People and programs 09/17/2024 It’s a Monday night at Natoaganeg Community Food Centre (CFC)—and it’s moose hunting season. That means moose meat is on the menu. Tonight, people are filling their plates with moose meatballs and spaghetti. The rich scent of slow-cooked meat fills the air. Elders and youth sit side by side, sharing stories as they enjoy a meal rooted in tradition. For many, this gathering is more than just a dinner. It’s a celebration of a practice that has sustained their community for generations. At Natoaganeg CFC (in Eel Ground First Nation, NB) and Turnor Lake & Birch Narrows CFC (in Turnor Lake, SK), moose hunting is a cherished tradition that brings people together. This practice is a vital source of nourishment and a powerful way for community members to connect with the land and each other. Ethical hunting—for community and conservation Jeff Larry, Program Coordinator at the Natoaganeg CFC, has been deeply involved in moose hunting for many years. “Moose hunting is allowed year-round for us [First Nations people] here, but we mostly keep it to the fall,” he explains. “This season offers the best conditions for hunting. The moose are plentiful, and they start getting their fat ahead of the winter.” Jeff recalls last year’s community hunt, which brought together 13 participants, including youth and Elders, on a warm Saturday. Despite spotting several moose, including eight cows and calves, the group chose not to hunt that day. To help sustain moose numbers, the group was targeting bulls only. “We waited for the right opportunity to ensure the hunt was ethical and manageable,” Jeff says. Rebecca Sylvestre, Program Manager at Turnor Lake & Birch Narrows CFC, echoes this ethical approach. “We take what we need and don't hunt excessively. A couple at a time, and it lasts us,” she notes. And like Jeff, the local community of Indigenous hunters follows specific rules, like prioritizing hunting bulls over cows, unless the cows are “dry” and unable to bear calves. “It’s about sustainability and respect for the animals,” Rebecca says. Celebrating traditions through shared meals At last year’s community hunt, Jeff harvested four moose. He gave three to the CFC and one to his uncle. “Sharing is a big part of the tradition,” he explains. “A moose is a very large animal, and this way, everyone benefits.” The sharing then continues—over the meal table. In hunting season, moose meat becomes a cornerstone of community meals at both CFCs. Natoaganeg CFC holds community drop-in meals on Mondays and Wednesdays. When available, moose meat is included in at least one of the meals each week. Meanwhile, at Turnor Lake & Birch Narrows CFC, some special events are held around the moose meat. “When we have our moose events, everybody gathers in our CFC around this meat. You're sitting with the Elders, getting this food that they depended on all their lives,” Rebecca explains. These gatherings bring the community together: to share meals and share traditional knowledge. Engaging youth and passing down knowledge “I try to get a lot of the younger people into moose hunting,” Jeff says. Like Rebecca, he’s passionate about passing down knowledge of moose hunting to younger generations and emphasizing its cultural significance. He shares one memorable experience with a 12-year-old boy who had never seen a moose hunt in the field. “He was really excited on the drive up,” Jeff recalls. But when the boy encountered the moose, “you could see his hands shaking. I told him, ‘There’s no next one, we’re bringing this one home.’” They were able to bring the moose home—but not before doing some hard work. The elated boy soon learned that after the excitement of the hunt, some essential tasks remained. They had to ready the moose for transport and clean, prepare, and package its meat. “That’s part of the responsibility,” Jeff explains. That boy now hunts every year, and Jeff takes pride in seeing the next generation become involved in the tradition. “He’s hooked now,” Jeff says with a smile. Preserving traditions amid growing challenges The moose hunting tradition that Jeff and Rebecca cherish faces increasing challenges. Industrial development, colonization, and government policies are reshaping the land they depend on, posing threats to both the wildlife and the cultural practices tied to it. Despite these obstacles, Rebecca remains committed to preserving her cultural traditions, including moose hunting. “We have to keep going,” she says. “I think if the government has its way and these mines have their way we’re gonna have to start a moose farm! We’re gonna grow our own moose just to feed our Elders.” Preserving these traditions has never been more vital.
