|
|
How we lived with the Land
Onto the Prairies
As the days grew longer, we watched
the plants for signs that the cold weather had passed. The greening
grass and budding plants drew buffalo onto the plains from their
winter homes in the wooded valleys and foothills. We moved away
from our winter campsites and onto the plains. |
|
|
 |
Men Hunting
Our men were usually away from camp, hunting for buffalo, dee,r
and elk. These were the best animals to eat. The men also kept watch
for any intruders into our territory.
|
 |
Glenbow Archives NA-17000139
|
 |
|
 |
Collecting Camas Roots
Camas roots were important sources of starch and also sweetened our food. They were collected and dried for the winter.
 |
Buffalo Herds
Buffalo moved onto the plains from the river valleys and foothills, and began to gather into large herds.
 |
 |
|
|
Women Preparing Hides
Women spent more time preparing buffalo, deer, and elk hides as the warmer weather allowed for more outdoor activity.
Cleaning and tanning hides took a long time. It was difficult work and required a lot of skill and patience. Women often worked together, making it a social occasion. Women were always working with the hides, preparing them and making clothing or tipi covers.
 |
 |
Glenbow Archives NA-5425-137
Glenbow Archives NA-2313-16 |
|
|
Niinainsskaahkoyinnimaan
(Thunder Medicine Pipe Ceremony)
With the sound of the first thunder, the
Niinainsskaahkoyinnimaan (Thunder Medicine Pipe ceremonies) were held and Thunder was called upon to bring good weather, plenty of rain, and a good year to the people.
Read the story about Thunder to learn more.
 |
Beaver Ceremony
Beaver ceremonies were held as the ice left the rivers. These ceremonies reminded us that we are connected with all of Creation. Read the story about the beavers to learn more.
 |
|
|
|
|
Buffalo Berries
When the buffalo berries bloomed we knew that the buffalo bulls were leaving their winter grounds for the summer range. Bulls are only prime food for a short period of time in the spring. Their meat gets tougher and doesn’t taste as good over the summer as they get ready to rut (mate).
 |
Weasels and Rabbits
As the weather warmed, the animals moved onto the plains from the wooded valleys and hills.
Aapaikai (weasels) and
aaataistaiks (rabbits) change colour from white to brown. This is another sign of spring.
|
|
|
|
Parfleche
Kayis (dry meat) and berries were stored in rawhide containers such as this.
 |
 |
Collection of Glenbow Museum
|
|
|
 |
"This is the time of year when the Saskatoon berries ripen. Often, the nearby coulees have big crops and we don't have to move. This spring, it has been dry here and there are not many berries. They are more abundant further to the north."
|
"The berries are too far away for us to travel and return to camp each day. We have decided to move our camp closer to where there are lots of berries."
 |
 |
|
|
