Yose Cormier
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 13/03) - Teachers from the four Dogrib communities had to contend with five grizzly bears and a wolf early on in the school year.

About 70 teachers with the Dogrib Community Services Board were out on the land for a professional development retreat between Sept. 10 and 14. The highlight was the presence of five grizzly bears around their campground on the final night of their stay.

"I think everyone looks back on it with amazement. It was the first time I saw a grizzly.

"It was fascinating. I can't believe I was actually there," said Michael Ewen, principal at Elizabeth Mackenzie elementary school in Rae.

Teachers from Behcho Ko, Gameti, Wha Ti and Wekweti headed north to the barren lands, about a one hour flight north from Behcho Ko.

For first year teacher Tomiko Robson the orientation offered a real glimpse at what her students deal with.

"It was wonderful. It taught me cultural things I should be aware of to teach here.

"It put me in a position to take my kids on the land and know what it's like," said Robson, who teaches Grades 7, 8 and 9 at Alexis Arrowmaker school in Wekweti.

The teachers were housed in eight canvas prospector tents.

"It was an introduction of the Dogrib culture to all the staff," Ewen said.

Community members organized teachers into four groups and took them out caribou hunting.

Dogrib elders were also on hand and told stories based on Dogrib tradition, history and legend.

A church service was held on Saturday and part of Sunday was spend at a nearby grave site.

"We said prayers for elders who passed away," Ewen said. For Robson, the highlight was trying new foods.

"The best thing was eating the caribou that was standing there one hour before," Robson said.

For Ewen, the rapid change of landscape from rock to swamp to sand struck him as incredible.

"It was an excellent way to start the year. I think we developed a better appreciation of the Dogrib culture. It also brought the staff together, not just those in one school but across the whole region," Ewen said.