Chapters 2.8
2.8.The Loon(Gavia immer)
Gillian Forestell, University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Forestell,G. (2022) Birds. In The Student Encyclopedia of Canadian Indigenous Foods. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.firstnationsfoods.org/
Introduction
Loons (Gavia immer) are a notable animal in Indigenous culture. The Indigenous people have an abundance of knowledge of loons and have different uses for the bird (Bianchini et al, 2020). Loons were used for food when other game was scarce, they were used for clothing, and were a part of ceremonies (Bianchini et al, 2020). Loons are no longer used as a food source but are seen as symbols of the wilderness, the north and tranquility (Bianchini et al, 2020).
Species Information
There are many different loon species in Canada, some include the common loon, the pacific loon (Gavia pacifica), the yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii), and the red-throated loon (Gavia stellata) (Nelson, 1969). Loons are found on the coast of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and in northern lakes, especially in Canada and Alaska (Jenness & Jenness, 1991). Loons travel in groups, called a raft or a water dance (Jenness & Jenness, 1991). They are known for their majestic colouring, red eyes, and loud call (Nelson, 1969). Loons dive seventy meters below the water's surface to hunt for fish and can stay submerged underwater for more than three minutes (Nelson, 1969). Fish, minnows, shrimp, and frogs are all a part of the loon's extensive diet (Jenness & Jenness, 1991). Loons typically have two chicks a year in June or August as seen in figure 1.0 (Jenness & Jenness, 1991). The common loon has a lifespan of 20-30 years (Jenness & Jenness, 1991).
Geographics
Loons are found across the Canadian freshwaters, including wetlands and boreal lakes (McIntyre, 1975). Loons are migratory birds, they breed in one geographic location and then migrate to warmer climates during harsh Canadian winters (McIntyre, 1975). Loons breed across Canada, except in very cold parts of the country, the southern parts of the prairies, and the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts (Evers et al, 2007). They then migrate to central and south America during the winter (Evers et al, 2007).
Relationship with Indigenous People
Loon was never a crucial food source for Indigenous people, because of the taste of the meat (Simonsen, 1986). The meat tasted extremely hard, rank, chewy and was very dark in colour (Simonsen, 1986). The Indigenous people tried to avoid having to eat loon meat, but when another game was scarce, it was eaten for survival (Simonsen, 1986). Loon meat was given to dogs, because of its unpleasant taste (Simonsen, 1986). The loon's main food source is fish, and Indigenous people's main food source was fish, so Indigenous people often saw the loon as a threat to their livelihood (Simonsen, 1986). Indigenous people would hunt the loon to keep the populations down, and to feed animals (Simonsen, 1986). The Indigenous people did not use the loon as a food source; however, they did use the bird as a resource to indicate oncoming weather (Richardson, 1990). When loons wailed abnormally loudly and swam to shore it was an indication of heavy rain (Richardson, 1990). Indigenous people used this sign from loons to take shelter, especially for women and children (Richardson, 1990). Not all Indigenous people hunted or used loons as a resource, but the main tribes that did are the Nuxálk, Kwakiutl, Nootka, Kaska, Labrador Inuit, Round Lake Ojibwa, and the Cree (Schaefer, 1980).
Hunting
Loons were not a major food source for Indigenous tribes, so they did not have specific weapons to hunt the bird, they used their everyday weapons (Nelson, 1969). Indigenous people from the Yukon region and James Bay Cree hunted loons with spears, bows, rifles, and arrows (Nelson, 1969). Loons were often hunted in the summer, but sometimes were hunted in the fall, before the birds migrated, and in the spring, when the bird returned to the north (Osgood, 1971). Hunters traveled in canoes and lured the flock of loons in by mimicking their call, or by shining a reflective object in the sunlight (Olson et al, 2010). Indigenous people hunted loons both at night and during the day (Olson et al, 2010). When the Indigenous people approached the loon in their canoes, the bird would get startled and fly into the spear (Codere, 1984). If the canoes were not close enough to the flock of loons, the Indigenous people would launch their spears in hopes of hitting a loon (Codere, 1984). If the Indigenous people did not have any weapons on them, they would canoe quickly to the flock, while one person paddled, and two others would grasp the loon by the neck (Codere, 1984). When a flock of loons was flying over the land, the Indigenous people would shoot them down with a rifle or a bow (Codere, 1984).
Preparation
Although loon was not enjoyed by many it was still a food source during scarcities (Bianchini et al, 2020). Indigenous people would boil, broil and dry the loon or they would roast the bird over an open fire (Honigmann, 1948). They left the kidneys, lungs, and heart attached, and boiled the carcass to make broth (Honigmann, 1948). The head, wings and legs were soaked in water, which made it easier to pluck the tough feathers (Honigmann, 1948). Flat dumplings were made from loon meat and eaten during feasts (Bauer, 1989).
Uses Other than Food
Loon skin is warm and moisture-proof, making it great for clothing and for ceremonies (Brown, 2000). The Plains and Blackfoot Indigenous people used loon skin to make ceremonial medicine bags (Brown, 2000). Indigenous people from Alaska used loon skin to make winter jackets (Brown, 2000). Indigenous people use loon’s feathers for pillows, blankets, and brooms (Brown, 2000). Loon skin and loon feathers are still frequently used in indigenous ceremonies as a part of the outfits worn, and for medicine bags (Brown, 2000). When the loon dance is performed Indigenous people wear loon skin and loon feathers (Brown, 2000).
Symbolism
Loon meat is no longer eaten, and loon feathers are rarely used, but the loons continue to hold a lot of symbolism in Indigenous culture (Nelson, 2014). The loon is seen as a symbol of the wilderness, tranquility and the north (Nelson, 2014). The loon represents letting go of urban roots, feeling one with the wilderness, and reconnecting with the soul (Nelson, 2014). Many people feel a sense of peace when they are in the presence of a loon (Nelson, 2014).
Limitations
Loon meat is tough and unpalatable, making it not a priority to hunt for the Indigenous people (Rogers, 1963). Loon feathers are exceedingly difficult to pluck, and it is a very time-consuming task compared to plucking other birds, making the bird an afterthought to Indigenous people (Rogers, 1963).
The loon population has started to decrease due to low pH in lakes (Bianchini et al, 2021). Acidified lakes from mining and acid rain have been known to decrease loon productivity and loon breeding (Bianchini et al, 2021). Loons are not endangered, but their population is vulnerable due to acid emissions in lakes and rivers (Bianchini et al, 2021).
Conclusion
Loon’s meat and feathers are not commonly used by current Indigenous communities; however, the bird is still significant in their culture (Bianchini et al, 2020). The loon is a symbolic animal, was a food source during scarcities, and is used in Indigenous ceremonies (Bianchini et al, 2020). Although the loon is not as used as much in current day and their population is vulnerable, they are still a meaningful animal to Indigenous people (Bianchini et al, 2020).</p
References
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