Elodie Dulac

Your English name: Elodie Dulac

Your Indigenous name: Gushàka

Trapping area: Kluane Region

How you came to be a trapper: I became a trapper when my husband and I decided to teach our children the importance of survival in the bush, in the Yukon, and in general. My great uncles line (Thomas Joe) was about to lapse due to lack of use, so I partnered with him, then bought him out, although he remained my partner on the line until he passed, then I took over fully. My husband and several other friends are assistants on the line with me.

Who did you learn from: I learned to trap gophers when I was very young by my great uncle TJ and his wife Rita Joe, (whom I'm mid-named after) in Burwash Landing at Duke Meadows. As an adult, Ryan Sealy was my trapping instructor, and since then I have been learning from everyone around me, mostly my assistants who have other own lines as well.

Why do you trap: I trap because its a sustainable resource that is highly respected in my culture. I sew regalia for my children, husband, and friends, and I believe it’s important to know that the materials I use for their garments were harvested with respect and honour.

Any other info you want us to know: I live a full Yukon Pioneer life as a Kluane First Nation Citizen who mines for gold in the summer, hunts and harvests in the fall, and traps in the winter. Unfortunately a lot of people don’t respect this lifestyle anymore due to changes in society over time. I hope that with proper exposure to what we do, we will help individuals to learn about, and respect our lifestyle. Its very important to uphold our history, respect our environment, our resources, and teach others so they too can do the same.