The annual harvesting camp at Beaver Lake Cree Nation (BLCN) took place recently, sharing food and tradition among community members.
The five-day community harvest is organized by Beaver Lake Health Services with the assistance of other administrative departments within the Nation. All band members are welcome to take part.
Marilyn Gladue, the health director for Beaver Lake Health Services, said the camp holds a significant place in the Cree culture. In addition to harvesting wild animals such as buffalo and deer, the camp also places an emphasis on other areas of traditional knowledge such as medicines and the Cree language.
“The significance to our culture and traditions is in what we do and teach. Some medicines are taught during the harvest…traditional games are taught…food is enjoyed together…preparation of traditional foods are taught,” she said, adding that in addition to these activities, those who attend the camp are given an opportunity to learn how to fillet and smoke fish, as well as learning to cut and smoke wild meat.
According to Gladue, four buffalo from the band-owned buffalo ranch were harvested this year along with other locally harvested wildlife.
“This year, we were able to harvest moose and deer where every part of the animal is used as much as possible,” she explained, adding that fish netted by band members was also brought to the camp on a daily basis for filleting and smoking .
This year’s camp featured a lot of students from Beaver Lake’s Amisk Community School. Family members and elders were also present for many of the activities, making it a true community event, said Gladue.
“Members of BLCN from near and far come out with other visitors as well,” Gladue said. “The values of the Cree are taught and instilled throughout the whole process of the week.”
The teaching ties into year-round lessons and programs that help students and community members better recognize and preserve the Cree traditions.
“These values and virtues are taught either orally or through hands on teaching.”
The Beaver Lake Cree Nation Harvest Camp is held each year near the end of September or early October.
Images supplied by Beaver Lake Cree Nation Health Services.
