Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Aug 03/01) - Near the middle of nowhere, 100 kilometres downstream from Fort Simpson where the Mackenzie peaks first appear, a 24-foot home-made scow glides easily into a grass landing spot. Decent landings are rare along the river's untamed banks.

Ernie Deneyoua takes a break at camp. - Dave Sullivan/NNSL photo

The wooden boat's most important design feature is that it can accommodate a quad. But this hot July day it carries a group of energetic teens who can't wait to scramble ashore with their booty: 10 rabbits, a couple big fish and some mallard ducks. Yesterday they bagged a beaver.

After a snack and some chores three of the youths are plucking feathers. Within an hour all six are in a special open-style log hut skinning the rabbits. Without wincing or hesitating, including two girls.

Most of the youths have seen or done this type of bush-stuff before. But at camp there are six elders, one for each camper. They show them how to do it right, while at the same time making it known why traditional ways are important.

"In 1965, people on the river were living like this," says 62-year-old Mary Cazon. Her family has been introducing youths to the bush for years.

"It would be very nice for them to know both ways of life. Whenever they get a chance they should go out on the land. It's important. I'm still healthy because I'm living off the land."

This year the kids are camping at George Salteaux homestead with Cazon and her son, two daughters and two elders helping.

Some campers are happy spending their summers away from distractions like TV, but two miss DVD movies and video games. On balance the campers would choose living in town, except 10-year-old Ernie Deneyoua. The youngest camper says he prefers living off the land.

"It's pretty fun. I like the hunting and checking the snares," he said.

Fifteen year-old Gregory Cazon, the oldest, says his mother doesn't like the bush life and "I'm just like her."

All of them say they sometimes feel confused, growing up in both the traditional and modern worlds.

At an impromptu staff meeting, elders talk about one of the youths who's being disruptive and not doing his chores. They've tried using a moose-hunting trip as an incentive for him to try harder. Before deciding on whether he can go, they'll sit him down for a chat.