Shaking tent

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As to the discussion of bones, like moose or caribou bones, my father heard this story from the elders. A very long time ago, the moose completely disappeared. In response, the Cree hunters built a “kosapishcikan”, (shaking tent/wigwam) specifically for the moose. This “shaking wigwam” asked the moose why it had disappeared. So, the moose responded and said that the Cree hunters were careless, leaving moose bones scattered around. The moose said this is why they disappeared. The Cree hunters spoke to the moose, and promised they would not be careless as before, that they would bury the moose bones in the earth, and would not be seen scattered. So, the Crees, having spoken to the moose, have taught all to show respect for the bones, and not just moose bones, but of all animals as well. So, for instance, goose bones are sometimes hung as a sign of respect. However, the bones are buried or burned so that they won’t be seen as scattered. Small bones are discarded in the fire. Also, the practice of offering meat to the fire, there was a word coined by our grandfathers known as “kanachithakan”. When they respected something, or that part considered a great delicacy, they saved it, and this object was referred to as the “kanachithakan”.
When they keep this, the person is always successful in the hunt. So, a part of the most favoured meat is thrown into the fire as signifying our survival. So, a little of the meat's delicacies are thrown into the fire. Our ancestors used to have these kinds of beliefs, the burning of pieces of meat ensured our survival.

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Shaking tent by Emile Sutherland

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Belief ritual shaking tent hunting

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