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Chapter 1--Schoolroom in the Bush

1. Describe the 'classroom' where Angus Macnair is reading.

The classroom was the inside of Angus Macnair's cabin whose two windows overlooked Macnair Lake in Northern Manitoba.
2. Who are the three boys?

The three boys are: Jamie, Angus' nephew, Awasin Meewasin, the son of a Cree chief and finally Peetyuk, the son of an English trapper and an Eskimo (Innuit) mother.
3. Find the Orkney Islands in an atlas.

Students may use their atlas or the internet.
4. What is the Kensington Stone?

This is best researched on the internet.  The Kensington Stone was reputed to be the remnant of early Vikings in North America.  Many modern researchers believe that the stone is a fake or a hoax.
5. Many children who live in isolated regions are often home schooled. Do you think you would like to be taught by your parents?  Explain.

Answers will vary but the more astute pupil will realize there are advantages and disadvantages to be taught by their own parents.
6. List the advantages and disadvantages of being home schooled.

Many students might feel that one of the more obvious disadvantages to home schooling is the socialization that they might miss.  They might also point to not playing on large teams for activities such as basketball or soccer as a distinct disadvantage.  However, others will focus on what they feel are worthwhile advantages of being home schooled such as a quieter atmosphere, having more of a say in their own curriculum, doing school work in pyjamas, setting their own timetable, more field trips, and plenty of individual attention from their "teacher".
Teacher:  This topic provides a great opportunity for a mini debate in the classroom.

1. What is a fisher?

It is one of the rarest types of woodland mammals and resembles a weasel.
2. Why was everyone so excited when Angus related his news of the caribou?

They were excited as there had not been much meat to eat for three months other than rabbit and ptarmigan.
3. What does Jamie say to tease Peetyuk about his new moccasins?

Jamie tells Peetyuk that when a Cree girl makes moccasins for a fellow. . .that's the end of him (meaning that she is fond of him).
4. What sickness has reached the Chipeweyan camp?

According to Angus' quick diagnosis, the Chipeweyan have influenza which we more commonly refer to as the flu.
5. Why do Alphonse Meewasin and Jamie stand thirty yards apart when they meet?

They stand far apart so as not to spread the influenza.
6. How do you think Jamie feels upon learning that he must return to The Pas?

Answers will vary.  He probably feels a range of emotions.  He would be extremely concerned about his uncle's health but he would also be worried about having to leave his friends and the northern way of life permanently.

1. Why does Jamie finally agree that it might be wise to return to their cabin?

Peetyuk would be better off in the cabin as he is sick and the Chipeweyens can manage as long as the boys keep taking them wood and meat.
2. What does Awasin mean when he says, "What use is a speech made of many words?"

Awasin means that words are not as important as deeds.  Furthermore, the young Awasin assures Jamie that their help was greatly appreciated.
3. Why is Angeline not worried about catching the sickness?

She had already caught the flu (lung sickness) when she was younger while attending the mission school.  It had not done her any serious harm and so she felt she was safe.
4. Why were Awasin and Jamie anxious to start trapping?

They are anxious to begin trapping so that they can sell the furs and the profits can be used to help Angus.

1. Why does Alphonse refuse to take good furs to the trading post?

Alphonse refuses to take good furs to the post as he claims they pay the same price whether the furs are good or bad.  He intends to take the good furs out to The Pas.
2. What does the expression 'poker-faced' mean?

It means that your face reveals little or no emotion regardless of how you feel.  The expression originates from playing poker as it was very important not to reveal your hand by the expression on your face.
3. Why is Jamie worried about the police?

When Alphonse returns from the post he informs Jamie that the police may come searching for him with a dog-team or if that is unsuccessful they will probably fly in a plane that can land on ice.
4. Give a couple of reasons why the move to Kasmere house proved to be a good one.

It offered Jamie safety from a police search and the hunting grounds in the area were excellent.
5. Why does Denikazi of the Chipeweyans suggest that the boys should use his birchbark canoes?

Denikazi insists that the boys use his canoes as the white men's canoes are too heavy.
6. Why did Jamie insist that it was time for Angeline to leave?

