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Voices ᐋ ᐄᔮᔨᐧᒫᓂᐧᐃᒡ

Bug season

BY Sonny Orr Aug 14, 2019

I observed several old friends of mine all busy minding our nation’s business as CEOs, lawyers and chiefs, not to mention as the occasional CFO, COO and DO. With this much power around, it may seem that I had ventured into a G7 summit. But, no, it’s our own government working away. Seeing my old buddies, I thought back to where we all came from and the constant uphill battle to keep our nation afloat. Some may think that the political world today is all schmooze and booze, when most of it actually involves keeping their noses sharp at the grindstone. It’s about building something from the ground up.

I remember the days of old when starting a nation meant taking over communications, transportation and education, which went rather well considering the deep social deficit we inherited. Now we have many structures and services, along with the money and other resources that a nation needs to operate.

In other news, our attention was captured by a week-long manhunt for two young fugitives on the run from British Columbia. After making it to northern Manitoba, their bodies were finally found days after a busted-up rowboat washed up on the shore of the massive Nelson River, downstream from some powerful rapids.

Apparently, few humans can live out on the land – unless, as the late, great Chief Dan George chuckled to his movie partner Clint Eastwood, “You’re an Indian”. Maybe the city streets are a little safer for those adventure tourists, who often need saving by spectacular helicopter rescues in the high Rockies after causing avalanches and failing to heed the danger signs. At least there aren’t any bugs at that altitude.

Except for the many meetings on which our people are kept up-to-date live on air – taking up valuable country music airtime on local stations – or by live-streaming, it’s a rather tepid summer. Nothing to write home about when you’re stuck at home wishing you were in Vegas instead of swatting flies and mosquitoes. All that while overdosing on the DEET that doubles as an après shave cologne on a humid Friday night.

Interestingly, the June bugs and dragon flies seem to be quite abundant and killing a lot of mosquitoes. But getting hit by a large bug or chewed by a small one is a bit of a tradeoff. I, for one, prefer the dragon fly. It’s the best bait for fishing when in the larvae stage. Who needs measly worms when you got a hefty quarter ouncer of bug flesh to tempt your waiting trout?

Yes, it’s a challenge to use your lure without any enhancements or tinkering, lure scents or even a backup net. While you’re at it, cut out the high-speed boat which just makes the fish swim faster and further away. Instead, use some stealth, like a paddle canoe. Trick the fish into entering your shadow for some heat relief and use gut instincts for a change instead of a sonar which can tell you the sex of your fish 30 feet away.

Anyways, all this having been said, it’s time for fishing. Get out of that boring boardroom and get some sunshine, old friends!

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Sonny Orr is Cree from Chisasibi, and has been a columnist for the Nation for over 20 years. He regularly pens Rez Notes from the cozy social club in Whapmagoostui where he resides.