On February 19, 2024, traditional teachers from NNOC High School, OK Elementary, and Country Foods came together to share what they do best, Preserving our NCN Cree traditions, with Tarra Drevet (Agrifood Index), Rheal Lafreniere (Bee Keeper), Wendy Carnegie (National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food & Manitoba Agriculture), and Jayde Hobson (Indigenous Services). The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the hands-on learning experiences that connect NCN youth to their Cree traditional ways of life.
The day began with a tour of the land-based education programs, where students learn vital skills tied to survival, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Clinton Moore, a land-based teacher at NNOC, led a demonstration on wolf snaring techniques, explaining the importance of strategic snare placement and using high-quality materials to ensure humane and ethical hunting practices. He described how intelligent and cautious wolves require carefully placed snares set in a circular formation around a food source, such as a caribou carcass. Using high-grade cable and locking mechanisms, he emphasized how responsible trapping reduces unnecessary suffering for animals. Clinton also shared a cautionary story about a wolf that suffered a severe infection due to a faulty snare, reinforcing the importance of proper techniques and materials.
Following the demonstration, the delegates met with educators from the land-based programs from NNOC and OK School and Country Foods to discuss ways to support and expand traditional learning. A key focus of the meeting was the need for a dedicated traditional learning space. In this building, students could be taught the full process of traditional harvesting, food preparation, and cultural practices in an inviting environment. The discussion also highlighted the value of networking with other northern communities, allowing them to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collectively strengthen Indigenous knowledge systems.
The visitors expressed their admiration for the commitment to cultural preservation demonstrated by NCN educators. One delegate emphasized the importance of learning directly from the communities, stating, “The needs of the people can only be defined by the people themselves. By working together, we can create solutions that empower Indigenous communities and ensure that these traditions continue for future generations.”
The meeting marked an essential step in building stronger partnerships between NCN and external organizations, fostering new opportunities for Indigenous-led education and cultural sustainability.
