Caribou

Students will:

• Know the Dene Laws: not clubbing caribou, burying or putting bones on a stage. (K-6)

• Know special characteristics of caribou. Caribou take care of their feet because they are walking people. The "Bible" in their jaws has a special message for those who can read it. Can talk to each other over long distances to organize themselves during migrations; each herd has a leader. Meaning attached to sketch on the caribou's skull. The Creator's message to caribou that it is to be main source of food for Dene. (Dogrib) (K-6)

• Know that some people share dreams with the caribou. This is a gift which the person might not be able to share with others. These people get their medicine power from the caribou. Know parts of caribou that can be used for medicine. Know that the gift must be given to you through a dream or vision before one can practice such medicine. (K-6)

Experiences:

• Hear elder explain the Dene laws regarding the caribou and the consequences of breaking the laws. (K-6)

• Gather bones around town and bury them with the help of an elder in the proper way they are to be handled. (K-6)

• Hear legends about caribou. (K-6)

  • The boy who went to live with the caribou.

  • Personal caribou hunt stories.

• Identify if possible someone in the community who shares dreams with the caribou. Have them talk to children about parts of the caribou which can be used for medicine. Do this in conjunction with other experiences where parts of the caribou

The Self

Students will:

• Be able to evaluate personal performance while preparing for a hunt, being on a hunt, or working with caribou products. (4-6)

• Know the kind of self-discipline that is required for successful caribou hunting and be personally prepared and committed to this. (6)

• Know if they have personal medicine connections to the caribou and what kind of behavior is required. (K-6)

• Know the historical relationships of their own family with caribou. (4-6)

• Be willing not to be wasteful.

• Mentally and spiritually prepare for a hunt. Take time to reflect, ponder and relate to the animal the reasons for hunting it. This will result in the animal willingly giving of itself during the hunt.

Experiences:

• Make a checklist of the kinds of discipline that are required of individuals involved in a caribou hunt: e.g. being aware of all that has to be done, showing responsibility for personal tasks, volunteering to help, guiding or teaching others, taking instruction accurately, anticipating when others need help. (5-6)

• Each student identifies one or more of the items on the checklist with which they feel they would like to challenge themselves. (5-6)

• Learn whether self or family members are not allowed to eat parts of caribou for medicine reasons. (K-6)