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RIGOLET LAND LEARNING PROGRAM
The Rigolet Land Learning Program is an initiative designed to deepen the connection between Rigolet youth and their cultural heritage through land and culture-based activities and mentorship. Facilitated by the Torngat Wildlife & Plants Co-management Board, the program offers trips and activities that engage young people in culture-rich, experiential learning on the land surrounding Rigolet.
Trip 1
Boil Up Tree
On January 27, youth were brought out to the "Boil Up Tree" outside of Rigolet. It was an easy afternoon of getting wood for a fire and eating some good grub while sitting on caribou skins. Derrick Pottle share knowledge about his experience on the land, but also with interacting with different Indigenous cultures across Inuit Nunangat and abroad (including Australia). Some youth also had the opportunity to try out a seal-skin whip, which was traditionally used by dog-sledders to increase the pace of their dog team.
Snare Making
On January 21, youth learned how to make snares for trapping wildlife like martin or lynx. Derrick shared how these specific snares were considered more ethical because they killed the animal in a shorter amount of time rather than dragging out over a longer period. Interested youth will be setting up these snares at a later point in the winter.
Mitt-Making
During the week of Jan 22, youth took part in a seal-skin mitt-making activity. This was led by Jane Shiwak, a well respected semstress from Rigolet.
Komatik Making
On January 22, youth learned a traditional way of making a komatik. This included a technique that doesn't use nails, but instead weaves the wood together with sinew.
Hebron Youth Trip
In mid-April, 2024, we partnered with the Department of Health and Social Development's Youth Program to go on a caribou hunt they were organizing around Hebron. The trip would be the first organized caribou hunt for youth in more than 10 years, and DHSD hopes to make this an annual trip. The main goal was to provide a land-based experience for youth across Nunatsiavut, while hopefully hunting caribou, fishing for char, and taking part in other activities around Hebron and north of Nain. The trip included 6 youth (2 from Nain, 1 Rigolet, 3 Makkovik), and 6 mentors/guides/program leaders (all from Nain), and David joined to help film.
We left town around 10am. You could feel everyone's excitement when we were taking off from Nain. This first day had beautiful weather as we were going from Nain to Hebron. Best kind of day you could ask for. We stopped throughout the day, every 30min or so to have a break from driving. We looked at seal holes, for partridges, and other miscellaneous activities along the way
We arrived in Hebron around 7pm. We spend the rest of the evening getting settled and bringing all the supplies into the cabin, as well as eating a good meal, and telling stories at night about polar bears.
Our luck changed on the second day, as we were faced with a big white out. We were supposed to go up to Torngat park to hunt caribou, but we stayed in Hebron instead because it was not safe to go out.
Although we didn't have good weather, youth spent a lot of time outside around the cabin, trying to catch snow birds as a way of doing something and passing time. They never caught one, but were outside in the snow for hours doing so.
We went into the Hebron Church, which was interesting for many youth who have ancestry tied to Hebron. They got to see some of their ancestors’ visuals within the Church itself. We explored different parts of the building, including the old sleeping areas, jail, and the watch tower.
Although weather conditions were very poor and we weren't able to get out for two full days, we all still made the most of our time together in the cabin. Some of the youth made some crafts with string, and stories were shared about past trips and experiences. Overall, youth still seemed to enjoy being out and in cabin with each other.
On the final day, we woke up at 5am for one last shot at seeing caribou. We went into the park for maybe 30min, but realized the conditions were just too poor to find caribou, and we knew we had a long day to get back. Once we started heading back to Nain, we were faced with several challenges. One of the komatik's broke. Then, a skidoo broke down. We were also about 30min away from Nain when we got stuck in slab. Spent an hour getting the skidoos out, which meant we only got back into Nain just before midnight.
On the way home, conditions were pretty much a white out or overcast until we got towards the Kiglapait Mountains. From that point onwards to Nain was a beautiful day and evening, and we were lucky to see a nice sunset before wrapping up our trip.
This first Hebron trip was filled with challenges related to travel conditions, weather, and equipment breakdowns. And yet, it was a memorable experience filled with lots of laughs, stories, and activities that supported everyone's own well-being, both youth and adult alike. It was a learning experience, an opportunity to be on the land, and an initiative that we hope will be continued on into the future.
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