Only in Moose Factory

“And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” ~Jonah 2:1

Moose Factory may not be the belly of a whale, but it certainly is unique. Ever picture yourself caught in the scene of a snow globe? For a significant portion of the year, Moose Factory is just that, caught in a snow globe. However, when winter passes, the snow is simply replaced with dust. Currently, we are living life in a dust-globe. Every time the wind blows, a vehicle drives by, or someone speedily walks past, a cloud of dust puffs up from every angle. Not a paved road in sight. When you walk into the grocery store, every item is covered with a thin dust film (and although you have to check the expiration date on everything you purchase, most of the time, the products were just placed on the shelf, but seem to come with a bonus prize of dust.)

Last night was our first trip of 2012 to Weeneebayko Hospital. One-third of the island belongs to the reservation. One-third of the island belongs to MoCreebec First Nation people, and the remaining third is the hospital grounds. The hospital is run by the Canadian health care system and houses many employees that are not of First Nation decent. When I finally decided that the size and temperature of my ear warranted emergency status, we arrived at the ER around 7:30 p.m. At that time, there was one additional person in the waiting room. Around 8:30 p.m., she was summoned by a nurse and taken to a room. The wait time didn’t seem unusual to that of an ER at home until we still found ourselves sitting in the tiny waiting space at 11:00 p.m. Around 11, a small Indian (not native) resident doctor came and directed us to a very small room, resembling an exam room that you see when watching old war movies. When she directed me to sit on the exam table, the table shook and made several horrible noises. Several times, various staff members entered the room looking for misplaced equipment, such as the thermometer, a staple for any emergency facility. After the resident doctor conducted an exam, she found her assessment to be inconclusive and wanted the doctors opinion. At one point, Alaina, looked at me and said, “Do you feel like this is all pretend? I feel like this is a pretend hospital and that they are playing doctor!” So thankful for her company and for her re-assuring words when I needed them. Haha! Upon seeing the actual doctor, I felt like Alaina and I were the ones completing the evaluation. We were attempting to determine her age, her background, and her demeanor. Finally, they determined I have a fairly severe infection caused by a bug attack. I was given a hand-written pill bottle for the evening, until the pharmacy opened the following day. Only in Moose Factory does one have no choice but to fully trust the health care provided because there are no choices.

Since I mentioned the pharmacy, I will give you a walk through of shopping options on the island. Moose Factory has one large building referred to as the complex. Located in the complex is a post office (which is similar to that of any university mailroom where each student has an individual key accessed mailbox), a pharmacy, a small store that only sells cards and candy, a restaurant, a coffee shop, the hockey arena, a community room, a small hardware store, and a grocery store (The Northern). This complex is the place to be. Similar to the mall atmosphere at home, the youth meet at the complex to stand along the walls and hang out. In addition to the complex, the island has one gas station run by a family from India. The Quick Stop houses an express Pizza Hut and KFC combo. However, the word express takes on an entirely new meaning here, as the wait for food is closer to several hours long. There is one final option for your shopping pleasure: Gi-Gi’s. I am certain that describing this store in words will not come close to actually doing it justice. Gi-Gi’s is a long “L” shaped building that is approximately the size and length of 2.5 double-wide trailers. At Gi-Gi’s you can purchase some food, guitars, ink, Tupperware, fabric (if you like one of the five choices), picture frames, art supplies, clothing, shoes, and a variety of other knick-knack-like items. Gi-Gi’s is to Moose Factory as Walmart is to the USA.

As far as education is concerned, there are 2 schools on the island and one private school managed by the Pentecostal Church. Ministik is a public school for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. The Canadian government operates Ministik. Once a student graduates from Grade 6, they are given a choice based on whether or not they live on the reservation. Students that live on the reservation can choose to attend DDECS, which is a school that houses grade 7 through 12 on the reservation, or remain at Ministik for two additional years.  Students that live off the reservation attend Ministik for Grade 7 and 8, but then attend a public school across the bay in Moosonee. Each day, approximately 50 students take the water taxi to and from school, unless it is during break-up, in which case they take helicopter. Sure does change the meaning of “bus stop.”

Communication on the island occurs close to the speed of light. Actually, more accurately would be to say that communication occurs at “facebook-speed.” Surprisingly, the island is not as tight knit, as an outsider would expect. When asking for addresses and information on family dynamics, it is shocking that they really do not know where everyone resides or how everyone is connected. When you live on an island that is 3 miles long and 2 miles wide, it astounds me that you would not know where everyone lives, however, much like at home, they do know what everyone has consumed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; where and when the last drug import occurred; and exactly what time every yard-sale begins.

The weather in Moose Factory has been a mystery since we’ve arrived. One day, the temperature is 89 degrees and the following day, it is 60. It has rained several days since we’ve arrived, but it rarely rains for extended periods of time. In my opinion, I will take the rain and the cold in exchanged for the flesh-eating mosquitoes and flies. It seems that the bug population hides from the cool rainy weather. I’m greatly looking forward to the decrease in the black fly population around mid-July!!!!

