Rabbitkettle Lake (June 27/03) - A new generation of Dene wilderness guides is in the making. Suza Tsetso and four colleagues took 10 youth to Rabbitkettle Lake for 12 days earlier this month.

There, within Nahanni National Park Reserve, the youth were steeped in Dene culture and bush survival skills.

While trained adult guides gave lessons in watercraft, bear safety and making camp, Tsetso passed on knowledge about traditional Dene medicine and spiritual connections with animals and the land.

She said she was delighted by "the calmness that came over (the youth) after they started to grasp some of the spiritual teachings about the culture, the land, the animals and the ceremonies."

"Just to see the glow on their faces... wow, it was amazing," she said.

The group made dreamcatchers, medicine pouches, listened to legends around the campfire and played team-building games.

Tsetso said it's a gift to see the youth for who they are when they're distanced from the distractions of living in Fort Simpson.

She is planning to organize a potluck supper so the participants' parents can enjoy a video the youth made while on the land.

Lisa Kraus, 16, said there were plenty of stories about the mountains, the rivers, and traditional life.

She also learned how to craft some traditional games, safely paddle a canoe and cook vegetable dishes over an open fire.

"It was awesome. I can't wait until next year," said Kraus.

Quinton Horesay, 17, also described the experience as "awesome." He added that he may be interested in pursuing guiding as a future career.

The next trip will actually come in July.

The youth will be invited to canoe to Ndulee crossing, toward Wrigley, for a weekend.

They will also be challenged to gather their own food by fishing, Tsetso noted.

The guiding and cultural training is proposed to be ongoing periodically over three years.

The activities have been made possible through territorial government funding and partnerships with the Village of Fort Simpson and the Liidlii Kue First Nation, according to Tsetso.

"It's a community thing," she said.