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DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
A trip on the Mackenzie River has introduced a group of students to stories about their ancestors as well as provided a foundation to begin talking about the history of residential schools.

Kelly Leishman, left, and Jacqueline Bouvier enjoy a boat ride that was part of their classes' trip along the Mackenzie River. - photo courtesy of Sabrina McLeod

Twelve students in the junior elementary class at Deh Gah School set out from Fort Providence in four motorboats on Aug. 20. They were accompanied by their teacher Rachel VanDerVeen as well as local residents Sabrina McLeod, Cliff Vandell, Lawrence Denetre, Stewart Nadli and Steven Nadli.

As part of social studies in Grade 4, students begin learning about residential schools. The trip was in part designed to give students an idea of the journey kids had to make on their way too or from residential school, said VanDerVeen.

"There was a large focus on storytelling," she said.

At every stop, Vandell told the students stories related to the location. Many of the stories were about the students' ancestors.

"To give them a better idea where they are coming from," said VanDerVeen.

Redknife was the group's first stop and the place they camped during the trip. Aisha Sabourin, 10, said she learned the last big tea dance was held at Redknife and lasted for about 10 days.

"My uncle said it was very sacred," said Sabourin, referring to Vandell.

Sabourin's favourite part of the trip came on the following day when the class visited Browning's Landing. The students spent time exploring the old cabins at the site.

"There's a lot of neat stuff," said Sabourin.

Sabourin said she enjoyed seeing the land during the trip and having fun.

"I really like it," she said.

Browning's Landing was also one of Wyatt Causa's favourite parts of the trip. Causa said he liked looking at the things in and around the cabins including old snowmobiles and an old chainsaw.

"It was very dirty," he said.

Causa said he also liked travelling by boat and sleeping in tents.

At Browning's Landing Vandell explained the boats that stopped there would drop children off after residential school was done for the year.

During the trip, VanDerVeen also started to read the book Fatty Legs to the class. The book is a true story of a young girl who attended residential school.

Approximately half of the class is ready and able to put the idea of residential schools into context a bit, said VanDerVeen. Overall the trip was a success, she said.

The students enjoyed themselves and for many it was the farthest away they'd travelled without their parents, VanDerVeen said.

They returned to Fort Providence on Aug. 22 stopping to fish along the way. During the trip the students also went in pairs to go duck hunting with the men.

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