Derrick's Masterclass | Cloudberry

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"It is a challenge to keep up with our culutre... I want to share the skills that I have learnt"

Derrick Pottle is a 65 year old Inuk, married with 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He lives a traditional lifestyle of hunting, trapping and gathering. Inuit traditional values are very important to him. He is a commercial fur harvester and commercial guide. Derrick has spent 45 years working on different boards and advisory groups with Nunatsiavut eg: Torngat Mountains National Park and Mealy Mountains National Park, and polar bear advisory boards working with Inuit across Canada. He is owner / operator of BearSafe Planning Inc. which certifies bear guards and educates clients regarding bear safety. For the past 20 years Derrick as been involved in different aspects of the study of global warming and how it is impacting all people in the North. He has also travelled to Nunavut, Nunavik, Inuvialuit and Greenland as an Inuit culturalist with Adventure Canada

Preparing your Skidoo

20:46

Preparing your Skidoo

In this video, Derrick shares his experience and tips for preparing and maintaining a skidoo, with a strong focus on safety and practical troubleshooting. He walks viewers through the key steps to check before heading out on the land—inspecting belts, spark plugs, oil levels, and emergency gear. He also shares common issues that can arise while travelling and how to fix them, using personal stories to illustrate lessons learned over time. This video is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to travel safely and confidently in Arctic conditions, combining technical know-how with lived experience.

Ice Testing and Safety

17:19

Ice Testing and Safety

In this video, Derrick shares his experience and methods for checking ice conditions while travelling on the land. He explains how to read natural indicators—such as cracks, snow cover, and ice colour—and demonstrates traditional techniques for testing ice thickness and stability. Drawing on years of experience, he offers guidance on how to stay safe, recognize dangerous areas, and make informed decisions while navigating frozen terrain. His teachings blend practical skills with deep respect for the land, providing viewers with essential knowledge for safe and responsible travel.

How to Trap Wildlife

26:32

How to Trap Wildlife

An introduction video for a teacher discussing land-based learning would set the stage for understanding the deep connections between education, culture, and the environment. The teacher would introduce themselves, share their background, and explain the importance of learning directly from the land. The video would highlight how land-based learning integrates traditional knowledge, hands-on experiences, and ecological stewardship, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing. It would also outline key themes such as seasonal teachings, harvesting, wildlife tracking, and the role of storytelling in passing down knowledge. The introduction would invite students to engage with the land as a teacher, emphasizing respect, reciprocity, and active participation in learning.

How to Prepare Seal Skin

22:34

How to Prepare Seal Skin

In this video, a Derrick shares his experience and techniques for skinning a seal, offering detailed insights rooted in generations of Inuit practice. As he works, he explains the importance of respecting the animal, the traditional tools used, and the methods that ensure the pelt is preserved properly for clothing or other uses. The process is not only technical but deeply cultural, highlighting the relationship between Inuit hunters and the land. Through his storytelling and hands-on demonstration, we hope you gain a deeper appreciation for the skill, care, and knowledge involved in this important practice.

Skinning a Polar Bear

01:32:30

Skinning a Polar Bear

In this video, Derrick shares his experience preparing a polar bear skin, a process that requires skill, patience, and cultural knowledge. He explains each step in detail—from the initial skinning to the careful stretching, cleaning, and drying techniques used to preserve the hide. Along the way, he reflects on the cultural significance of polar bear hunting, the responsibility that comes with using every part of the animal, and the teachings passed down through generations. This video offers a rare and respectful look into an important Inuit practice, emphasizing both technical expertise and deep connection to tradition.

Where do your funds go?

100% of the funds you pay to access each video goes directly to the knowledge holder who is teaching and sharing their experience and skills!

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