Today was a day filled with laugher, good food and timeless lessons. The group today had the privilege of learning the traditions behind what traditional Cree meals were and how food, like in any culture, is the binding agent to us all.
Each team member had the opportunity to customize their trip and add a personal touch however they saw fit. While some members of the team ventured across the river others worked on professional development with members of the community. Following the morning adventures the team met up with our community lead, Laurie, at her home where she put each of us to work preparing a traditional meal complete with bannock, moose and dumplings and goose. We learned that bannock, like any recipe, changes with the chef and that cooking is as much an experience as enjoying the food once cooked.
Our guests of honor this evening were community elders who came with insight and an appetite. It was over this amazing meal that we shared stories of each other's families, the history of the area and more than a few jokes. It was during this meal that the entire team agreed that a special place in their hearts was reserved for Moose Factory and the people who call it home.
After dinner the team decided to try their hand at beading. Much like cooking with Laurie this activity was deeply rooted in Cree culture and provided a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Canada's First Nation's People. The night ran late but up until the last few moments everyone seemed content with their own creations, the colour combinations as unique and diverse as the creators.
Our last night in Moose Factory is spent with high spirits and a deep appreciation. Each of us have something to be thankful for and an experience worth repeating, due in no small part to what we did and saw here.
"The great thing in this world is not so much as where you stand, as in what direction we are moving" - Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Each team member had the opportunity to customize their trip and add a personal touch however they saw fit. While some members of the team ventured across the river others worked on professional development with members of the community. Following the morning adventures the team met up with our community lead, Laurie, at her home where she put each of us to work preparing a traditional meal complete with bannock, moose and dumplings and goose. We learned that bannock, like any recipe, changes with the chef and that cooking is as much an experience as enjoying the food once cooked.
Our guests of honor this evening were community elders who came with insight and an appetite. It was over this amazing meal that we shared stories of each other's families, the history of the area and more than a few jokes. It was during this meal that the entire team agreed that a special place in their hearts was reserved for Moose Factory and the people who call it home.
After dinner the team decided to try their hand at beading. Much like cooking with Laurie this activity was deeply rooted in Cree culture and provided a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Canada's First Nation's People. The night ran late but up until the last few moments everyone seemed content with their own creations, the colour combinations as unique and diverse as the creators.
Our last night in Moose Factory is spent with high spirits and a deep appreciation. Each of us have something to be thankful for and an experience worth repeating, due in no small part to what we did and saw here.
"The great thing in this world is not so much as where you stand, as in what direction we are moving" - Oliver Wendell Holmes.