Out on the Land

Welcome to the 4th year of The WILD Times and our first year in a new era! This is the first issue published by the new Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED), an amalgamation of the three former departments of Renewable Resources, Economic Development and Tourism, and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources;

In this issue, we feature some exceptional programs that take learning on to the land. A fall camp at the mouth of the Peel River, spring camps on Huskey Lake and Blachford Lake and summer camps on Great Slave Lake. Whether the emphasis is on survival skills, the effects of forest fires or outdoor recreation, the rewards of these programs are great, Most of these programs blend traditional knowledge and science into hands-on experi­ences. Through these programs, diverse community members—elders, teachers, parents, scientists, cooks, youth—are brought together to learn from each other and the land.

Other articles you will find inside illustrate how schools and regional RWED offices are working together to- provide courses in Career Technology Studies, training in firearm safety, and summer employment opportunities for youth. Look, too, for the latest resources for teaching about minerals, forests and energy.

Thanks to all our contributors for their time and energy!

The harvesting of the land for food f ish and meat is planned for you by the' Creator. You should stay with that way of life as long as possible, 'til the end. Don t leave it. Use the land. Don t ever leave the land. Even if there will be a strong power for you to leave the land, don't do it. You will not starve. Even if you don't have any money, you will be well off Some of us believe that the only way to live good is to go back to the land." —From Ayah's prophecy, as told by George Blondin, Elder from Deline, NT—