Please note: This story contains an image of a traditional First Nations animal skinning. It is not graphic, but some people may want to read the article without this picture at the following link instead -Â http://www.yukonyouth.com/?p=1562
By: Landis Cornett
BYTE has been fortunate to have the chance to spend lots of time with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation’s Youth this summer. We have been invited once a month to visit and reconnect with the youth and their traditional territory. Last Thursday, we got the chance to join in for the closing day ceremonies of the Taku River Tlingit Cultural Camp. This was a great treat for the entire BYTE team!
The sun was already shining when we arrived and the youth were eager to have us jump in canoes with them for a little paddle around the bay. Stephen the youth worker for the TRTFN has been incorporating outdoor adventures into his teaching; what I call “real skillsâ€, where youth learn through doing and practicing. He teaches them about canoe safety, rescuing, paddling techniques and safe entry and exists. After about an hour of paddling the youth were ready to take a short break for some lunch and then resume later for more paddling and swimming.
As we walked in for lunch we were informed by a TRTFN local that a trouble bear had been shot at his place after it got into his smoke-shack where he was curing his moose. He offered to bring the bear over to cultural camp and give the youth a chance to help skin, butcher and learn. As a hunter I was thrilled to be taking part in this new experience and learning from their culture. Personally I never like to see animals harmed but in this case the bear had been putting many people at risk by hanging around the bus stop, in people’s yards and eating people’s moose for the winter. The youth huddled around eagerly as a few elders showed techniques to properly skin the bear, a gave a chance for everyone who wanted to help out. BYTE was offered some bear meat and will be enjoyed for lunch soon. We were told that it makes for a really good slow-cooked meal, especially when using coconut milk and curry, Yum!
BYTE ED, Chris Rider, helps hold the bear while the youth look on and learn.
Over the course of the day the youth were busy with practice rehearsals for the upcoming performance for family and friends who would join later in the evening. All of the youth had been busy working on their button blankets that held their traditional crest from their respective clans. It was wonderful to see the blankets that looked so beautiful and seeing how passionate the youth were about their blankets and their rich culture.
TRKFN youth show off the amazing button blankets that they had been working on!
Guests, family and friends started to show up quickly and the ceremony began with an opening prayers, giving thanks to the land, the people and the creator. The performances by the youth were a big success. In full regalia the youth danced to the drumming and took turns showcasing the beautiful button blankets they created. The ceremony gave a chance for the youth from different clans to honor their mothers and fathers separately through dance. There was a song for the fathers, a song for the mothers and a song for everyone to dance. Everyone was so happy to watch the next generation taking pride in their culture. After the ceremony there was a delicious feast with fresh salmon, moose roast, stews, salads and some of the best carrot cake I will ever eat!
BYTE is truly grateful to have been invited to join this day of honoring and celebration and looks forward to working with TRTFN in the near future. A big thank you to Stephen, the elders and all other youth workers who made this possible, and of course the amazing Taku River Tlingit Youth!