How The Birds Got Their Colours
At first all the birds were white, And Eagle was their Chief. All the birds had a meeting. They decided to paint each other.
Didee & Didoo
Allan Benjamin is a poet, a cartoonist, a fiddle player and a snow shoe racer from Old Crow, Yukon. Allan is a Vuntut Gwich’in artist who provides cartoons and poems to What’s Up Yukon. He introduces us to two sets of characters who represent Allan
Didee Didoo
You will see Dumbo the elephant You will hear Porky the pig You will touch Bambi You will see Woody the Woodpecker You will hear Kermit the Frog You will touch Snoopy You will see Mickey Mouse You will hear Curious George You will touch Garfield the cat You will see Skipper the penguin You …
Didee Didoo: Underground
Allan Benjamin is a poet, a cartoonist, a fiddle player and a snowshoe racer from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee Didoo: Construction Site
Construction Site: I always pick up nail and screws I always pick up boards I always pick up plywood I always pick up insulation
I’m not even an animal yet …
I’m not even an animal yet …‘Cause I’m not as strong as a grizzly bear ‘Cause I’m not as big as a moose ‘Cause I’m not as fast as a fox‘
She Mooned the Poor Bear
The lady mooned the poor bear And he bit her in the rear The bear bit the poor spouse When she went to the outhouse
Didee & Didoo: Ronald’s Liquor Cabinet
Allen Benjamin’s Didee & Didoo: Ronald’s Liquor Cabinet…I think he has a big bottle of…
Didee Didoo: When It’s 46 Below
When It’s 46 Below: Your ice cream won’t thaw out. Mosquitos won’t bite you. You won’t suffer from heat stroke.
Didee Didoo: Due To Covid 19
Didee Didoo: Due To Covid 19. Walmart will be closed in Old Crow Canadian Tire will be closed in Old Crow McDonald’s will be closed…
Didee & didoo:
Didee & Didoo: The caribou wades the creek in silence. Through the river, rocks and barely a ripple mark the caribou passage.
Didee & Didoo: Global Warming
In the future we won’t need snowshoes, In the future we won’t go ice fishing. In the future we won’t need winter roads.
How We See Things
Odile: Look at the beautiful trees! Allan: Where’s my chainsaw? Odile: Look at the cute fox! Allan: Where’s my trap? Odile: Look at the adorable rabbit! Allan: Where’s my snare? Odile: Look at the magnificent Caribou! Allan: Where’s my rifle? Odile: Look at the cute fish! Allan: Where’s my fishing rod? Odile: Look at the …
Old Fashioned Candy
I used to eat smarties with Stevie I used to eat jelly beans with Adeline I used to eat jawbreakers with Ernest I used to eat candy necklaces with Doris I used to eat tootsie rolls with Glenna I used to eat hard candy with David I used to eat licorice candy with Dianne I …
Didee & Didoo – My Family Tree
If Goldilocks is my mother Charlie Brown is my father Jack Frost is my grandpa Gingerbread Man is my brother Jack and Jill are my twins Winnie The Pooh is my sister Frosty The Snowman is my uncle Curious George is my cousin Little Red Riding Hood is my aunt Santa Claus is my grandpa …
Spring Cleaning
I shovel dog poop. I shovel moose poop. I shovel caribou poop. I shovel rabbit poop. I shovel wolf poop. I shovel squirrel poop. I shovel ptarmigan poop. I shovel marten poop. I shovel lynx poop. I shovel sheep poop. I shovel crow poop. I shovel weasel poop. I shovel wolverine poop. I shovel mink …
Didoo survived without these things
Didoo survived without an electric knife. Didoo survived without an electric kettle. Didoo survived without a microwave. Didoo survived without a toaster. Didoo survived without a dryer. Didoo survived without a washer. Didoo survived without a vacuum cleaner. Didoo survived without an electric toothbrush. Didoo survived without an electric egg beater. Didoo survived without an …
I Always Get High
I get high when I snowshoe. I get high when I canoe. I get high when I mush dogs. I get high when I bike. I get high when I run. I get high when I skate. I get high when I ski. I get high when I fiddle. I get high when I cut …
They outlived their husbands
