PINEHOUSE ANNUAL ELDERS GATHERING PINEHOUSE LAKE SASKATCHEWAN
Every year at Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan, people from at least 11 distinct communities across Canada converge to honor elders, custom, and culture.
Pinehouse Lake is known for bringing people together for family, friends, culture, and tradition. This is one of the reasons why the annual event attracts so many people.
Pinehouse is a Metis/Cree community on the western bank of Minahikowskahikan Shkahikan, commonly known as Pinehouse Lake, with a population of about 1500 people. To the nearby Cree and Metis, the lake was formerly known as Kinpihko-shkahikan (Snake Lake).
The majority of the residents in this village of roughly 1,500 people speak Cree and michif as their first language. Pinehouse, like many other northern towns, has a young population, with roughly 55 percent of residents under the age of 20.
"We just want all of the northern communities to take part, to bring their elders, and just visit to share stories." -Chris Hansen
The community's use of traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping methods was crucial to their survival. This northern village has a strong Metis/Cree worldview, which is ingrained in the local economy and has aided in development.
The story of Pinehouse describes a community that was forced into existence, but that has become a real home for so many of its people. Their history is one of belonging and a shared worldview and commitment to their own social, cultural, and economic survival.
Pinehouse residents continue a variety of traditional and cultural activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering. Annual Cultural camps for youth and annual Elders Gathering help to educate citizens and preserve the traditional ways of the Pinehouse Métis community.
"The elders of the community teach the younger generation the skills of the north, everything from preparation hide to different ways of doing traditional meats to different ways of fish-filleting and preparing those traditional meats, as well as techniques of harvesting."
Canadian Geographic has taken a special interest in the strong Michif language roots in Pinehouse Lake.
Watch some jigging here
People are taught to cook, prepare fish, carve wood and boat and paddle making at the gathering as well.
Pinehouse Annual Elders gathering 2018 video
The week long event is expected to return this year!!
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