John R. Delaney Youth Centre’s Ice Fishing
This was the JRDYC’s first outdoor, land-based programming which was funded by a project venture with the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Global and Community Engagement and their Students for Canada’s North project. The endeavour was called Milo Pimatisiwin, which translates to the Good Life. One of the many great ideas and components to this project was to get youth out on the land. Although we live in a remote area, surrounded by beautiful nature and the ability to practice our traditional Cree practices, it remains a challenge for some youth to get on the land and learn.
We took a small group of youth with experienced outdoors guides. They were taken out by skidoo and taught how to ice fish. Along with the experience of fishing they were reminded/taught the importance of making an offering and giving thanks for the fish. It was a fun day for everyone that attended.