Wendell A. Jr.

Comparing Hunting Strategies Across Seasons in Manitoba

Wendell A. Jr.
Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) Heritage Fair
Winnipeg, MB

My project started because I was curious about how hunting changes throughout the year in Manitoba. Since weather in Manitoba changes a lot, I wanted to know how hunters prepare for each season. 

I created questionnaires and interviewed my Dad who is a hunter, my papa who is one of the Elders in our community, other Elders and people in Crane River, Manitoba. They shared stories about hunting in winter, spring, summer, and fall. They explained how hunters change their clothing, tools, travel, and safety depending on the weather and animals. I also researched how hunting was done in the past and how it is done today. 

The key people in my project were my family, the Elders and community members I interviewed because they shared their knowledge and personal experiences. 

My final answer to my inquiry question is that hunters changed their methods, tools, and safety strategies because the seasons, weather, animals, and technology changed. But even with modern hunting tools today, traditional Indigenous knowledge is still very important. 

What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?

For my project, I used both interviews and research. I made questionnaires and asked my dad, my papa, Elders and community members about their hunting experiences and how they hunt in different seasons. Their answers were very helpful because they shared real stories and knowledge from experience. 

I also researched books, websites, and articles about hunting in Manitoba and Indigenous hunting traditions. 

My papa and other Elders and community members taught me about traditional ways of hunting, respecting animals, staying safe, and understanding the land. My research showed how hunting has changed over time because of new tools and technology. Using both helped me compare the past and present.

What is the historical significance of your topic?

My topic is important because hunting has been part of life in Manitoba for a very long time, especially for Indigenous peoples like us. Hunting was used for food, clothing, tools, and survival. It was also a way to teach skills and pass knowledge from one generation to the next. 

In the past, hunting helped families survive and live from the land. Over time, hunting changed because of new tools like firearms, snowmobiles, GPS, and better clothing. These changes made hunting easier in some ways, but many traditional teachings are still used today. 

Many people were affected by these changes, especially Indigenous communities and people living in rural and northern Manitoba. Hunting continues to be important for food, culture, and connection to the land. 

Why did you choose this topic? 

I chose this topic because hunting is an important part of Manitoba’s history and culture. I also wanted to learn more about how people hunt during different seasons and how those methods have changed over time. I chose this topic because I enjoy hunting too, and my dad always asks me to help him when he goes hunting. Because of that, hunting is something I’ve grown up around and it’s something I’m interested in learning more about. 

I was also excited to hear stories from Elders and community members because they have real experience and important knowledge to share. Listening to their stories helped me understand how hunting has changed over time and why it is still important today. This project felt special to me because it connects to my own life, my family, and my community.