Whitefish Fall Fish Camp 2019

Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation & Smith's Landing First Nation

Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) invited Smith’s Landing First Nation (SLFN) to attend the Fort Chip Fish Camp on September 9-13, 2019. SLFN representatives at the Fish Camp were two Elders: Annie Burke & Jackie Emile. As well as, two technicians: Jason Saliga and Kristielyn Jones.

Photo, left to right: Bruce Maclean, Jackie Emile, Jason Saliga, Keane Jones (Kristielyn's son) & Annie Burke

Kristielyn Jones & Annie Burke, on our way to the Fish Camp!

The hosting community were very welcoming and provided everything from tents, cots, food and equipment. The weather cooperated with us as well.

Lila's Kitchen, where we ate breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had to travel by boat to eat because the kitchen was located away from the main camp.

Each morning the crew would pull nets and collect fish. This net was set on Lake Claire, AB, which is only 6 feet deep! The low water levels in this lake have been a concern for MCFN & ACFN.

Jason and Kristielyn participated in the technical side of the fish camp, such as:

  • Pulling nets,
  • Data collecting/recording,
  • Fish dissecting,
  • Collecting age, sex, weight, and,
  • Tissue sampling & assessment

This data will be collected in MCFN’s database to strengthen their understanding of the health of the Peace Athabasca Delta.

Jason Saliga, geared up and ready to pull nets!

Tissue samples from the Whitefish were taken to measure Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's), total mercury, and isotopes.

MCFN and ACFN are apart of a “Land User Network”, where the local knowledge holders and Elders gather and share the knowledge that they have observed while out on the land. Bruce Maclean, a scientist who has been working with MCFN, shared the results from last year’s fish camp and collected feedback.

Elder Jackie Emile sharing his story about how he grew up on the land, at the knowledge sharing circle.

Annie and Jackie participated in the dry-fish, making an aspect of the camp. The remains of the healthy fish samples were made into dry-fish for the community to share. They shared knowledge, experiences and made connections with MCFN and ACFN Elders. It was, indeed, an incredible experience.

Elder scaling fish, in preparation for dry-fish making.

Cultural activities was a main component to this camp; an Elder demonstrated how to make a fishnet by hand, as seen in this picture. Students from Fort Chip participated in the science and cultural aspects of the camp. Youth and Elders are encouraged to work together, and promote the transmission of Indigenous Knowledge.

Keane Jones getting first-hand experience dissecting a fish.

It was an honor to have represented SLFN at the Fall Fish Camp! We had an amazing week! We learned new skills and made new long-lasting connections! This was the first time the Cree & the Dene have collaborated and gathered for a common purpose!

Mahsi-cho

Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Bruce Maclean, kitchen/camp staff & everyone who contributed to this fall fish camp!!

Kristielyn Jones & Annie Burke, on our way to the Fish Camp!

Lila's Kitchen, where we ate breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had to travel by boat to eat because the kitchen was located away from the main camp.

Jason Saliga, geared up and ready to pull nets!

Tissue samples from the Whitefish were taken to measure Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's), total mercury, and isotopes.

Elder Jackie Emile sharing his story about how he grew up on the land, at the knowledge sharing circle.

Elder scaling fish, in preparation for dry-fish making.

Keane Jones getting first-hand experience dissecting a fish.