Red Lake Chemical Health Traditional Hunting Camp held October 18-20, 2018

The Red Lake Chemical Health Traditional Hunting Camp was held on October 18-20, 2018, around the River Road area.

From a post from "Our Red Lake Spirit" on Facebook October 19th: The second day of the CHP hunting camp was wonderful and full of great stories about the deer that was hunted and gathered from last nights hunt. One group of hunters shot a big doe and the boys said they had to drag the deer across the river and up the hill. Today they hung it up skinned it and cut it up. Another group got two more deer. And one of our hunters Roman Beaulieu got his first deer. Today all of the groups set out to go hunting for birds and ducks. Some of the young hunters brought back partridges and ducks. The camp cook cheffed up a big pot of chili and this evening everyone grub on wild rice chicken and dumplings soup. We were fortunate to have fresh baked biscuits made by Karen Beaulieu.

From a post from "Our Red Lake Spirit" on Facebook October 20th: The last day of the Red Lake Chemical Health Hunting Camp will be very memorable for many youth. We had two young boys and one girl get their first deer. During our circle time Carol and Johnny Boy Barrett, and Jason Hart gave teachings. Spirit dishes were put out in the woods. Jerritte Caldwell and his drum group sang after the prayers.

Many hunting stories were told with laughter and excitement this morning. Tom Barrett Sr. gave instructions on cutting up a deer. Some of the deer that were gathered were shared amongst the youth to take home to their families. Some of the hunters traded wild rice for venison.

Many teachings were taught to the youth like gun safety, shining and using a spot light, how to spot a deer, how to aim, drag, gut and skin the deer. A big breakfast feast was cooked with fresh deer meat, oatmeal, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, cereal, and baked biscuits. It seems like the food is better when you eat around a camp fire.

And of course stories are always told about the late Darren Biscuit Defoe because he is missed each year and was always a big part of the hunting camp.

At the end of the camp everyone helped to clean up and tear down the camp. A total of 55 people participated including Representatives Bob Smith and Adrian Beaulieu. Thank you to all the staff, chaperones, volunteers and the youth for helping and making the camp a big success.

It was a good day to be Indigenous here on our land and hunting grounds. Everyone went home happy. See you next year.