Jamie insists that it was fine having her at the cabin but that she will only be a nuisance on their trip.
7. Why are the boys frightened by the sound of the plane?

They suspected that it was the police hoping to fetch Jamie.

1. Why is this chapter entitled Flight to the North?

By the end of the chapter the group begins heading (to flee or take flight)north to the Barrenlands so that Jamie can escape detection by the police.
2. What precaution does Awasin suggest they take so as to avoid being found by the plane?

Awasin suggests that instead of heading to Thanout Lake, they should return to Kasmere House.
3. Explain why the cabin was deserted when the boys returned?

Angeline had extinguished the fire and hidden in the bush when she first heard the plane flying overhead.  Although the plane did not land, she decided it would be best to hide all their gear in a cache in the woods two miles away.
4. Who was Zabadees and what news did he bring to the boys?

Zabadees was a young Chipeweyan hunter who brought news that a policeman was searching for them and that the search for Jamie would begin in earnest.  Therefore, it was very important to head north.  Zabadees also brought a couple of very light birch bark canoes from Denikazi so they would be able to travel lightly.

1. The canoes weighed forty pounds. How much do modern canoes weigh?

Even a cursory read will reveal that there are a variety of possibilities.  Modern canoes are made from a large variety of materials including wood, fibre glass, plastics, kevlar (used in tires and bullet proof vests), and wood covered in canvas.  Canoe length will also be a factor as the longer the canoe, the heavier the weight.  A light 16 foot kevlar canoe might weigh 60 pounds.
2. What do you think Angeline might have whispered into her brother's ear?

While we don't know, it is obvious that Angeline and her brother Awasin are very upset.  Later in the chapter it becomes obvious that Zabadees is interested in Angeline and that this is causing her stress.
Teacher: In chapter seven Awasin explains how Zabadees' wife to be had died from the influenza and that he had asked Angeline to marry him.
3. What reason did Peetyuk have for choosing to tell the story of Kakumee?

Peetyuk wanted to frighten Zabadees and let him know that he was unhappy with his behaviour.  No doubt Peetyuk also wanted to frighten him into leaving their camp.
4. Do you think Zabadees would sleep well that night? Why or why not?

No, he would not sleep well that night.  Zabadees had no choice but to take the story seriously and he would have been very ill at ease when Peetyuk started to clean his rifle and recite the weird, alien chant.

1. Why was Jamie so concerned when he discovered that Zabadees had deserted them?

Jamie expressed two concerns.  They would now have to take Angeline along and without Zabadees, they didn't know the route to the edge of the Barrens.
2. Why did Zabadees decide to leave the group?

He was frightened by Peetyuk's behaviour but according to Awasin, Zabadees also left when he realized it was futile to pursue his interests in Angeline.
3. Why might the warm weather become a problem?

The warm weather would melt the ice on the rivers and lakes preventing them from using their sleds and thus reaching the Innuit camps.  However, Jamie does remind Awasin that they have the two canoes.
4. Describe the scene when they came upon the caribou.

Descriptions will vary.  Thousands of caribou could be seen on their annual migration.

Chapter 8--Race Against Time

1. What is an inukok and what purpose do they serve?

Inukok or stonemen are piles of rock built by the Eskimo. They are no more than three feet high (about one metre) and they act as signposts or guides for the Eskimo (Innuit).
2. Why was Awasin so concerned about the speed at which they were travelling?

Awasin is concerned that the dogs may die if they continue at their frantic pace.
3. Why does Peetyuk suggest they cache some of their supplies?

Peetyuk realizes that if they are to make better time that they must lighten their load.
4. According to Awasin, what does the word Ayuskeemos mean?

According to Awasin the word means "the raw meat eaters".

Chapter 9--Ihalmiut Camps

1. Why did the trio come to a halt while Peetyuk continued into the camp?

They were neither afraid nor shy.  It was instead amazement at encountering a culture that had remained unchanged for thousands of years.  They did not know what to do until Peetyuk urged them to enter the camp.
2. Why is Jamie embarrassed when he attempts to shake the old man's hand?

The old man gives Jamie a puzzled look.  Peetyuk then informs Jamie that these Eskimos do not shake hands but rather rub noses as a form of greeting.
3. Why were the Eskimos living in three separate camps?

