Larissa Burnouf
APTN National News
Hunting is a long standing tradition for Mario Corrigal who has been hunting in northern Saskatchewan for 16 years.
He first started learning to hunt in his twenties and is now able to provide and deliver moose meat for a number of families in his community of Canoe Lake Cree Nation.
“Just trying to give back to the elders who took care of us when we were young. They used to feed us so I’m just returning the favour,” said Corrigal.
He said more than 60 per cent of his community members still hunt, trap and fish. But over the past number of years he’s noticed an aging hunting population.
“Why is that? It’s technology just making every body- nobody spends time outdoors anymore, so not sure why. Most are using technology like iphones, computer, internet,” he said.
Chief Francis Iron said the community has been implementing cultural teachings back into the classrooms to get the youth reinvigorated in learning cultural and traditional ways.
“We have elders coming in too,” said Iron. Actually, we are starting small with stories and stuff like that. Some do actually go out (hunting) but very little interest.”
He added that there are teachers in the community that take the youth out fishing as well. They learn to set nets and clean fish.
“Like, it’s our culture though and if we lose it we’re going to lose it and we gotta do something about it now.”
The kids are headed fishing again this month where they will provide for the annual youth honouring traditional supper and round dance happening in March.