Mary Kay outlived Big Joe. Sarah Baalam outlived Baalam. Eliza Steamboat outlived Robert. Annie Fredson outlived Daniel. Sarah Abel outlived Abel. Mary Thomas outlived John. Mary Charlie outlived Peter. Myra Moses outlived Peter. Persis Kendi outlived Julius. Clara Frost outlived Jack. Martha Charlie outlived John. Effie Linklater outlived Archie. Ellen Bruce outlived Robert. Joanne Njootli …
My Bucket List
I have to pack a bucket of water for Eliza Steamboat I have to pack a bucket of water for Robert Steamboat I have to pack a bucket of water for Sarh Baalam I have to pack a bucket of water for Old Baalam I have to pack a bucket of water for Myra Kay …
Running is rocket science
I have to know about gravitational torque I have to know about stride frequency I have to know about running tangents I have to know about dynamic stretching I have to know about static stretching I have to know about drafting I have to know about carbo loading I have to know about cadence I …
Another Silly Poem
If I were a turtle, I wouldn’t need a bulletproof vest. If I were a kangaroo, I wouldn’t need a pocket. If I were a giraffe, I wouldn’t need a ladder. If I were a bear, I wouldn’t need a fur coat. If I were an elephant, I wouldn’t need a forklift. If I were …
John Fogerty
I went down to the Victoria Marathon And I got to see John Fogerty in concert John doesn’t need a cane to walk Because he can still rock I heard CCR songs way back when Songs like “Up Around The Bend” John moves in fast motion When he sings “Commotion” John Fogerty was rockin on …
Mosquito Report
Let’s surprise Kelly, But not Martha. Let’s outnumber Peter, But not Stephen. Let’s pick on Tracy, But not on Bertha. Let’s hunt for Michael, But not for Joel. Let’s tickle Sherry, But not Rosie. Let’s bother Robert, But not Joseph. Let’s intimidate Barbara, But not Rosalie. Let’s tease Ronald, But not Freddy. Let’s chase Deanna, …
We’re wise & Didoo’s Beliefs
We’re wise I use a frisbee for a plate. I use a parachute for a tent. I use a hardhat for a bowl. Uncle uses a sardine can for an astray. I use a wheelbarrow for a shopping cart. I use a measuring cup for a coffee cup. I use a volleyball net for a …
Inside Didee’s Purse & Didoo’s Purse
Inside Didee’s Purse You’ll find his knife. You’ll find his Bible. You’ll find his matches. You’ll find his rope. You’ll find his pipe. You’ll find his snuff. You’ll find his cup. You’ll find his bandana. You’ll find his Vicks. You’ll find his candle. You’ll find his rosin. You’ll find his snares. You’ll find his traps. …
Didee & Didoo: Politics
They just like to play games They call each other names. Some of them look glad An’ some of them look mad. Their talk is so sweet But they don’t like defeat. Sometimes they do sin So that they will win. They don’t like to lose They wait for good news. The other party is …
Didee and Didoo – Gwichin Warrior
There’s a peaceful little townOn the banks of the river.Where the wolf an’ the caribou roamThat’s where he calls his home.In summer there’s no nightsDays are shorter in the winter time.Under the northern lightsHe dances his blues away. CHORUS:He’s a Gwichin warriorOld Crow Yukon is his home.Graceful like an eagleThe apple of his Mommie’s eye.He’s …
Didee an’ Didoo were real
Didee’s name was Moses TizyaAn’ Didoo’s name was Martha Tizya.And they both used canes.Didoo Martha wore a hankerchiefAn’ Didee Moses wore Didee’s hat.Didee an’ Didoo both spoke GwichinAnd they live in a tent.Didoo Martha carried her teapotAn’ Didee Moses carried his axe.Didoo Martha wore a long skirtAn’ Didee Moses wore long boots.They don’t know their …
How I’m Going to Reach 100
I’m going to snowshow. I’m going to ski. I’m going to canoe. I’m going to bike. I’m going to run. I’m going to walk. I’m going to mush dogs. I’m going to push my wheelbarrow. I’m going to snowboard. I’m going to skate. I’m going to kicksled. I’m going to go camping. I’m going …
Didee & Didoo: Mouth of the Peel
Everyone knows Neil An’ he’s from the mouth of the Peel. Neil is a famous person Who comes from Ft. McPherson. Neil is even known down south ‘Cause he tells stories with his mouth. Neil is a friend to everyone And he knows how to have fun. Ladies like to dance with Neil ‘Cause he …
Didee/Didoo: Piece of Mine
