Traditional harvester and FMM’s Northern Community Facilitator, John Halkett, reflects on his time attending the recent Norway House Gathering this past summer in August.

By John Halkett

My experience at the Norway House Gathering was great, it was my first time being at the Norway House culture camp and first time on Molson Lake. I felt very welcomed by the locals.

The most memorable part of the gathering was the conversations and stories shared with everyone at the gathering. I got a chance to meet a member of the Navajo Nation who came there all the way from New Mexico to attend the Norway House Gathering.

John Halkett and FMM Community Project Coordinator, Myron Cook preparing geese at the gathering. Food Matters Manitoba staff

I partially learned new skills on hide tanning. I saw new methods on fileting fish that were different from the way I do it.

It means a lot to me to experience something like this in the Northern region, I have only ever been to ceremonies and gatherings that took place in Selkirk and around Winnipeg. It is very nice to experience how things are done at the culture camp for Norway House. I am very thankful to be a part of it all.

Group shot of attendees, Northern partners and FMM staff at the gathering. Food Matters Manitoba staff