Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 23/01) - A large symbol from the past is set up in Bella Kay's classroom at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school.

A teepee was put in place in late October and will stay there for the rest of the school year. It was made at the Fort McPherson Tent and Canvas company.

Kay, Gwich'in instructor for students from grades 1 to 6, explained the teepee is done in the Cree style, but that the Gwich'in do use them, especially for drying fish at camps, and that some Fort McPherson residents have teepees outside their homes.

"The kids love it," Kay said. "Sometimes when I read a story to them, they sit in here."Kay also wants to stress Gwich'in culture by having special speakers in on Fridays. Recently elder Sarah Jerome of Fort McPherson spoke to Grade 6 students about going to a residential school in Aklavik while growing up. Labrador tea was served.

Kay said the children were very quiet when Jerome was there, and that afterwards one boy told her he wanted to graduate from high school.

"His mind is set on that already," Kay said. "Even if you just have one student, that's important."

Kay said children today are very fortunate compared to her generation, as they have things like libraries and computers.

"When we were growing up there were books but not many," Kay said.