JCR Dawson fall harvest story
Junior Canadian Rangers learn traditional skills that feed more than just knowledge
By Capitain Sharon Low
Learning, growing and dedication to community - words that find their true meaning in the centuries-old traditions of the First Nations - that is what the 18 Junior Canadian Rangers who participated in this year's First Hunt with the Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation, near Dawson, Yukon experienced.
Caribou harvested during the annual fall hunt are distributed throughout the community, providing for the Elders and those in need within this northern locale.
"After all is said and done, I am sure that our harvest will feed over 100 mouths," said Lee Whalen, Heritage Program Coordinator, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, Dawson, Yukon. He congratulated the youth and the adult leaders who made this possible.
"Thirteen caribou were harvested this year, and eight of these were shot by youth or first time shooters," Lee Whalen said. "The youth, with assistance from Elders and adults who were present, were fully involved from the point of pulling the trigger to the hanging of the meat in town. The most telltale sign of the success of the First Hunt from past years until now was watching youth teaching youth and passing on the knowledge that they have learned from their Elders."
"After the meat has hung for the allotted time, the youth … go with the Elders Coordinator and deliver meat to the Elders in the community. As well, meat is donated to our community support centre for the meals on wheels program, which feeds the Elders in the community. We will also be donating meat to families in need, such as single parent families, or those who could not go and hunt this year. Another portion of the meat goes to the First Hunt feast which is intended to thank those who participated, and bring the community together in a celebration of thanks."
The hunt took place from October 16 to 19, 2009. Eight Dawson Canadian Rangers "…acted as guides, instructors and mentors during this annual event which is open to all the youth in the community," Canadian Ranger Sergeant John Mitchell reported. "That being said, all but two of the 20 plus youth who participated were Junior Canadian Rangers".
"This is a perfect example of what the Junior Canadian Rangers program was designed to be," says Captain Sharon Low, Junior Canadian Ranger Officer, 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group "Junior Canadian Rangers learning traditional skills with the support of the Ranger patrol and the community."
