Pistes d'exploration

Use a teacher-selected online mapping site to explore the community of Lutsel K’e. Examine maps, satellite images and photographs. Where is it located in relation to your community? How is it the same as or different from where you live?

Compare and contrast the skills you have learned from your parents and teachers with those skills that Pete teaches his nieces and nephews.

Why do you think Pete says, “We must first take care of the caribou and the land”? Discuss the importance of caribou and the environment to Pete and the Denésǫliné/Chipewyan people.

What does the cover picture tell you about the story? What do you think the title means?

With a partner, create a mind map of information you learned about the caribou.

Construct a timeline of Pete’s life. Compare timelines with another student.

Before reading, list and discuss assorted winter activities. What do you know about hunting, fishing, trapping? Identify some important traditions in your family.

What message is the author is trying to convey?

Pete dedicates the book to his nephew, saying: “Learn to respect other people and be a good person in life.” Find examples in the text that illustrate how Pete follows this advice in his own life. Describe something you have learned from a family member.

Shi-shi-etko, A Native American Thought of It: Amazing Inventions and Innovations

Mots-clés

Non-fiction , Arctic , caribou , environment , hunting , illustrations (photographs) , Indigenous peoples , Northwest Territories , Pete Enzoe , traditions

Commentaire descriptif

“I have spent my life on the land of my ancestors. I will continue to share the stories of my people … to read the land as I travel.” This fully illustrated non-fiction book uses storytelling techniques to tell of one man’s life in Canada’s north, as he uses traditional values to negotiate contemporary society. Quality photographs document a candid peek at Pete Enzoe and his family on the land (ice fishing, skinning caribou, playing traditional games) and at home (tanning hides, preparing dry meat). In addition, they show Pete’s involvement in scientific expeditions and the protection of his people’s traditional territory. The language touches on colonialist oppression: “Europeans thought their way of life was better that that of the Dene, and they did many things to take away their freedom.” But the book’s emphasis is on empowerment and self-actualization. Pete’s own account combines with information-rich captions and traditional stories, beautifully conveying his sense of interconnection between action and values, present-day knowledge and cultural tradition. End material offers additional background and Dene language information. This is an excellent resource, offering a valuable perspective on what it means to live life well.