On September 6, the same day that we went fishing, we found a beluga whale. It had become trapped in a fishing net and was left lying on the mud as the tide went out. It was still alive when we found it. This does not happen very often and was very exciting for us. Because it was a younger beluga, its skin was still a grey colour. It was about 3 m long. Our village does not see a lot of belugas nearby so this was a happy time for everybody.

The beluga was trapped in nets
that had been set to catch char.

  
We had not seen it when we walked out for fishing because it was well camouflaged lying on the mud.
Although it had been there for several hours, it was still breathing and had its eyes open.

Sonny Boy tried to help it by
pouring water on the whale.
Soon many people from the village came and the whale was killed. Beluga is a delicacy!
Ned and Sonny Boy had front row seats to watch and learn about butchering a whale.
Cutting up a beluga is a big job and many people helped out and took turns cutting and holding.
Muktuk is the beluga skin with a thin layer of fat attached. It is a favourite for everyone.
Jeannie likes muktuk! Muktuk is
eaten raw. Many students took
some home for their families.