As I sat on the wooden bench by the campfire enjoying the warmth of the fire. I was interviewed about the keyoh (land) where my late husband was born. She asked me questions about locations of hunting, berry picking sites, so many questions ... Soon the pipeline will cross our traditional territory. . The importance of defending it not only lies with the keyoh holders but with the responsibility of chief and council. In my thoughts nothing is clear whos responsible to speak on our behalf. I think of the grandchildren and great grandchildren who one day will be on that keyoh . The little years I have been coming up there when my hubby was alive, there were so much joy and abundance, laughter with my mother in-law as we cut meat toghther. Again my thoughts wander as I think back not focussing on the questions but I try to answer with truth. It seemed there wasnt enough time to think and share maybe because it was so important. I remember the elders saying these words, dont rush the process of treaty, you have to think it out more so digest whats involved. Long sentence that can be spoken in our language. The memories are dear to me my father in- law and my mother in -law passed on so did my husband and a good friend Helen Antoine. Something is missing at the site where laughter was shared. The young are interested in other things that occupy their minds. When I was at a very young age my parents and grandfather had their keyoh down the Stuart River. I accompanied my grandfather many times on that river. I learned to shoot a four ten and a twenty two . Watching grandpa setting beaver traps while I did the muskrat traps. Mom used to be a sharpshooter when she hunted the squirrel she had good eye sight. Yes, the current generation may miss out on the traditional knowledge. No one or family go out and make dry meat most of the time it is sent to the meat locker. Nowadays men have to earn a living 24/7 to pay for living expenses etc. yes, times are changing and the pipelines are coming.
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 04:42:46 +0000
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