Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Rae Lakes (June 27/05) - A traditional Dogrib log cabin will rise this summer in Gameti, for the first time in about 70 years.

The project, which began June 6, is being undertaken by Gameti Ko - a society including elders and youth created two years ago to promote Dogrib culture and traditional knowledge.

"The people will use it for ceremonies and teachings," explained elder Harry Simpson.

Speaking through an interpreter, Simpson said a lot of traditional knowledge was being lost. "It's very important to teach our youth how to build cabins."

The project involves eight youth, two elders and three elders' assistants. The first stage is peeling 280 logs harvested last spring.

Work will continue on the cabin throughout the summer.

"This kind of building hasn't been built for a long time," said Tony Rabesca, Gameti Ko's community co-ordinator.

Constructed solely with hand tools, the log cabin will include details like caribou hide windows.

No nails will be used. The 24 by 24-foot, one-storey cabin will be kept together with wooden pegs.

Simpson, 70, said he learned how to build a traditional cabin from his grandfather.

"People lived together in open spaces and helped each other," he noted, adding it is very different today. "A modern house is more isolated. People have their own space to live in."

Spiritual significance

Aside from renewing traditional skills, Rabesca said the cabin will have a spiritual significance since it will be used for fire-feeding ceremonies and prayer. "It will be kind of a healing area."

The project is significant for elders, added Rabesca, who is also community wellness co-ordinator with Gameti First Nation. "They are really excited because they have been thinking about this for 10 years."