‘Encountering Forests’ Teaches Native American Practices

On a chilly gray spring afternoon, about a dozen students stand in a circle along the banks of the Connecticut River at the College’s organic farm. In the middle of the circle, a moose hide, still covered in fur, is draped over a makeshift sawhorse. 

This is an outdoor classroom for a course called “Encountering Forests,” taught by Nicholas Reo, assistant professor of environmental studies and Native American Studies. Reo has invited Art Hanchett, a staffer in Dartmouth’s Controller’s office who is also an experienced hunter, to share his knowledge of the woods and demonstrate how to use two-handled blades to remove the moose’s fur. The students will eventually use part of the hide to make the head of a ceremonial drum.

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