A Visit to the Doig River First Nation

By Rina Takamatsu

I went to Doig River. I could have a good experience. I saw a moose hide and I saw the process to make the shoes, clothes and so on. I touched the skin. It was soft. That had a big impact on me. I didn’t know that. I knew our ancestors’ life many years ago. They had great knowledge.

Then I ate bannock. This tasted like bread. I saw their dance. It was wonderful. They looked excited, and I heard First Nation’s story. I’m glad I heard the story. I sometimes couldn’t understand, but I think I almost understand. I want to appreciate my ancestors because I’m so happy now.

We Visited Doig River First Nation

By Young Dae Jang

Yesterday, we visited the Doig Rive rFirst Nation. We learned about First Nation culture. It was very interesting. First of all, we watched stage 2 [of preparing a moose hide], scraping because many elementary students came there. So my group started to watch stage 2. The stage 2 scraping showed us how to remove the moose hair. Scraping does take time and patience of a day.

Second, we watched Stage 3, Grease and Brain. Stage 4, Soaking and Wringing, Stage 5, Flouring and Tanning/smoking. It was very marvelous.

After we watched, we ate a hotdog and bannock. Especially, I like bannock. I ate bannock with jam and butter. It had a very good taste.

Third, we crowded in the middle of the centre where a First Nation explained about First Nation history. We could listen to First Nation culture, but I couldn't understand all things. I just understood 10%.

Finally, the First Nations were singing and dancing with a steady rhythm. The dancing was turning round and round by a fire.

I really enjoyed that time. I took a lot of pictures. When I go back to Korea, I will explain about and show my family First Nation culture.

A Visit to Doig River

By Chinatsu Kamon

I went to Doig River First Nation Doig River Reserve. I saw various things there. First I saw moose skins, various parts and it smelled bad. Moose skins were made into wallets, shoes, clothes, and so on. I saw the traditional way. Next I saw foxes. But the foxes are only leather, so I couldn’t touch it. The foxes’ skins would be wallets and clothes like the moose skins. Next I made bannock and ate it. It was very delicious. Next I saw traditional dance and drum. I saw it and ate two hot dogs. It tasted good. In Doig River First Nation, many people came. Many children did a traditional dance. But the weather was very bad and very, very cold. I wish if I go there again, it is sunny.

About Doig Day Events

By Mana Nishihara

I attended a Doig Day events. I had never seen such a spectacle. First, I saw a moose hide. After I touched it with my hand, it felt strange. It was stretched and tightened around the frame. I didn’t smell something. I saw animal furs. The animal kind is a bear and a fox. Secondly, I made bannock. I experienced it for the first time. I spread jam on bannock. The, it tasted delicious. After, I heard a traditional native game and listened to the beat of the drum. Finally, I joined the round dance. The, the children were happy. It was fun. It was a good experience for me. Thank you for inviting us.

Doig River First Nation

By Ayako Suzuki

I went to the Doig River First Nation. It was a very fun day. First, I talked to a lot of people about moose hair. The moose hair felt good and very soft. Secondly, I saw the Canadian traditional clothes. They were very beautiful, and I wanted to wear the Canadian traditional clothes. Thirdly, I saw the Canadian traditional dance, and I played the Canadian traditional dance. Most interestingly, I ate the bannock. It was very delicious. I like it. I think that I got a valuable experience.