommodation to the nearest washroom is likely going to be 100 m or more and there are no street lights so figure out how you will make your way around the site in the middle of the night.
  • Security of personal belongings: is a non-issue. You can leave your phone, wallet full of cash, camera, sunglasses, fit bit, charger, hand tools, power tools anywhere on site and not have to worry that someone will pilfer them. Just make sure they are out of range of sideways rain.
  • Wildlife is something to be aware of. If you are sleeping in a tent, mice, raccoons, black bears, can all be avoided by keeping all food, drink, snacks and toothpaste stored elsewhere.

Wifi Instructions

  • There is starlink wifi in the Jack Millikin Centre at the Ness Creek Site. All participants will be provided with the login information upon arrival and are welcome to use it. Service is quite good in the Centre and on the deck of the Centre but not as you move further away from the building. Participants should plan to be able to check emails and messages via wifi at various times throughout the day, but not expect to have access to online services while at their cabins or campsites or many of the making spaces throughout the Collaboration Site.
  • Cell phone service is spotty on the site, given our remote location. Please plan accordingly.

Art Supplies To Bring

  • Sketchbook
  • Pens, pencils, paint brushes etc.
  • Personal hand tools: specialized hand tools
  • Mostly everything you need is in Saskatchewan. This event is all about collaborating to make things possible.

Contact Info

Carlie Letts

Coordinator, Emma International Collaboration 2026

EmmaCollaboration@gmail.com / 1.306.291.4280

Tips for a Good Emma Experience

  • Bring what you need to make yourself feel comfortable
  • Be yourself: know that everyone else is also invested in making things by hand and feels vulnerable.
  • Most of the people around you are open to learning, sharing and want to connect with you about what it means to make.