My fiddle is a piece of mine. My guitar is a piece of mine. My wheelbarrow is a piece of mine. My snowshoes are a piece of mine. My skills are a piece of mine. My bicycle is a piece of mine. My canoe is a piece of mine. My boat is a piece of …
Didee & Didoo: My Definition of an Elder
You have to run. You have to snowshoe. You have to canoe. You have to speed walk. You have to ski. You have to mush dogs. You have to go camping. You have to cut wood. You have to set snares. You have to fish. You have to hunt. You have to trap. You have …
Didee & Didoo: Ranger Torch Relay
The Carcross sargent flew the torch to Old Crow An’ our job was to take it to Ft. McPherson. The torch will travel to every Ranger patrol To commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday. There were six of us Rangers And we were on a mission. We had to pass the Ranger Torch To the Ft. McPherson …
Didee & Didoo: Bush Kid
His name is Dean An’ he’s not even a teen. He’s not even a man But he knows the land. He’ll teach us older guys ‘Cause Dean is wise. Dean is really tough An’ he knows his stuff. His are a gun an’ knife Because he knows bush life. He’s good with a saw an’ …
Didee & Didoo: Merry January in Nanaimo
I didn’t need my snowshoes. I didn’t need my skis. I didn’t need my skates. I didn’t need my snowboard. I didn’t need my kicksled. I didn’t need my ski-doo. I didn’t need my parka. I didn’t need my fur hat. I didn’t need my mukluks. I didn’t need my fur mitts. I didn’t need …
Didee & Didoo: Christmas in Heaven
Merry Christmas to Ellen and Robert Bruce. Merry Christmas to Hannah and Joe Netro. Merry Christmas to Jessie and Charlie Thomas. Merry Christmas to Fanny and Charlie P. Charlie. Merry Christmas to Mary and Lazarus Charlie. Merry Christmas to Alice and Donald Frost. Merry Christmas to Myra and Peter Moses. Merry Christmas to Myra and …
Didee & Didoo: Allan Benjamin
I know this man from Old Crow Who’s a kind and gentle soul. He was raised by his Didoo She taught him all that she knew. This man is Allan Benjamin And he keeps his fiddle jammin’. When he’s not busy doing that, He’s doing up his snowshoe strap. He’s won many snowshoe races With …
Didee & Didoo: Blood, Sweat and Tears
When I train, I tolerate pain. Sometimes I feel lazy And a bit crazy. When I’m sore, I feel poor. Sometimes I get hurt An’ there’s discomfort. When I have a sore muscle, It’s hard to hustle. Sometimes I ache An’ I’m not awake. When I feel ill, I want to keep still. Sometimes I’m …
Didee & Didoo: When It’s 100 Below
I won’t saw wood. I won’t go snowshoeing. I won’t go skiing. I won’t go running. I won’t go walking. I won’t pack water. I won’t go biking. I won’t go hunting. I won’t go fishing. I won’t set snares. I won’t go camping. I won’t go sliding. I won’t go dog mushing. I won’t …
Didee & Didoo: Good to be a Musician
‘Cause I can use my bass fiddle for a canoe. ‘Cause I can use my fiddle for a paddle. ‘Cause I can use my fiddle strings for snares. ‘Cause I can use my fiddle bow for a cane. ‘Cause I can use my guitar case for a suitcase. ‘Cause I can use my fiddle case …
Let’s learn Gwich’in: Dagoo Gwich’in Ginjik
Jesus Christ shat’in iindhan—Jesus loves me. Nichih gwanat’in—looking forward Nohjuu Ts’an—looking back Ohtsii Kwaa—Don’t waste. Ch’iitsii gwadal—hardware Taih kak zheh gwichoo—mansion on the hill Diiti’ Drin—Father’s Day Diihanh Drin—Mother’s Day Nagaadadal—patrol Aadrii K’anahtil—electrical Nijin gwitr’it t’agwaa’in—office Van Tat Gwich’in Teechik—Rat Indian Creek K’eech’igilik—dance caller K’oonitail Ch’adzaa—Hankerchief Dance Nihk’iidoo—eight couples Varandii—brandy Tr’igwaanduu vich’ilik—devil’s dream Geh Ch’adzaa—Rabbit …
Didee & Didoo: They Won’t Survive in the Bush
‘Cause I’ll save the psychiatrist. ‘Cause I’ll save the psychologist. ‘Cause I’ll save the professor. ‘Cause I’ll save the counselor. ‘Cause I’ll save the scientist. ‘Cause I’ll save the anthropologist. ‘Cause I’ll save the scholar. ‘Cause I’ll save the psychic. ‘Cause I’ll save the economist. ‘Cause I’ll save the mathematician. ‘Cause I’ll save the astronaut. …
’Cause Writer’s block
Sometimes I can’t think And I can’t write in ink. When my mind is not bright I have nothing to write.
