Gwich’in Calendar

Following work with the seasonal rounds, Charyl Charlie - Land and Language Connector for Chief Zzeh Gittlit School in Old Crow – wanted to create a resource that brings that information to people in a form they can use every day.

“I can just wake up in the morning and look at the calendar and see Arnica. This is the season to harvest arnica and this is what it is used for,” Charyl demonstrates as an example. “The trick was to pull it all together and also to connect people with the books that are being developed on their behalf. Like booklets on traditional medicines by Elders. They have been developed as a valuable resource with valuable information.”

By compiling all of this information and putting it into a tool that is quick and easy to use, Charyl is confident that people will get more from their time on the land. It’s more than just getting an animal and having meat. Charyl says she has one story that really stuck with her because it illustrates how all the different types of harvest the land offers work together to keep us healthy.

“When I would visit with Grandma Mary Netro, she would tell me stories about her time on the land. Being a part of hunting parties that would allow the group to work together and celebrate the harvest by sharing a big meal together and at this time, they would not only eat plenty of vadzaii (caribou) but they would also complete the meal with cranberries which we all know has a valuable source of antibacterial properties and is rich in antioxidants. Harvesting and using all that was available to our people in season is who we are as Gwich’in.”

Every season of the year is connected to harvest. “Our whole life is based on harvesting - the whole year round,” said Charyl. “And everything that is harvested is used for something. So rabbit is used for food but then the fur is dried and turned inside out for inside your boots or mitts.”

This calendar will allow the community to track their harvest, learn more about what can be harvested, and processed, and will ultimately contribute to traditional wellness for the community and school setting.

*Note: as more Land and Language Connectors join the FNSB team, Charyl will work with them to develop calendars like this for their traditional territories.