Far North Rambles #2: Nothing Is Wasted

Far North Friday: Nothing is wasted. Something that I saw and learned quickly when visiting with First Nation communities in the remote far north of Ontario is that many people still live off the land. They hunt and gather food and medicines from the land. Hunting of game comes with a different respect for the animal that gives up its life to feed the hunter and the family. I am not a hunter, but I respect those who do hunt as a means to support their families - as they have done for thousands of years. It is a part of their culture and spiritual being. Their skills and knowledge of the land and the life on the land is as important as the book knowledge that we value in the south.

I also saw that all parts of the animal or bird or fish are used and shared with others. Nothing is wasted. An example is illustrated in the photo. George Kakekaspan (Wasaho Cree Nation / Fort Severn First Nation) uses caribou sinew to connect a broken throttle lever on his outboard motor before we ventured out on the mighty Severn River. I respect that.

Andy Fyon, Aug 16, 2020 (Facebook, January 31/20)