Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services
Friday, April 30, 2007

RESOLUTE - Students in Resolute are learning about life on the land in the best way possible; by going on the land with the elders in their community.

On Monday April 23, a group of students and elders returned to the community, with a nine-foot polar bear that they shot, skinned, and brought back to Resolute.

"The elders approached us about it, and we said 'absolutely, yes,'" said Tracey MacMillan, the outreach co-ordinator for the Qarmartalik school.

"They were very excited, and next, we are going to have some of the senior girls learn how to clean and prepare the hide," said MacMillan.

The hunting program was funded by QIA, and the QIA's elders in the community chose which students were going to go hunting.

"The elders came in and had a meeting with the senior students. There were quite a few to choose from," said MacMillan.

Now the students and elders are back on the land, looking to get their second bear.

The local hunters and trappers association supplied tags for the two bears.

The school has made a specialty of offering land programs for their students.

In addition to this QIA sponsored trip, Grade 6 students were on the land at the end of March for a series of day trips.

"It improves land skills, and respect with the elders. Plus, it shows them the entire process, from the hunt to the processing," said MacMillan.

When they get back from their chase for the second bear, the students and elders will sit down and discuss what to do with the polar bear hides they have harvested.