Hosted by 
.
Fox trapping techniques have changed over the years. Inuit are very adaptable and as new technologies become available they readily use them to make life easier. To demonstrate the change in fox trapping over the years, show the students the three different pictures of fox trapping methods from the Kitikmeot region. Each picture depicts a different era (Traditional Times, Transitional Times and Modern Times). The stone fox trap was a box structure made of stone with a stone door which would fall over the opening when the fox disturbed the bait inside. In transitional times Inuit where supplied with leg hold traps that would grab the leg of a fox when the fox stepped on the trigger. Finally, the quick kill trap is modern technology that was developed to make trapping more humane.
Discuss the differences or similarities that you see across the three eras. What are reasons for the changes? What are reasons why some traditions and/or practices have continued?
OR
Both traditionally and in modern times, women have been involved in the fur industry. Ask your class what they think the role of women was and is. To help understand the role of women complete the following poem writing exercise:
Ask the students to choose a picture of a woman from the KHS site.
Write down a colour. The colour can not be just “red” but should incorporate an association. For example: blood red
Write down a rhythm/movement. Again, be specific using an association. For example: tip-toed, baby footsteps
Write down a texture (baby skin soft), a smell (sticky sweet) and a sound (snow crunch) using the same format of association.
The students should now have 5 statements based on one image. Ask the students to choose 1-2 of these statements or phrases to create three lines of a poem.
Students should show the beginnings of their poem to you before they move into the final stages of completing the poem.
Now the students are ready to complete the poem with as many lines as they want. They must include their initial three lines (in succession) in the poem.
To aid in the discussion use the following information about the role of women during the times of the fur trade:[1]
|
Women and Skills |
Women and Relationships |
|
· women never stopped, they were always busy cooking, sewing or preparing skins, they are very hard workers · women built the shelter · women are taught to learn and try things on their own · women learned all skills from their mothers or mother in laws and · women were responsible to care for and make the clothing for her entire family, keep it dry, repair it · women told men to cut the skins in the shape that she needed in in order to make the clothing
|
· women are raised to nurture · women are taught to keep the family together and to be aware of relationships · women are seen as good mothers and wives if their family has nice clothing · women followed the advice of any older females in their families · women followed specific customs if they were pregnant · women had to avoid conflict with the husband and had to obey him
|
[1] Inuuqatigiit. The Curriculum from the Inuit Perspective.
Hosted by |