Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in(TH) First Trapper Culture Camp 2011-2012 was to be held at the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Culture and Education Camp at Km 131, Dempster Highway, but due to seven unforeseen passings and cold weather delays, it was decided to hold several days of workshops over a period of time to try and meet the goals that were in the initial First Trapper schedule. Orientation was held on January 7, 2012 at the TH Hall, the first Workshop was held on January 17, 2012 at one of the TH Trapper’s residence in the Dome Subdivision. The final two Workshops commenced at the Dome Resident once again and both days took the group on skidoos up behind the Second Dome, approximately 12km return, to check the trapline. This initial First Trapper program, hosted by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in was geared towards enhancing trapping activities and stewardship for Dawson City youth. During the Workshops, the youth were exposed to many issues and practices associated with commercial and subsistence trapping, furthermore, biological and habitat particulars. The youth learned about different types of management, different fur bearing animals, traditional knowledge, how to handle the traps, set the traps, retrieve the traps, trap safety, out-door safety, skidoo maintenance and how to skin a marten, in addition to numerous discussions about respect for the land. The Workshops was created to teach safe, ethical, and respectful trapping practices to our young community members. First Trapper also helped the youth gain self- esteem and skills in order to make healthy, safe, positive lifestyle choices, and a chance to learn about Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in culture and heritage.
Proponent: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
Contract: C5-2011-6
Amount Awarded: $$8620.00 ($5431.00 was used as the project was downsized, remainder returned to Trust)
Final Report: Download