Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Feb 15/02) - "Holy smokes, 52 years!" Caroline Bonnetrouge seems amazed when reflecting on how much time has passed since she and her husband, Albert, were married in 1950.

Albert and Caroline Bonnetrouge were married on Jan. 7, 1950 after Albert, driving a dog sled, picked up Caroline in Kakisa and brought her back to Fort Providence. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

Albert travelled to Kakisa by dog team and swept Caroline off her feet after having known her for one year. "He said, 'We're going to get married,' and we never sleep together before. I (didn't) know if we're going to have kids or nothing," Caroline recalled. "I didn't know what it means to be married, but we stayed together. I'm really happy."

Albert and Caroline have had 12 children -- eight girls and four boys. They attribute their lasting relationship to complementing each other. Albert went hunting for moose and Caroline tanned the moose hide, crafted moccasins and mittens and made dry meat and soup. They still love to be on the land.

"We stay together and we work together like brothers and sisters," Albert said.

They're not big fans of commercial celebrations, though.

"Boy, people they're crazy, you know," Caroline said. "Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, I don't know what they're talking about."

Fred and Veronique Sabourin, married 47 years and parents of 11 children, met while being schooled in the mission. They cook for each other, go for walks and set snares together.

"We go 16 miles by Ski-Doo. We have a camp down there. We go for a trip," Fred noted.

While the couple watched the Price is Right in their home last Thursday morning, Fred was asked if he'll buy Veronique anything for Valentine's Day.

"A tin of snuff, maybe," he replied, and they both laughed.

Jonas and Angelique Nadli, together for 46 years, still spend plenty of time in the bush. Jonas has taught Angelique how to cut wood, hunt moose and set fish nets. She's taught him something in return.

"Yeah, I cook bannock," Jonas revealed.

Angelique remembered how Jonas asked her father for permission to marry her in 1955.

"In the old days we don't take girls out on a date, no way," she giggled.

For today's young couples, she advises that they be blessed by the church.

"We've lived that long together so we're thankful (to the Creator)," she said.