Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Sep 25/02) - Most people consider the impact on the environment when they think of industrial development.

Rosemary Gill, executive director for the Liidlii Kue First Nation, handed out canvas bags to residents who brought their own plates and utensils to Sunday's community feast. - Derek Neary/NNSL photos

But most don't stop to think about the impact from a community feast. Normally once all the consumption comes to an end, those with full bellies drop their paper plates, styrofoam cups and plastic utensils into the garbage can. Bags upon bags of trash are then carted off to the dump.

Rosemary Gill and Liidlii Kue First Nation councillors and employees want to put a stop to such a wasteful practice. For the past couple of feasts in Fort Simpson, they have been encouraging everyone to bring their own dishes and utensils. It didn't catch on very well during the Dene National Assembly, but the majority of people who attended Sunday's feast came with plates, forks, spoons and knives in hand.

"We're going to keep promoting it," Gill said. "I was glad to see so many people to bring their utensils."

Rita Cli said she can remember herself and her older sister, Violet, as children taking turns carrying a bag of clanging plates and utensils as they walked to feasts at the flats.

"I was proud to be the carrier of the utensils for us to eat," Cli said.

"It's coming back. I think more people should get into it."

Rene and Ethel Lamothe brought their own dishes to Sunday's feast, and Rene said he thinks it's a great idea.

"That's the old way. That's how it used to be years ago," Rene said. "The idea of giving out bags for people to carry their plates and utensils in, I thought that was a really neat touch. People used to make their own bags ... and all the leftovers after the feast everybody would share and take some home for the next meal."