Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 26/02) - Conquering stereotypes and building teamwork was the focus of a two-day camping trip that took six aboriginal women on the land to learn non-traditional survival skills.

The women students at the Native Women's Association training centre, are updating their job skills to prepare to re-enter the work force. This trip near Bliss Lake was a break from the classroom and their job placements, a chance to learn new things about their own cultures, and about each other.

"A lot of these women have never hunted. They were taught to ice fish, hunt caribou, use a chain saw and set a trap under the ice," said Kimberly Moreside, training program co-ordinator.

Student Rosalie Porter said he enjoyed the trip because it was her first time in the bush.

"I learned a lot about building fire and fishing," said Porter.

Getting to know her colleagues was the most important part of the trip for Shirley Anguttitarug.

"We cooked together, we helped get one of the ski-doos out of the soft snow. I had a great time," she said.

The 10-month program provides skills training to women who are on their way to college, work, or a trade. It is funded by the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, and the Dene Nation.