Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak today about a boat trip that happened in Fort McPherson last month. On September 23rd a total of 12 homemade boats, which we call scows, and 38 people, young and old – the youngest being three years of age and the oldest in their late 70s – travelled from Fort McPherson up the Peel River some 75 miles. All boats were back home on Sunday, September 28th.
Our people have always been nomadic. We travel where food is, or we follow where the food is, depending on the season. This huge group of 38 people were successful in harvesting moose, catching fish and, at the same time, taught the youth how to butcher the meat and how to preserve the meat for future use.
This trip was made in order for the younger travellers to see the great country of ours and to visit historic sites along the way.
The Peel River has many legends and many historic points to visit along the way. For example, The Lost Patrol of 1911. One of our greatest leaders from the Gwich’in Nation, Chief Julius Salu, travelled extensively in the area. He hunted, trapped and fished in the Peel River and the Peel River Watershed. This great man has significant ties with each family in the Fort McPherson area, his traditional territory. During this trip the elders told stories, and a trip can’t be complete without laughter. Many jokes were told along the way.
The youth were engaged in the lessons from long ago. They were taught basic survival skills and they were there to assist the elders when they needed it.
Whether it be in the Mackenzie Delta or in any other riding, more of these trips need to take place. There is nothing that can compare to being out on the land away from the community. Peace and quiet and a place to collect your thoughts, but at the same time working from morning until night, setting up your camp, gathering wood, setting your nets, cooking meals, and the list goes on.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
These trips and future trips up the Peel River will have a lasting effect on anyone who travels there for the first time and witnesses how beautiful our land is. Let’s continue to support initiatives such as these and keep our culture alive.
I’d also like to thank all of the departments that contributed to this on-the-land program. Thank you, mahsi cho.
