The Rest of the RURE JNU Visit

Monday, Elsie came over in the afternoon and brought Platinum Dreams, a movie chronicling the history of Platinum. She then told them the more recent history of the area. The girls were invited to the Samuel house for caribou stew and agutak. Several other people showed up, so when they got home, they were still hungry. Janet made everyone sandwiches. The evening ended with another movie.

Tuesday, Frank James took three groups of students out seal hunting. Three were killed and lost (sunk) to become meals for the bottom scavengers. One younger spotted seal was brought in. The girls went to Autumn and Devin's home for dinner. Scout was in the last boat and was very cold so she decided to stay home and warm up. At 8:30 pm, everyone gathered in the shop to watch Frank and Helena gut, clean, portion and scrape the fat off the hide. Then several students and Autumn were given the opportunity to use an ulu to separate the fat from the hide. This process lasted until 10 pm. I was very tired, as was Zachary, who curled up in a chair and went to sleep, so I went home before the rest of the group.

Wednesday, Lori (our cook) was once again out sick, so I made pancakes for breakfast. Then with Naldo's help we cooked the leftover, from Sunday's beach cook-out, hamburgers and gave them chips for lunch. I put the left-over roast in left-over gravy and added left-over peas for the elder's lunch. I gave everyone ice cream for dessert. After lunch, Frank continued the ivory carving, which he started at 10:30 am. He gave each student a walrus tooth to carve for spear heads. At 2 pm, the students went to Mary Bavilla's house to see basket weaving. Elsie and Willie (her father) were to do storytelling at 3 pm, but they canceled. Frank James stepped up and gave a great talk about what was needed to survive while hunting here in this area. Everyone was very impressed.

A couple of families really stepped forward and made this exchange a very positive experience. Janet outdid what I have ever experienced. She brought enough food to feed all the students and staff every day they were here, plus lots of food to give away as presents.

Thursday, it was a very sad time for all as our JNU students left. Many pictures were taken and now our students look forward to next month when they will reunite in JNU. After having three girls and Janet with me all we, my house feels so empty and lonely.

Looking south in the evening.

Getting ready to seal hunt.

Frank explaining the equipment.

Returning from the hunt.

Bavilla Basket--Janet's gift.

Walrus tooth harpoon point.

The Group.

A nice goodbye.