THUNDER BAY— The circle of life was celebrated with traditional foods at this year's hide tanning camp.
The camp was held from May 7 to 11 at Chippewa Park by Fort William First Nation.
“There isn't even a word that can be used to convey my feeling of just happiness and peacefulness of getting to be here. Knowing that my ancestors and family would be proud of me, knowing that the work we're doing here means something,” said Keilynn Hodges, employment and training coordinator.
This year’s theme was Gimiijinaan, or 'our foods,' which highlighted the importance of traditional food and teachings with a skilled team and community members processing animals traditionally.
One community member who worked at the spring hide camp as a cook is Brenda Beardy.
“It's a good experience, to see that process of how you make the hide. My mom, everyday she works on moccasin slippers, making the most out of the hide and the outcome of it, and then working on it to make slippers and mitts, they're beautiful,” she said.
“We have a deer tent where we have a program going of eight participants working on four deer hides over the course of the five-day hide camp, and at the end they, they all get to share the hides together and it's really beautiful."
Moose, beaver and geese were also used for cultural teachings, while a language tent is set up across the way for new and experienced workers to learn during the camp.
“We've been able to have a lot of language revitalization, we've been bringing in school kids, having tours going on, just a lot of learning and honouring our traditions and just coming together as one people,” said Hodges.
“Everyone is doing their part and just coming together, it's so beautiful. it's so heartwarming,” she said.
More information on the program and cultural teachings can be found here.