They were spread out into three different camps so as to enable them to have a better chance to kill the deer.
4. What special foods did the Eskimos over their guests?

They gave them a variety of treats including deer tongue soup, fish heads and roasted deer (caribou) ribs followed by tea.
5. What special foods would you offer guests in your home?

Answers will vary.
6. Describe the scene at the Eskimo party?

Descriptions will vary.  They crowded into the tents to sing and dance.
7. According to Awasin, why did Indians seldom sing to the whiteman?

Awasin told Jamie that the whiteman did not appreciate the music--often holding their ears or laughing. &
8. What instrument did Jamie attempt to imitate with his voice?

Jamie was attempting to imitate the bagpipes--something his father had taught him.

1. Why did Awasin tell his sister not to get the plates?

He told his sister that these Innuit did not use plates and that they might make the Innuit feel badly or inadequate if they used plates.
2. Why did the Eskimos not keep their dogs tied?

Peetyuk told Awasin that if they kept them tied they would become mean.  Allowing them to run free made them happier like the Eskimo.
3. Some of the sleds were twenty feet long. Measure out this distance in your classroom.

Some students will be surprised at how long a twenty foot (slightly larger than 6 metres) sled is.
4. Tell how the dogs were hitched differently and explain why this would not be wise in the forest country?

The dogs were not all attached to the same trace as they did in the forest.  Instead they were on individual traces and therefore able to fan out as they pulled the sled.  In the crowded forest the animals would soon become entangled with the trees and one another.
5. How many people were there at the central camp?

They were about forty men, women and children.
6. Describe the fearsome spectacle that they witnessed.

Descriptions will vary.  As they approached the river, a wall of ice and water fifteen to twenty feet high caused by spring flooding swept past them signalling the end of winter.

1. Describe the Eskimo diet.

The Eskimo diet was mainly deer meat cooked or sometimes eaten raw.
2. What happened when Awasin made his first attempt at using the kayak?

On his first attempt Awasin tipped over the kayak and half filled it with water.
3. What was the function of a "deer fence"?

The purpose of the deer fence was to direct or corral the animals so that they crossed the river where the hunters and kayaks were concealed.
4. Explain what type of decoys we use to trick animals.

We use a variety of decoys.  For example, scarecrows keep birds from certain crops, duck decoys encourage ducks to land where there are hunters and certain decoys such as hawks keep away certain birds that fear them.
5. Why did the Eskimos prefer to hunt the deer while they were in the water?

This type of hunt was very easy as the caribou were at a disadvantage while swimming across the river.  The hunters did not require guns and merely stuck a spear in their back just behind the ribcage.
The entire hunt was very efficient lasting only about five minutes.
6. Why was Jamie surprised to see the crossbow?

He was surprised because crossbows were something only Europeans had used hundreds of years before.

1. How does Angeokuk describe the Vikings?

Angeokuk,  a man of magic things, describes them as mighty beings but less than gods as they were mortal.  They were pale-skinned, bearded and had blue eyes.
2. How did the Viking leader indicate that he came as friend rather than foe?

He tossed down his sword to show that he had come in friendship.  The common handshake or waving of the hand that we use in greeting people today has the same origin.  It indicated that you held no weapon in your hand.
3. How do we know that Koonar was strong?

He could carry the whole carcass of a caribou on his back and with his great iron knife (sword), he could split a caribou as easily as a woman splits a fish.
4. Why were the Innuit angry when the Inohowik decided to leave?

The Inohowik men would be deserting their Innuit wives.
5. Why did Koonar refuse at first to show the Innuit how to make weapons?

Koonar was afraid that the Innuit would eventually use the weapons to fight amongst themselves.
6. Describe the horrific incident that occurred one day when most of the men had gone looking for musk ox?

The Itkilit arrived and slaughtered many of the Innuit until Koonar arrived.  He killed many of the Itkilit and forced the remainder to retreat.  However, Koonar was fatally wounded by an arrow and died shortly after the incident but not before showing the Innuit how to construct a crossbow.
7. Man often seeks revenge. What other animals seek revenge?

