Stories
TESTIMONIALS
” Living in Fort McKay, I was looking for ways to learn more about Aboriginal culture. Mel encouraged me to apply for the AWAKE winter camp, and I ended up spending a ton of time this season out on the trapline. We take trucks as far as we can, then use snowmobiles to drive the rest of the way to the cabin. It’s in a really beautiful area in Chelsea Lake with a considerable trapline that extends from the lake all the way to the thick bush. We had a successful season and caught quite a bit. A big part of the camp is about teaching respect for the animals and making sure they don’t suffer. We respectfully put down the animals we catch, then take them back to the cabin to salvage their fur and clean the meat. Participants in the camp learn to use every part of the animal for food, furs or bait. They learn valuable hunting skills, they’re immersed in the culture, and it inspires them to learn more about their roots. I think the AWAKE camps are really important for the community. The highlight of the season for me was catching a massive lynx! We are going to use some of the furs to create traditional dancing wear for my son. “
Kai, a 13-year-old from Fort McKay, Alberta, recently participated in Awake’s Fall Moose Hunting Camp. Motivated by the opportunity to harvest a moose for an upcoming memorial round dance, he eagerly signed up for the camp—and the experience did not disappoint.
The camp brought together five kids and as many adults, many of whom were already family and friends. “It was really good, really fun,” Kai shared. “Mel showed us how to do a lot of fishing and hunting.” The group spent several days at the camp, where they honed their skills and prepared for the hunt. Mel had arrived the week earlier to call moose to the area, setting the stage for a successful experience.
On the second morning, Kai and the group went out on the boat. They spotted a moose, and Kai took his first shot. Although they couldn’t find the moose that day, their persistence paid oL. The next day, they returned and successfully located it. Kai was ecstatic. Alongside achieving his goal, he gained valuable new skills, learning how to harvest, skin, and transport the moose, as well as how to hang it up properly.
For Kai, the highlight of the experience was clear: “The highlight was shooting my first moose and being with family and friends. It was all a good time.” He wholeheartedly recommends the camp to other youth, describing it as an incredible experience where he gained skills he’ll use for years to come.