Playing Dab Iyiyuu: The Sledmaker - Part 4 of 5

Brief Description: Harry and Connie Bearskin live the traditional ways of the James Bay Crees. They have lived off the land all their lives. In this episode Harry makes a traditional toboggan that was used when moving camp or bringing game home. (Excerpt 4 of 5)

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Harry Bearskin: I’ll be done after this and I’ll take it on a journey.

This is the “Shakaupan”. That’s the Cree word. This is where you’ll tie your load to your sled.

That’s it. Pass me the crooked knife. I have at least 10 crooked knives. I use whichever I need for the job I’m working on. The different curves are for carving different pieces.

This will be the last step. Markers weren’t used in the past. It was called “Weemin” (ochre). It was dry – like a paint. When paint came along, that was used.

So now I’m making a design. You’ll look back on your sled and appreciate it. The game and the day will appreciate beautiful things. Maybe it’ll help you with your hunt and your life will go well. If you make your hunting tools badly, I don’t know what will happen, but maybe things won’t go well.

Production date: 2005