No animal appears to seek revenge other than man--revenge is a human concept.  Animals usually attack other animals (sometimes with fatal results) for food, to defend or delineate their territory, to lead the herd and finally to protect their young.  In no way does revenge enter the equation.

Chapter 13--A Change of Plan

1. Who does Jamie believe should help the Innuit if they are having serious problems?

Jamie states that it is the Government's job to help when people are starving.
2. What response do Peetyuk and Awasin have for Jamie's suggestion?

Both Peetyuk and Awasin argue that the white man only cares about the white man.  Both relate stories about how the government and other white men have ignored the plight of the native people allowing their people to die needlessly in times of hardship.
3. How does Jamie suggest they raise some money to help the Innuit?

Jamie suggest that they can raise some money by selling Koonar's relics to the museums.
4. What connection was there between the Stone House and the Man of Iron?

The Stone House was the grave of Koonar, the Viking --Man of Iron.

1. What are the reactions of Awasin and Peetyuk when Jamie tells them there is no such thing as ghosts?

They disagree with Jamie.  Awasin tells Jamie that perhaps the white men do not have eyes that see what the native people see.
2. What items do the boys select to leave at the gravesite?

Awasin left a plug of tobacco, Peetyuk some dried deer meat while Jamie left a highly valued pocketknife.
3. Describe the items that Jamie finds inside the tomb?

In addition to a skull, they found an immense sword, a rusted iron helmet and a badly rusted dagger.
4. Are you superstitious? List a couple of common superstitions?

Students will tend to say they are not supertitious yet many of them would not want to wear the number thirteen on a team shirt.  Furthermore, most hotels do not have a thirteenth floor as most guests would not want to stay on it.  Some students may wish to research the superstitions of other cultures.  Such things as walking under a ladder, having a black cat cross your path, opening an umbrella indoors, the number thirteen and breaking a mirror are all considered bad luck by many people.

1. Locate Churchill in an atlas.

Students may use their atlas or the internet.  Note the northern location of this community.
2. Do you think it is wrong to dig up someone's remains?  Explain.

Answers will vary and may be based on a number of reasons including spiritual ones.
3. Would you like someone to dig up the remains of your deceased relatives and use them for archaeological research? Why or why not?

Some students will base their decisions on time rather than the fact that they are deceased relatives.  It might be interesting to ask students what they would think if it was their remains that were being dug up.
4. How do Jamie and Awasin defend their actions in removing items from Koonar's grave?

Jamie argues that archaeologists dig up graves every day and nothing happens while Awasin states that their actions will help the Eskimos and he does not think that Koonar would have objected to that.
5. Why was Angeline so excited about the arrival of a strong north wind?

It would break up the "rotten" ice and allow the group of young people to leave in their canoes.

1. Why were only Peetyuk's friends and relations on hand when the group embarked?

Elaitutna had told the other Eskimos that they should avoid Peetyuk and the others as Koonar had placed a curse on them. (Some of this information comes at the end of the previous chapter)
2. What does Ohoto promise to do to Elaitutna should any harm come to the youngsters?

He promises to put a knife under Elaitutna if any harm comes to the young travellers.
3. How was Pameo responsible for the death of many Eskimos?

Ignoring instructions to be cautious, Pameo, a young native woman, lit a fire to cook some fish.  The smoke from the fire led the enemy, Itkilit, to their camp where most of the Innuit were slaughtered.
4. Why were they forced to set up camp that night on a narrow strip of gravel?

It was the only spot that wasn't under water.

Chapter 17--Anoeeuk

1. What does the word anoeeuk mean?

Anoeeuk referred to the large or powerful wind that was rapidly approaching them and would put their lives in danger.
2. Why did Ohoto instruct everyone to place boulders in their canoes?

It was to keep them from being blown away in the storm.

Chapter 18--The Deer's Way

1. Why was no effort made to shoot the deer?

There was still fresh meat in the canoes and neither the Eskimos nor Indians kill unnecessarily.
2. How many times a year would the caribou migrate?

According to this novel the caribou migrate three times a year.  In the spring they head north, and in the winter they head south, but in July in the summer they gather in large herds and suddenly start south.
3. Why were the mosquitoes a problem that night?