Didee & Didoo: Sacred Caribou Calving Grounds
At the caribou calving grounds There’s only wildlife sounds. The water is clear an’ clean And the land is so pristine. It’s a place for the caribou herds And the migratory birds. The caribou give birth On their Mother Earth. When the calves arrive We know we will survive. This is their precious home Where …
Didee & Didoo: Times are Changing
We don’t pack water anymore. We don’t vote with our hands anymore. They don’t sign their names with an “X” anymore. We don’t buy from the Trading Post anymore. We don’t use dog packs anymore. We don’t need an interpreter anymore. We don’t start school in July anymore. Planes don’t land on sandbars anymore. We …
Didee & Didoo: At the Trading Post
We buy tea and coffee. We buy flour and sugar. We buy rice and oats. We buy beans and bacon. We buy dry fruit and candy. We buy pipe and tobacco. We buy nets and traps. We buy needles and scissors. We buy axe and saw. We buy candle and soap. We buy fiddle and …
When I Go Camping
I always bring my piano. I always bring my TV. I always bring my computer. I always bring my microwave. I always bring my fridge. I always bring my couch. I always bring my vacuum cleaner. I always bring my toaster. I always bring my waterbed. I always bring my snow blower. I always bring …
Didee & Didoo: Community Adoptions
Aklavik adopted Albert Frost Inuvik adopted Winston Moses Ross River adopted Henry Nukon Fort Yukon adopted Diane Jonas Chalkyitsik adopted Simon Francis Dawson adopted Sharon Keaton Old Crow adopted James Itsi Carmacks adopted John Tizya Watson Lake adopted Brandy Tizya Haines Junction adopted Jeffrey Peter Arctic Village adopted Tabitha Peter Dease Lake adopted Louise Greyke …
Strategic Race
I don’t know the word “slow” I only know the word “go” The runners were top notch An’ we raced against the watch. I just pretend that I’m a rabbit Cause running is my habit. It was a blistering pace But I like to give chase. I run like an Arctic hare And I train …
Didee & Didoo: At my camp
I’m the doctor I’m the minister I’m the police I’m the carpenter I’m the cook I’m the gunsmith I’m the blacksmith I’m the butcher I’m the musician I’m the tailor I’m the dentist I’m the biologist I’m the landlord I’m the janitor I’m the chief I’m the surveyor I’m the psychologist I’m the photographer I’m …
Didee & Didoo: She came, she saw, we conquered
She came, she saw, we conquered Grandma’s name is Clara Frost She came, she saw, we conquered. We’re proud to be her rangers. We’re proud to be her fiddlers. We’re proud to be her snowshoers. We’re proud to be her test skiers. We’re proud to be her dog mushers. We’re proud to be her hockey …
Didee & Didoo: Didoo’s Trunk
Didoo’s Trunk That’s where she kept her knife. That’s where she kept her awl. That’s where she kept her file. That’s where she kept her hatchet. That’s where she kept her snares. That’s where she kept her thimble. That’s where she kept her needles. That’s where she kept her pipe. That’s where she kept her …
