On Thursday, the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) received a gift of love not in the usual kind of cash or clothes as it is commonly seen.
This time a group who went on hunting expedition were blessed with a successful trip, and they thought it wise to donate to the PAGC Relatives Lodge that serves as a warming centre and shelter for the homeless.
The group of eight men, some of whom are staff of the PAGC, decided to go on a hunting expedition near Porcupine Plains led by PAGC Grand Chief Hardlotte.
“We went out to Porcupine Plain (to hunt) eight of us and we successfully got three big moose approximately 1,300 pounds,” Vincent Brittain, Director for Urban Services/Relatives Lodge, PAGC said.
From this hunt they processed the meat into different forms such as hamburger, roasted meat
“We got different cuts like roast, hamburger—just some things that can go a long way—and broke it down so that the Lodge can cook soups,” Floyd Cook , Lands Base Coordinator, PAGC said.
The January hunt took roughly 13 hours and required the use of multiple dog sleds. The group didn’t get back to Prince Albert until 10 p.m.
“All of us went in different directions of about four or five teams just to make sure our chances of getting something was more successful,” Brittain explained. “On the way back it was about 4:35 p.m. (and) getting dark. My colleague on one of the sleds stood up and took a shot and asked me ‘did you see that?’. I said ‘no.’”
That shot was a perfect one that got a very big moose.
Another of the teams that was out too got another big moose from their hunting
Workers packing the processed Moose Meat donated by the Hunting Group into the PAGC Relatives Lodge on Feb. 26 at the Relatives Lodge, PA Exhibition Grounds.
“It was long day of just being outside,” Brittain said of the experience. “Making sure that you are dressed for the weather is very essential to makes sure that your are not freezing and your toes are not cold.”
With two big moose, the hunting party felt they have gotten enough for the day and decide to head home and handover their prey to those who are skilled in preparing it.
“We do have some people that know how to harvest the moose very easily and get it all put inside the sled,” Brittain explained.
The hunt wasn’t without its challenges. One of the sleds broke down and they had to leave it there with the plan to come back for it the next day since it was already getting dark.
It all worked out for good, however. The very next day some members went back to get the sled and they ended up getting another moose.
Brittain said Hardlotte played a big role in organizing the expedition.
“Our Grand Chief was there, (and) he was the one that initiated the plan,” Brittain explained. “We need that food sovereignty. The prices of meat is very costly and he is like ‘we needed to do this one and give back to the community.’ He ended up getting a group that could go hunting.”
The team included the Grand Chief, Floyd’s team, Edward Mirasty, director of education, David Sanderson, Manager for Public Safety /Justice, Jeff Despins, who runs the Northern Lights Development Corp, and Jay Castor.
The Party also carried out some traditional rites upholding the tradition of the Woodland Cree Nation.
“Some of the traditions we followed included blowing down tobacco, saying prayers and thanks. Some of the guys there had a fire going and actually cook some of the organs while they are out there. Its one of the traditions to honour the animals and some of the parts of the animals and for a successful hunt the next time,” Floyd said.
The hides were sent to the Land-based program.
“At the lodge there are 35 bedspaces, so we are feeding 35 potential people a day,” Brittain said. “This meat and the meals that we prepare, this will most likely last for months.
”My colleague was talking about when we do cut up the moose and harvest it, nothing goes to waste. Everything is utilized. Heart, kidneys moose nose eyes all of these things are used in some shape or form. That day I had the opportunity of having some kidneys and fat. For me that was my first time of ever eating kidney. It was very humbling.”
He also explained that up to the neck bones, spines are actually used. His preference is neck bones.
Brittain also touched on the issues of the Indigenous hunting rights, sovereignty and traditional hunting.
“It is important that Treaty rights are upheld and there should not be any restriction that you can’t go hunting when in actual fact that is treaty rights that have been in existence long before these legislations came up,” he said.
He also added that these will help to alleviate some of the cost in getting meals for the needy in Prince Albert.
Hunting said the hunt could be held in winter or fall, but winter has typically been the tradition.
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