Aklavik (Aug 28/06) - High school student Bonnie Lynn Koe, 16, said she's learned a few things from working at Aklavik's Joe Greenland Centre.

For starters, she said she's discovered new relatives.

"I didn't know some people were related to me," she says.

Sixteen-year-old Bonnie Lynn Koe, seen here in a purple jacket with her sister Crystal, has been working at Aklavik's Joe Greenland Centre since June. One of the traditions she's learned is a recipe for smoke tea. - photo courtesy of Lindsay Wood

Koe also said she's come to appreciate the 1985 television series Lonesome Dove, which residents regularly watch.

But most her favourite part has been learning the secret to a great cup of tea.

It's a recipe preferred by residents, which involves a kettle, some Earl Grey and a smoky wood fire.

Koe said her sister Crystal taught her the recipe for what she calls smoke tea: a kettle placed over burning wood.

"It gives it a smoky taste," she said. "It tastes stronger and the elders like it."

She added that many elders have prepared this kind of tea most of their lives and have come to prefer its taste.

In an effort to please elders, she said caretakers often go outside and start a small fire instead of plugging in an electric kettle.

"It's been getting too wet outside these days, but we do it when we can," she said.

Koe's sister Crystal had also been working at the Joe Greenland centre, but she is now in Inuvik to study welding at Aurora College.

Bonnie Lynn Koe said she'd also like to go to college but to pursue a career in nursing. She hopes to work with the elders again next year.

"I like it here," she said. "It's very peaceful."