DEH GAH GOT'IE/FORT PROVIDENCE - Kids aged 11 to 14 gathered in Fort Providence during the transition from September to October, to participate in the rites of passage camp. The camp features ceremonies and teachings that play a large hand in youths' transition from childhood to adulthood.

"This year it was a little bit later than usual, however, it was good because it taught (the youth) how their ancestors endured the weather conditions, not just for the short period, but 365 days a year," said Margaret Thom, an elder who helped with the rites.

Elder Margaret Vandell was involved in the Rites of Passage camp near Fort Providence in the beginning of October. - photo courtesy of Rikki Butt

"Because of the strength and endurance of our ancestors, we are here today," she continued.

The camp, which started on Sept. 29 and ended on Oct. 8, began with the boys. Male students from both Deh Gah School in Fort Providence and Bompas Elementary School in Fort Simpson prepared for the fall hunt with elders and hunters and learned skills to ready their minds, bodies and spirits for the hunt.

Among the many lessons taught, said Thom, are the traditional role of the man in the family as the provider. Campers also learn respect for themselves, for others, for their hunting equipment and clothing.

Before heading out, campers fed the fire, asking the creator for a good hunt and a safe journey.

"We tell hunters to answer their questions and involve them in everything," said Thom.

Then, the girls started their camp, taking a day to adjust, which Thom said is vital to their experience.

"If they are not grounded and connected to the land and the environment its difficult for them to even begin to appreciate what they are learning there," said Thom.

The girls are taught respect for their clothes and blankets, they are instructed to keep their cabin and work areas clean in preparation for when they have their own home, and when the boys come back with the meat, they help prepare it.

"The girls are taught that they are given the gift from the creator to give life, and what happens to their bodies when they go through the moon cycles," said Thom, adding girls are taught not to prepare meat when going through their cycle, but to stand back, watch and learn.

"We encourage and make them aware of the traditional rites of passage, however we need them to know about the changes happening inside their body so we bring in a male nurse for the boys and female nurse for the girls," said Thom.

Thom said incorporating this medical perspective with the traditional knowledge worked out very well.

Three moose were shot, and the camp returned to Fort Providence with the meat.

As they entered, rifles were fired and drummers, as well as the whole community, greeted them. They had a feed the fire ceremony and the meat was blessed, then shared with the entire community.

"It was so emotional, so spiritual. This is what it's like to bring back food for your community," said Thom.

Rikki Butt was also at the ceremonies and said "I've been in the North for four years, it was the most spiritual, cultural experience I have ever been part of."

Butt also commended Deh Gah School principal Lois Philipp, as well as the elders and community members, for their efforts in helping organize the event.

"Words cannot do this justice, for what happened, for that special honour. You had to be there, you had to feel it, you had to experience it," said Thom.