The next section of this blog post was written by Alaina from her point of view of the topic “Only in Moose Factory.”

“Hi! Alright, I will try as best I can to describe with words what it’s like to live in Moose Factory. My perspective, of course, only reflects that of a non-native visitor therefore I am shocked by every otherwise mundane occurrence on this island.

Before I delve into the matter let me just say that ever since we arrived in Moose Factory, I feel as though we have been living on Walton’s mountain. For those of you who know “The Waltons”, this will enable you to better use your imagination to conjure up mental pictures of our daily goings-on. Maybe it’s the dirt roads (I do wear shoes unlike those hardcore Walton children) or the ridiculous things that actually get us excited (spotting a bear down at the dump) or just how we sit by the window in the morning and wave to the same people walking to work or to the docks (the fact that we know all those people by name makes it all the more Walton-esque). For all these reasons and more, I LOVE Moose Factory!

Now, let me take you through a typical day here. In the morning, I like to walk down to the docks across the street from our home and enjoy the spectacular view (it’s indescribable so I won’t even attempt it) while spending time reading God’s word.  It’s a really peaceful spot even with the constant water taxi traffic going by. The Moose River is comparable to a freeway except motorized canoes instead of cars. We are completely surrounded by God’s gift of nature so I am constantly giving thanks to Him for His creation- it never gets old! Danielle and I then get on our heavy-duty mountain bikes and head to church (swatting away mutant black flies all the way there) where we welcome Cree children in hopes that they will actually be amused by our antics. Truly, the Lord does all the work and we try not to interfere too much.  At least a few times a day, we’ll have to refuse entry to or chase away many stray dogs that enter the church. Some of them are so cute but I have definitely learned my lesson: do not approach a random dog expecting “Ooooooh you’re such a cutiiiiiie!” to be well received. Yeah, no.  At the end of the day, we head back home (the bugs are still there- so faithful!) At that point, if we want to know what EVERYONE on the island has been up to all day or what their evening plans are, one quick look at the Facebook news feed will do the trick. Unreal but true.  Sometimes, we’ll go to “Summer’s”- the equivalent of Dairy Queen where a blizzard is called a Razzle. Maybe equivalent is too strong a word, for you see Summer’s is actually the size of a large tool shed. But man do they make a mean Razzle. If we’re in the mood for chips, we head on over to “Bertha’s”- a prison for chips and beverages as I like to call it.  Bertha likes to keep it real; the place has no windows (common practice in these parts) and sells chips right out of the cardboard boxes they were shipped here in. Nothing fancy, you know.  For my Montreal crew, Bertha’s looks like our Christian book stores….

Let’s see, now…I’m trying to think about the craziest parts about Moose Factory but so much comes to mind..! I guess the grocery store (also known as “the place to be”) is in itself crazy. No matter how many times I go, the prices are still shocking. The other day I wanted to make Indian Dal for supper and I needed red lentils. “Northern” does not carry red lentils. Or quinoa. Or balsamic vinegar. Or fresh basil. Fine, I’m a food snob but really are fresh herbs too much to ask for?!? The Lord saw my plight and had mercy upon me because our neighbors happen to be cooks at the Eco-Lodge (a real restaurant resides in this establishment and by real I mean a place where they don’t serve hot-dogs). Since having them over for dinner, they have so graciously and generously offered a supply of the ingredients I need to make the dishes that make me a weird Canadian to my American housemates. Since I have been here, J, K & D have had lentils AND dates for the first time and are about to indulge in some Tofu soon…Mmmmmm!

During our last trip to the Northern, we chatted it up with the store manager. He filled us in on all sorts of interesting facts and details and now I plan to visit the northernmost store way up in Tuktoyaktuk which is right below the arctic circle. Did you know that you can even rent tuxedos at the grocery store?! Yup, right there at the same counter where you put in your order for a new canoe.

All facetiousness aside, Moose Factory truly is one of a kind.  I mean, where else can an entire Canada Day celebration event be pushed back a day (locals being informed via Facebook at 9pm the evening prior) or are store hours posted merely as a suggestion or better yet- enjoy the wonderful fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ who truly depend on Him to sustain them through the unique struggles and immense pain that individuals are faced with here.  The church family at the Cree Gospel Chapel is so in love with the Lord, their lives are the most encouraging testimony to His power. No big frills, just the gathering of His children for His purpose. Thank you, Jesus.”

            Even though we are experiencing life on the island with somewhat of a finality, knowing that from the beginning, God-willing, we would be returning home in 6 weeks, I am to some extent envious of the simple life. Creativity, resourcefulness, and ingenuity all have room to expand when there is not a constant bombardment of activity, stimulation, and choices. Whether it is picking up groceries that arrived on a train or jumping on a bicycle with a basket to travel to the store, this place is inimitably special and the people that reside here are extraordinary.