Let’s All Learn Gwich’in
Our long time “Didee and Didoo” cartoonist and poet Allan Benjamin from Old Crow is excited to introduce his new Shoo’ii and Sheek’aii cartoons and poems. These new characters will appear in Gwich’in and English. Whenever you see Shoo’ii and Sheek’aii you can always be treated to a Gwich’in poem or Allan will simply have …
DIDEE & DIDOO: Avoid Problems
DON’T DRINK. DON’T DO DRUGS. DON’T SMOKE. DON’T CHEW SNUFF. DON’T EAT JUNK FOOD. DON’T GAMBLE. EXERCISE. WORK. DON’T BORROW. DON’T LEND. DON’T BRAG. DON’T SWEAR. FIND A HOBBY. BE HUMBLE. DON’T GOSSIP. FIND GOD. HAVE GOALS. WORK FOR YOUR STUFF. DON’T ARGUE. DON’T LISTEN TO RUMOURS. DON’T BREAK THE LAW. OWN A PET. LEARN …
DIDEE & DIDOO: THEY’RE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE
I HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST ORGANIC DIET. I HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST AND LIGHTEST EQUIPMENT. I HAVE TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ON TRAINING METHODS. I HAVE TO HAVE A COACH. I HAVE TO HAVE A SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST. I HAVE TO HAVE TIME AND BE COMMITTED. I HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST TRAINING ENVIRONMENT. I …
DIDEE & DIDOO: ALLAN BENJAMIN
HE WAKES UP AT FOUR AND HE’S OUT THE DOOR. HE’S UP BEFORE THE SUN AN’ HE GOES FOR A RUN. ALLAN DOESN’T LIKE TO SIT ‘CAUSE HE LIKES TO KEEP FIT. HE’S NOT OVER THE HILL AND HE CAN’T KEEP STILL. ALLAN IS A GWICHIN ATHLETE AND HE TRAINS TO COMPETE. HE SNOWSHOES ALL …
DIDEE & DIDOO: BABY BOOMERS
WE ALL REMEMBERED BLOOMERS NOW THEY CALL US BABY BOOMERS. WE ALL USED TO BE NEW NOW WE’RE LIKE AN OLD SHOE. WE USED TO BREAK ALL THE RULES AND THEY CALL US FOOLS. WE USED TO BE WILD BUT NOW WE’RE MILD WE USED TO BE CRAZY NOW WE’RE ALL LAZY WE USED TO …
DIDEE & DIDOO: WIVES USED THEIR HUSBAND’S FIRST NAMES
MARTHA MOSES WAS MARRIED TO MOSES TIZYA. MARY RUFUS WAS MARRIED TO RUFUS NETRO. MARY PAUL WAS MARRIED TO PAUL BEN KASSI. MARY LAZARUS WAS MARRIED TO LAZARUS CHARLIE. ANNIE KENNETH WAS MARRIED TO KENNETH NUKON. MARTHA JOHN WAS MARRIED TO JOHN CHARLIE. ANNIE DANIEL WAS MARRIED TO DANIEL FREDSON. FANNY CHARLIE WAS MARRIED TO …
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DIDEE & DIDOO: THOU SHALT NOT SWEAR
*EAT THIS RICE ALL MUDDY. WHY DON’T YOU THUCK OFF. THUCK YOU. DON’T THUCK AROUND. THUCKER. *FUTHER MUCKER. WELL I’LL BE THUCK ME. YOU THUCKIN RIGHTS. I’M ALL THUCKED UP. THUCK THIS. DASTARD. CRIPES SAKES. THUCK SAKES. YOU’RE A DOG THUCKER. DON’T BE AN ASK HOLE. YOU’RE TWISTING ME OFF. *GUN OF A SUN. *FOR …
DIDEE & DIDOO: Embrace Winter
You can go dog mushing. You can go snow shoeing. You can go skiing. You can go skating. You can make a snowman. You can see the northern lights. You can make an igloo. You can go for a ski-doo ride. You can go sliding You can go skijoring. You can go ice fishing. You …
DIDEE & DIDOO: I’VE NEVER BEEN EVERYWHERE
