Well, my Auntie Frieda taught me to maintain a camp, and how to haul water and chop wood. It’s hard work but it doesn’t even compare with back in the day. My Auntie is actually my grandmother by blood, and the skills she taught me will remain with me forever. If I ever get a camp I will most likely pass it down, because it’s important to know how it was for the Elders long ago. It was much tougher for them, and that’s partly why I have so much respect for them. I can hack a week out there on the land, but then I get tired. Living out there would be way too hard for me. So this is what I would want to pass on to my children, if I ever get the chance.
The story I am going to tell is about my trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. I was on the trip as part of the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers. We were going for a gathering of all drum dancers from around the world. It was a great experience, and I enjoyed myself. I got to spend time with my Dad and sister and get to know them. I didn’t get that chance in Inuvik. It was my first and only trip where I traveled outside of Canada. I enjoyed every part of the drive and the stay. The most interesting part of the trip was seeing the many different dances from around the world. I will never forget that trip, even though how young I was, then.