Two girls celebrate tradition on successful caribou hunt

JOSEPH GREEN

March 13, 2008 at 2:23PM AKST

For The Tundra Drums

On the first winter activity program of the Tundra Women’s Coalition, two girls from the Teens Acting Against Violence program were chosen to go on their first caribou hunt, along with two TWC staff members and one young man from the community.

They first had to obtain caribou tags from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. People in the workplace and community members were called to let them know where we were going and when to expect us back.

The weather was warm, the air damp and at times wet from the snow, visibility was poor and the trail condition was soft and cushiony, but nobody complained.

We came to a stop to let the girls shoot and get to know the gun for safety reasons. We brought one gun – a mini 30 – for the girls to share.

Along the way we spotted a small group of caribou and decided to pass on them, thinking ahead that there may be more on the other side.

We went to a big high hill where we stopped to have lunch and wait for the weather to clear just enough to scope the area. We didn’t see anything so after an hour we all decided to hunt the few caribou that we saw earlier.

Two other herds emerged. Our young companion and one of the girls shot, each shooting one away from the herd. After teaching them how to skin and butcher the animal, we proceeded in the direction the caribou went.

Then it was the other girl’s turn to catch. After several times of unsuccessfully trying to get close enough and picking one separate from the group, she finally had a chance to shoot. She shot, and it was a good hit.

Both girls had to shoot a second time to finish off the animal and were reminded that to respect the animal so that it doesn’t suffer, their lives need to come to an end. One of the girls, along with family members, worked on the meat the following day.

It warms the heart to see families doing things together and giving praise that promotes positive personal growth to any individual. The girls each donated portions of their catch to the shelter and to the community.

TWC is planning a first catch ceremony to celebrate the girls’ first catch. The family and community will be encouraged to attend. Activities such as ptarmigan hunting, snaring/trapping, and ice fishing are listed for the winter activities.

Thanks to Jerry Drake of Bethel Community Services for helping to support the program by providing and donating two snowmachines to the program.

The community is invited to participate in activities that promote healthy lifestyles.

Joseph Green is community outreach and activities coordinator at Tundra Women’s Coalition in Bethel.