I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO ENGLAND BUT I’VE BEEN TO CARIBOU LOOKOUT. IHAVE NEVER BEEN TO FRANCE BUT I’VE BEEN TO RAMPART HOUSE. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO CHINA BUT I’VE BEEN TO CROW FLATS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO TIALY BUT I’VE BEEN TO KLO KUT. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO GERMANY BUT I’VE …
DIDEE & DIDOO: I’M STILL INTACT
I STILL HAVE MY WINGS. I STILL HAVE MY TAIL. I STILL HAVE MY CLAWS. I STILL HAVE MY FINS. I STILL HAVE MY HORNS. I STILL HAVE MY HOOFS. I STILL HAVE MY BEAK. I STILL HAVE MY QUILLS. I STILL HAVE MY SCALES. I STILL HAVE MY FEATHERS. I STILL HAVE MY BILL. …
Didee & Didoo: I’m Still Intact
I STILL HAVE MY WINGS. I STILL HAVE MY TAIL. I STILL HAVE MY CLAWS. I STILL HAVE MY FINS. I STILL HAVE MY HORNS. I STILL HAVE MY HOOFS. I STILL HAVE MY BEAK. I STILL HAVE MY QUILLS. I STILL HAVE MY SCALES. I STILL HAVE MY FEATHERS. I STILL HAVE MY BILL. …
Didee & Didoo: OLD CROW ZOO
YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF CARIBOU. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF MOOSE. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF MARTEN. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF SQUIRRELS. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF WOLVES. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF FOXES. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF RABBITS. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF MIKS. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF DUCKS. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF FISH. YOU’LL SEE LOTS OF WEASELS. …
Didee & Didoo: INDIAN TIME
WE DON’T KEEP TRACK OF TIME AN’ WE DON’T THINK IT’S A CRIME. OUR ALARM GOES ON AT EIGHT BUT WE LIKE TO BE LATE. WE SUPPOSE TO BE THERE BY NINE BUT OUR TIME IS ALWAYS BEHIND. EVEN WHEN IT’S COFFEE BREAK WE’RE STILL BARELY AWAKE. WHEN THE CLOCK IS AT ELEVEN WE THINK …
Didee & Didoo: Dome Run
I’M OVER THE HILL TO RUN UP THE HILL. I NEVER RAN IT BEFORE BUT I KNOW IT’S SORT. I’LL GIVE IT A TRY BUT DON’T ASK WHY. I’M NOT A PRO ‘CAUSE I’M SLOW. I’M A MASTER AN’ I’M NOT FASTER. THE DOME RUN IT’S JUST FOR FUN. I’LL TRY NOT TO DROP ‘TIL …
Didee & Didoo: I SNOWSHOED AT… I FIDDLED AT…
I Snowshoed at… ANCHORAGE – IDITASHOE FT YUKON – ICE KING CLASSIC DAWSON – AWG SNOWSHOE TRIALS OLD CROW – EASTER CARNIVAL FT MCPHERSON – PEEL RIVER JAMBOREE ARCTIC RED RIVER – MCKENZIE RIVER CARNIVAL INUVIK – MUSKRAT JAMBOREE AKLAVIK – MAD TRAPPER CARNIVAL YELLOWKNIFE – AWF SNOWSHOEING WHITEHORSE – MAD TRAPPER CONTEST I Fiddled …
Didee & Didoo: I SHOOK THEIR HANDS
REGGIE LEACH – NHL HOCKEY PLAYER. GEORGE CHUVALO – PROFESSIONAL BOXER. CHIEF PETER MOSES – BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL. PIERRE TRUDEAU – PRIME MINISTER. GEORGE ATTLA – WORLD CHAMP DOG MUSHER. FATHER MOUCHET – T.E.S.T. SKI FOUNDER. SHIRLEY, SHARON FIRTH – OLYMPIC SKIERS. ADRIENNE CLARKSON – GOVERNOR GENERAL. BRIAN RANDAZZO – ARCTIC SPORTS CHAMP. ROBERT RAMSEY …