It’s a Monday night at Natoaganeg Community Food Centre (CFC)—and it’s moose hunting season. That means moose meat is on the menu. Tonight, people are filling their plates with moose meatballs and spaghetti. The rich scent of slow-cooked meat fills the air. Elders and youth sit side by side, sharing stories as they enjoy a meal rooted in tradition. For many, this gathering is more than just a dinner. It’s a celebration of a practice that has sustained their community for generations. At Natoaganeg CFC (in Eel Ground First Nation, NB) and Turnor Lake & Birch Narrows CFC (in Turnor Lake, SK), moose hunting is a cherished tradition that brings people together. This practice is a vital source of nourishment and a powerful way for community members to connect with the land and each other. Ethical hunting—for community and conservation Jeff Larry, Program Coordinator at the Natoaganeg CFC, has been deeply involved in moose hunting for many years. “Moose hunting is allowed year-round for us [First Nations people] here, but we mostly keep it to the fall,” he explains. “This season offers the best conditions for hunting. The moose are plentiful, and they start getting their fat ahead of the winter.” Jeff recalls last year’s community hunt, which brought together 13 participants, including youth and Elders, on a warm Saturday. Despite spotting several moose, including eight cows and calves, the group chose not to hunt that day. To help sustain moose numbers, the group was targeting bulls only. “We waited for the right opportunity to ensure the hunt was ethical and manageable,” Jeff says. Rebecca Sylvestre, Program Manager at Turnor Lake & Birch Narrows CFC, echoes this ethical approach. “We take what we need and don't hunt excessively. A couple at a time, and it lasts us,” she notes. And like Jeff, the local community of Indigenous hunters follows specific rules, like prioritizing hunting bulls over cows, unless the cows are “dry” and unable to bear calves. “It’s about sustainability and respect for the animals,” Rebecca says. Celebrating traditions through shared meals At last year’s community hunt, Jeff harvested four moose. He gave three to the CFC and one to his uncle. “Sharing is a big part of the tradition,” he explains. “A moose is a very large animal, and this way, everyone benefits.” The sharing then continues—over the meal table. In hunting season, moose meat becomes a cornerstone of community meals at both CFCs. Natoaganeg CFC holds community drop-in meals on Mondays and Wednesdays. When available, moose meat is included in at least one of the meals each week. Meanwhile, at Turnor Lake & Birch Narrows CFC, some special events are held around the moose meat. “When we have our moose events, everybody gathers in our CFC around this meat. You're sitting with the Elders, getting this food that they depended on all their lives,” Rebecca explains. These gatherings bring the community together: to share meals and share traditional knowledge. Engaging youth and passing down knowledge “I try to get a lot of the younger people into moose hunting,” Jeff says. Like Rebecca, he’s passionate about passing down knowledge of moose hunting to younger generations and emphasizing its cultural significance. He shares one memorable experience with a 12-year-old boy who had never seen a moose hunt in the field. “He was really excited on the drive up,” Jeff recalls. But when the boy encountered the moose, “you could see his hands shaking. I told him, ‘There’s no next one, we’re bringing this one home.’” They were able to bring the moose home—but not before doing some hard work. The elated boy soon learned that after the excitement of the hunt, some essential tasks remained. They had to ready the moose for transport and clean, prepare, and package its meat. “That’s part of the responsibility,” Jeff explains. That boy now hunts every year, and Jeff takes pride in seeing the next generation become involved in the tradition. “He’s hooked now,” Jeff says with a smile. Preserving traditions amid growing challenges The moose hunting tradition that Jeff and Rebecca cherish faces increasing challenges. Industrial development, colonization, and government policies are reshaping the land they depend on, posing threats to both the wildlife and the cultural practices tied to it. Despite these obstacles, Rebecca remains committed to preserving her cultural traditions, including moose hunting. “We have to keep going,” she says. “I think if the government has its way and these mines have their way we’re gonna have to start a moose farm! We’re gonna grow our own moose just to feed our Elders.” Preserving these traditions has never been more vital.