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High Temp.
7 F
Low Temp.
-20 F
Wind
NW 5-10 MPH
Miles Traveled
2
Hours Traveling
4
New Snow 2
Inches
(since last update)
People
Seen
several hundred
(since last update)
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Posted: Tudesday, 2/4/03 10:30 PM Cumberland House, Saskatchewan
| Our stay in Cumberland House has been amazing! It seems
as if the whole community has welcomed us and is curious about what
brought us so far from our homes. Even though we have been here only
a short time, we feel that we have made new, lasting friendships with
many Cumberland House residents.
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Cumberland House is an island, making it very isolated from the rest of
Saskatchewan.
Despite its isolation, Cumberland House is the oldest settlement in Saskatchewan.
Samuel Hearne, of the Hudson's Bay Company, first came to the area in 1774
and established the first trading post west of Hudson Bay. The Cree people,
however, have been living in Cumberland House for 1000s of years. And even
though many things in the community have changed, the people of Cumberland
House still remain closely linked to their heritage.
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Today we had a chance to visit the local school and talk with students
about our previous learning adventures and our adventures yet to come.
The school is getting ready to implement a Cree language immersion
program. |
| People in the community are concerned that the Cree
language is not being passed down to the younger generations. Although
Cree is still commonly spoken throughout the community, the number
of young people interested in speaking Cree is dwindling. It is their
hope that the Cree language program will inspire the younger generation
to take pride in their language and not let it fade into history.
Why is it so important that communities like Cumberland House preserve
their traditional language? Post your answers on the Message
Board. |
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Last night we had dinner with the Carriere
family . We brought along our maps, and Clifford showed us how to
navigate the intricate network of winter trails that lead to The Pas,
Manitoba.
Clifford's trap line runs along many of the trails that we will be
using. He has spent the winter packing down the trail through regularly
checking his traps, |
which will make for easier travel and navigation when we come through. He
also showed us the areas where we'd have the best chance to see wildlife.
Clifford has spent his whole life in the bush, and his knowledge of animals
and their habitats
is unbelievable. He told us story after story about how his life in the
bush, trapping animals, has taught him respect for all of the plants and
animals of the Boreal
Forest.
| Clifford's brother, Les, also is an experienced fur
trapper. Les has been kind enough to let us stay at his home, and
has shared his knowledge of the town's history. We've had some really
great conversations over many cups of tea. It seems like every time
I talk with Les, I learn more and more about the modern fur trade.
Over the years, trappers have made great improvements in humane trapping
methods. There is a great respect for the animals, and trapping has
become a way for the Carriere's to preserve their culture. It's very
hard work that demands many hours each day.
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Click photo to enlarge
This structure was built on 1790 to hold the guns and ammunition
for the Hudson's Bay Company.
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Click photo to enlarge
Our new friend, Kennedy, took us over to his brother's house
to look at two wolves he trapped last month. We then had tea with
his parents. |
We came to Cumberland House because of its historical significance,
but we've found something much more relevant. The community is incredibly
close-knit, something which is traditional in northern communities.
Everywhere we go, we are invited to people's homes for tea and made
to feel so welcome. We have been told an abundance of stories, been
asked hundreds of questions, and have been given good advice. We
feel very well prepared for the next few days and are excited to
get on the trail.
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The Wilderness Classroom Organization
4605 Grand Ave.
Western Springs, IL 60558
(630) 204-0420
info@wildernessclassroom.com
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