Didee & Didoo: AT OLD CROW
Didee & Didoo by Allen Benjamin: At Old Crow WE DON’T HAVE TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WE DON’T HAVE ELEVATORS. WE DON’T HAVE BRIDGES. WE DON’T HAVE
Didee & Didoo: After A Race
I CAN SLEEP. I’M NOT NERVOUS. I CAN BREATHE. I CAN TALK. I DON’T CHOKE. MY HEART BEATS NORMAL. I’M NOT STIFF. I CAN KEEP STILL. I CAN CONCENTRATE. I CAN HEAR. I DON’T PEE MY PANTS. I CAN SEE. I KNOW HOW TO PRAY. I STOP CRYING. I DON’T HAVE A HEADACHE. I AM …
Didee & Didoo: BEFORE A RACE
I CAN’T SLEEP. I SHAKE. I’M NERVOUS. I CAN’T BREATHE. I CAN’T TALK. I ALMOST CHOKE. MY HEART BEATS FAST. I GET STIFF. I CAN’T KEEP STILL. I CAN’T CONCENTRATE. I CAN’T HEAR. I PEE MY PANTS. I CAN’T SEE. I FORGET HOW TO PRAY. I START TO CRY. I GET A HEADACHE. I GET …
Didee & Didoo: WHAT ANIMALS THINK OF US
THEY WALK ON TWO FEET. THEY DON’T HAVE TAILS. THEY DON’T BARK. THEY DON’T PANT. THEY DON’T HAVE FUR. THEY DON’T HAVE HORNS. THEY DON’T HAVE HOOFS. THEY DON’T HAVE QUILLS. THEY DON’T HAVE WINGS. THEY DON’T HAVE BILLS. THEY DON’T HAVE FINS. THEY DON’T HIBERNATE. THEY DON’T HAVE PAWS. THEY DON’T RUT. THEY DON’T …
Didee & Didoo: NOT GUILTY
THEY WORK OVERTIME TO COMMIT CRIME. THEIR MANNERS THEY DON’T USE AN’ THEY LIKE TO ABUSE. THEY LIKE TO ROB AN’ THAT’S THEIR JOB. THEY EVEN WORK AT NIGHTS AN’ THEY VIOLATE OUR RIGHTS. THEY WANT A FREE MEAL ‘CAUSE THEY LIKE TO STEAL. THEY ONLY CAUSE US GRIEF AN’ THEY ACT LIKE A THIEF. …
Didee & Didoo: SERIOUS TRAINING
SERIOUS TRAINING I’M A VUNTUT GWICHIN ATHLETE AND I ALWAYS COMPETE. I’LL RUN WHEN IT’S SNOWING OR RAINING BECAUSE I’M IN SERIOUS TRAINING. I DON’T WANT A BAD HABIT ‘CAUSE I NEED TO RUN LIKE A RABBIT. I LIKE TO BE SERIOUSLY FIT SO I DON’T LIKE TO SIT. I WANT TO BE TOUGH AS …
Didee & Didoo: DIDOO NEVER HAD THESE THINGS
DIDOO COULDN’T WRITE OR READ SO THESE THINGS SHE DIDN’T NEED. DIDOO NEVER HAD A MEASURING CUP. DIDOO NEVER HAD MEASURING SPOONS. DIDOO NEVER HAD A RULER. DIDOO NEVER HAD A SCALE. DIDOO NEVER HAD A WATCH. DIDOO NEVER HAD A THERMOMETER. DIDOO NEVER HAD A COMBINATION LOCK. DIDOO NEVER HAD A CALCULATOR. DIDOO NEVER …
Didee & Didoo: RED LANTERN
YOUR TEAM IS NEVER IN THE LEAD ‘CAUSE THEY DON’T HAVE THE SPEED. THEY’RE ALWAYS LAST ‘CAUSE THEY’RE NOT FAST. YOU’RE THE LAST TO THE FINISH LINE ‘CAUSE YOU’RE ALWAYS WAY BEHIND. YOU’RE NOT IN A HURRY AND YOU DON’T WORRY. YOU KNOW HOW TO MUSH BUT YOU DON’T LIKE TO RUSH. EVEN IF YOU …
Didee & Didoo: STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW
DON’T SHOOT CARIBOU AND MOOSE WHEN THEY’RE RUTTING. THREE RIFLE SHOTS MEANS “DISTRESS.” CHECK ICE THICKNESS BEFORE CROSSING. WEAR SUNGLASSES IN THE SPRING TIME. STAY HOME WHEN THERE’S A STORM. STAY HOME WHEN THERE’S BIG WAVES. ALWAYS CARRY MATCHES. KEEP AWAY FROM A BEAR KILL. YOUR TENT DOOR SHOULD FACE SOUTH. NEVER EAT SNOW. USE …
Didee & Didoo: I MADE A FIDDLE
