Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Snowdrift (Nov 05/01) - Henry Basil was born in a tent, on the shores of Great Slave Lake.

Basil, who is in his 40s, has never been able to sever ties with his birthplace, and often returns to disappear in the vast wilderness.

He makes a living surveying for mining companies, and is also a licensed fishing and hunting guide.

"I did a lot of exploration, surveying, staking claims, line cutting, all the stuff, in the booming days," said Basil.

With only a Grade 10 education, Basil is a self-taught man; learning from the slope of a stone, the grain of the bark. Although he is an advocate of the traditional ways, Basil sees the need for responsible development.

"I'm one of those people who are OK with it, but it has to be done in a right way as not to destroy the environment," said Basil.

"I feel that it is good for young people to get a lot of work and education. I don't see as much alcohol as I used to," said Basil.

He recounts that as a young man the opportunities were sparse, and some people spun out of control due to alcohol abuse. But things have changed, he said. Young people now stay in school.

"One of my nephews came to visit us and is doing well at BHP and he's sober. His kids are doing really well. It tells me something about the younger generation," said Basil.