Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Friday, April 13, 2007

FORT SIMPSON - Sleeping in a tent in the winter can be a challenge, especially when the fire in your stove goes out.

Twenty-one Grade 6 students from Deh Gah school in Fort Providence, and Bompas elementary school in Fort Simpson, recently experienced the joys and challenges of sleeping in tents as part of a winter camping trip. The students stayed at Michael Cazon's camp on Notana Lake from March 26 to 28.

Sleeping in a tent on the first night was a chilly experience for Erin Nadli and the rest of her tent mates.

"That was really cold. Our fire died out," said Nadli.

Not only did the fire die out, the pipe for the stove fell off and the tent got a little smoky until it was repaired. Conditions got better when a staff member made the fire again around 5 a.m., said Nadli.

Things were pretty cold, agreed Chastity Nadli, who was in the same tent. Even with a sleeping bag and extra blankets it was cold in the tent both nights. The coldest night was when the fire went out. You could see your breath in the tent, she said. To help stay warm, Nadli wore socks to bed.

Six students from Deh Gah school and 15 from Bompas elementary were in tents as part of their fifth gathering for the Education Through Commitment program. The pilot program is designed to help students make the transition between elementary school and junior high.

The theme for the camp was teaching the students winter survival skills with a focus on Dene ways of knowing and respect for the land while in the bush, said Shanna Hagens, who is leading the project. Students learned a number of skills for living on the land.

Checking the beaver traps was the best part of the camp for Chastity Nadli, 11.

The students set two traps for beavers. This was Nadli's first time checking beaver traps. Nadli said she thought they might actually catch a beaver, but none showed up. Seeing the beaver dam was still pretty neat, she said.

Living in the bush, even for three days, was a way to learn what life was like a long time ago, said Nadli. She said she'd definitely do it again.

Animals were hard to come by during the camp. Students also set rabbit snares with no success. A fish net under the ice only caught one pike. Students made up for the loss by enjoying a large lake trout that was brought all the way from Deline for their supper on Monday night.

In case they ever catch more fish, Phoebe Cazon taught students how to prepare dry fish. Cazon also took participants on walks in the bush and shared teachings. Students picked tamarack and willow for traditional medicine, said Hagens.

Students also learned about Dene traditions from other staff. Andy Norwegian spoke to students about Dene laws and Dene teachings. Facilitator Michael Cazon shared teachings about the drum and taught drum songs on Monday night. On Tuesday he led a popular evening of handgames.

Handgames were the best part of the camp, according to Shanna Elleze.

"It was fun," she said.Although her team didn't win, Elleze said she enjoyed playing the games. Overall, Elleze said she had a good time staying at the camp.

The adventures aren't over for the Grade 6 students. In June they plan to paddle from Fort Providence to Fort Simpson in war canoes.