Caribou!

September 21-22

Paul invited Keegan and Bronwyn to go caribou hunting on the 22nd. They were more than eager to go along. Since we did not bring all the necessary paraphenalia for keeping warm, Paul outfitted them in good, warm, winter gear. Joel was overjoyed to have his first opportunity of the season to use his Ski-doo. Annah, Judah and some friends in McPherson were also part of the hunting party.

The roads were still rough, wet, and slippery, and Paul's van and trailer got stuck on the ferry landing. Deja-vu. The trailer had to be unhitched, and after over an hour of towing and maneuvering, they crossed the river and headed south. They drove to the mountains. The wind was blowing and there was at least a foot of snow, probably more. Paul hitched a sled to the snowmobile and the hunt began. They spotted three caribou and headed in their direction. As the hunting party approached, 70 caribou came out of the bush. Joel managed to get a caribou before they all ran in different directions. Because of the delay at the ferry, they didn't have as much time to hunt as they would have liked but it was a good, successful excursion. Keegan and Bronwyn were so fatigues when they got home,, they fell into bed and I had to wait until morning to hear of their adventure.

I have to say it is interesting to witness a culture that is still very tied to the land. The people in McPherson follow the migration of the Porcupine Caribou herd, and from what I can tell, most depend on the caribou for their meat supply. When the caribou are running, the hunters are out in droves. Joel, Annah, and Ruth might even have an opportunity to go on a community hunt that is going to give all the meat to elders, single mothers, and those too ill to acquire the meat for themselves.

Many people also go and live "on the land," as it's called. During the summer months, many Gwich'in people go out into the bush and sustain themselves on whatever they can catch or pick,, sometimes for a month or two at a time.

We are learning so much! Thank God for the caribou!