Parents provide role models for traditional lifestyle

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Urban Aboriginal parents in the Yukon are welcome to enjoy a unique program offered by the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre in Whitehorse that allows them to pursue a traditional lifestyle. Program co-ordinator Joe Migwans explained that a group of parents recently spent three days away from town participating in berry picking, fishing, and hunting, led by Elders who remember the old way of life that the people of the area lived not so long ago.

"Our program is funded by Health Canada and is part of the community action program for children. We offer teachings by the Elders, and each group has two facilitators who assist the Elders," he said. This activity has been offered for six years.

While a camp is available for people who wish to stay out on the land, the group in the October traditional parenting class returned to town each night, some 50 kilometres away. Occasionally, non-Aboriginal people participate as well.

"While we were berry-picking on the first day, we listened to stories and legends which the Elders told us. We heard the history of the Marsh Lake area, and the story of the crow and other significant symbols of our culture," said Migwans, adding that the warm fall weather added to enjoyment of the outdoor activities.

Traditionally, the berries were mixed with dry meat or moose grease, similar to the pemmican that Aboriginal people to the south made.

"One Elder explained that her grandfather hollowed out a log and filled it with berries, fitting a lid over it, and keeping the berries fresh indefinitely," he said.

Back at the friendship centre, the group made blackberry and cranberry jam and there was enough for a couple of jars for each person.

Migwans explained that for this experience, children did not participate.

"We feel that the parents can pass on what they learned to their kids. As well, we also have activities for youth as a separate program."

Unfortunately, the recent fishing experience was a disaster. "We put our net out and when we went back the next day, it was gone. Someone had stolen it," explained Migwans. However, on previous fishing expeditions, the Elders showed the participants how a small fire would have been made, over which a tent-like structure would be erected.

"The fish would be cleaned and hung on poles inside, and a smudge would slowly smoke them, preserving them and adding to their flavor," he said.

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Fish innards are carefully cleaned and cooked, although fish eggs are eaten raw and are considered a real delicacy. The fish in Marsh Lake include trout, whitefish and, occasionally, link cod.

"The Elders also explained that before the introduction of shotguns, the people caught ducks with nets in the shallow waters along the shores, adding to their subsistence supply and providing a welcome variation to their diet," Migwans added.

The Elders who accompanied the group were Annie and Johnnie Smith, whose combined heritage is Tagish, Southern Tutchone and Tlinglit.

"They are from the Crow and the Wolf Clan, and have been married over 60 years. They're both in their 80s now, but they still love to get out and teach the younger people," said Migwans. Two other Elders accompanied the group this year, Charlie Burns and Annie Burns, and it is hoped they'll be able to attend future activities. "Everyone thinks it's inspiring to spend time with the Elders," Migwans said.

The way everything in nature was used to provide an effective and efficient lifestyle is wonderful to hear and see, he said.

"Everything they needed was on the land. They even made their nets out of willow bark. It's important we don't forget how our ancestors lived. We want to learn from our Elders while there are still some who remember the old times and the old ways."

People wishing to learn more about the traditional parenting program at the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre are welcome to call 867-633-7692.