At winter camp

Dinah has no photos of winter camp she describes.  In this picture we see John Matches, Elizabeth Shashaweskum, Doris Matches, Elijah Shashaweskum, Ella Matches, Beverly Mayappo and Gail Shashaweskum in front of their winter dwelling.  They spent about three months at this inland camp that year.

Winter tents like this one were well insulated with canvas and snow.  The floor was covered with spruce boughs to keep it dry and warm, and the space was heated with a wood stove made from a metal barrel.  It was cozy and comfortable inside. Behind the tent we see bare spruce trees. The camp was located near the site of a forest fire so dry wood for the fire could be collected with relative ease.