Normally the relentless winds of the Barrens keep the bugs at bay but this evening was one of those rare calm nights.
4. What happened to the ground where the herds of caribou had trodden?

The flat muskeg was churned into an immense chocolate covered pudding by the feet of thousands of caribou.
5. What did the mass of caribou do just as Jamie was certain that he would be trampled underfoot?

At the last minute the animals split away on both sides of him giving him a berth of about ten feet. (three metres)

1. Describe Ohoto's reaction when he first sighted the huge river?

Ohoto is in awe of the mighty river and suggests that it may be too dangerous to continue their journey and that they should consider turning back.
2. Why did Jamie refuse to even consider returning to the Eskimo camp?

He is concerned that if they return to the Innuit camp, Elaitutna would turn the Innuit against them and they would lose the Viking relics.  Furthermore, they would be in danger of encountering the police who would take Jamie back to The Pas.
3. Why did Ohoto not look back when he departed?

Eskimos believe it is bad luck to look back when you are leaving.
4. Mention a couple of things they did to cope with the black flies?

They wrapped some spare shirts around their heads and faces, tied up the wrists of their jackets and built a smudge (fire with lots of smoke) to cope with the black flies.
Teachers: While mosquitoes require stagnant water for breeding, black flies do in fact need rapid flowing water.  Anyone who has experienced black flies never forgets them.
5. Why were they so happy to have the wind come up?

The wind got rid of the black flies.

1. To his surprise what did Jamie discover when he chopped down the tree for firewood?

He discovered by counting the rings that despite the trees small size (six feet), it was over a hundred years old.
2. According to Awasin why were the wolves so willing to approach humans?

Awasin is of the opinion that these wolves have never seen humans before and so have not learned to be afraid.
3. Why were none of the boys able to dive for the lost rifle?

Peetyuk and Awasin were not good swimmers and Jamie had suffered from mastoiditis as a child and any pressure from diving would cause him agonizing pain.
4. Angeline could still drown although she was a good swimmer. Why?

The water was extremely cold and she could easily die from hypothermia.

1. List the wildlife they encountered.

They saw wolves, arctic foxes, geese, ducks, fresh-water seals and char.
2. Why were they surprised to see seals?

Apparently one doesn't normally see seals in fresh water.  According to Jamie they are harbor seals who have made their way inland.
3. Why did Peetyuk not want anyone to touch the large sea-going canoe?

Peetyuk realized too late that it was a sea man's grave.
4. Describe the scene when they met the old Eskimo couple?

Descriptions will vary.  The old couple was surprised to see them as in their lifetime they had never heard of anyone who had actually come down the mighty river.

1. Why was it so helpful to have Mikkiluk accompany them?

Mikkiluk knew the way and also he knew the rapids.  He acted as their pilot on the river.
2. What are the dimensions of Hudson Bay? How does it compare in size to Lake Ontario and the Mediterranean Sea?

Hudson Bay is eight hundred miles from north to south and more than four hundred miles wide.  While Hudson Bay dwarfs Lake Ontario, it is still much smaller than the Mediterrean Sea.
3. Describe Joshua Fudge's appearance when they first saw him?

He had bulging muscles, blue eyes and his face was covered with lather as they had interrupted him while he was in the midst of shaving.
4. Locate Southampton Island in an atlas? How far is it from Churchill to Southampton Island?

Students may do this in their atlas or on the internet.

1. How did Jamie suggest that Peetyuk save himself if the boat sank?

Jamie light-heartedly suggested that Peetyuk whistle up a whale and get a ride ashore.  Ironically they encountered some white beluga whales shortly after Jamie's comment.
2. Describe the scene at Churchill.

Descriptions will vary.  They were amazed by the ocean going freighters and the huge structures of the grain elevators which towered several hundred feet into the air.
3. Who was Mr. Armstrong?

Mr. Armstrong was an archaelologist with the Dominion Museum in Ottawa (the capital of Canada).
4. What did the group of young people decide to do?

They decided to take the train south to Winnipeg where they would enjoy a holiday while the Viking relics were being examined by the experts.

Created by Brian Thornton, Capo Creations, Box 1411, Haileybury, Ontario, CANADA. POJ 1KO