FIDDLES COST TOO MUCH THEY WOULDN’T LET ME TOUCH. SO WHEN I WAS LITTLE I MADE MY OWN FIDDLE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A LOON BUT I CAN PLAY A TUNE. I USED WOOD GUM TO MAKE IT HUM. I USED AL KINDS OF THINGS AN’ RABBIT SNARES FOR STRINGS. DIDOO GAVE ME SINEW AND I …
Didee & Didoo: THERE’S ALL KINDS OF FORTS
THERE’S ALL KINDS OF FORTS. THERE’S FORT YUKON, ALASKA. THERE’S FORT MCPHERSON, NWT. THERE’S FORT SELKIRK, YUKON. THERE’S FORT GOOD HOPE, NWT. THERE’S FORT PROVIDENCE, NWT. THERE’S FORT FITZGERALD, ALBERTA. THERE’S FORT RESOLUTION, NWT. THERE’S FORT SIMPSON, NWT. THERE’S FORT RELIANCE, YUKON. THERE’S FORT SMITH, NWT. THERE’S FORT CHIPEWYAN, ALBERTA. THERE’S FORT LIARD, NWT. THERE’S …
Didee & Didoo: MY GYM
WHEN I MENTION MY GYM IT DOESN’T HAVE A BASKETBALL RIM. MY GYM IS THE GREAT OUTDOORS I SHARE IT WITH ANIMALS ON ALL FOURS. I SHARE MY GYM WITH THE BEAR WHERE THERE’S LOTS OF FRESH AIR. I SHARE MY GYM WITH THE PORCUPINE WHERE THERE’S LOTS OF SUNSHINE. I SHARE MY GYM WITH …
Didee & Didoo: I’M LIKE A BALL
THEY MAKE A BALL ROUND AN’ THEY THROW IT AROUND. WHEN THEY PLAY FOR THE GREY CUP THEY KICK THE BALL WAY UP. THE BALL WILL REBOUND AND GO UP AND DOWN. WHEN A BALL IS IN MOTION IT’S LIKE MY EMOTION. I CAN FALL TO THE GROUND IF I’M NOT THROWN AROUND. WHEN THEY …
Didee & Didoo: MOOSE AND RABBIT
THEY EAT WILLOW LEAVES IN THE AUTUMN AN’ ONLY RABBIT EATS AT THE BOTTOM. MOOSE AND RABBIT MADE A DEAL SO THAT THEY’LL BOTH HAVE A MEAL. RABBIT WASN’T IN CHARGE BECAUSE MOOSE WAS LARGE. MOOSE KNOWS RABBIT IS NOT BIG SO HE ONLY EATS AT THE TOP OF THE WILLOW TWIG. MOOSE KNOWS RABBIT …
Didee & Didoo: WHEN I GO HUNTING
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A HORSE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A VULTURE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A ZEBRA. I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN ELEPHANT. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A ROOSTER. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A GOAT. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A RACCOON. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WHALE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A DONKEY. I …
Didee & Didoo: WILLOW MAN
WILLOW MAN IS HIS NAME AN’ HIS ARROW HE LIKES TO AIM. HE’S AS STRONG AS A BEAR AN’ HE HUNTS WITH A SPEAR. WILLOW MAN IS FAST AN’ BRAVE AN’ HE LIVED IN A BEAR CAVE. WILLOW MAN WAS KIND AN’ WISE AN’ STRONGER THAN ALL THE GUYS. THERE WAS JEALOUSY IN HIS CLAN …
Didee & Didoo: THOSE MY AUNTIE
I CALL THOSE MY AUNTIE HE AN’ HE CALL THOSE UNCLE SHE. THOSE AUNTIE HE’S NOT THAT NEW AND SNUFF HE ALWAYS CHEW. I THINK HE STILL WEAR BLOOMER AN’ HE MAKE STRONG RUMOUR. THOSE AUNTIE ALWAYS SMOKE PIPE AN’ HE USE CATALOG TO WIPE. THOSE MY AUNTIE HE FEEL BIG WHEN HE MAKE DOUBLE …
Didee & Didoo: HELICOPTER CRASH
THEY WENT FOR A SHORT RIDE BUT LUCKILY NO ONE DIED. IN THE WATER THEY MADE A SPLASH WHEN THE HELICOPTER MADE A CRASH. THE CHOPPER MADE A BIG WAVE AND THEY HAD A CLOSE SHAVE. THE HELICOPTER LOST POWER AND THEY WENT FOR A SHOWER. STEVIE WAS JUST A LITTLE GUY WHEN THEY FELL …
Didee & Didoo: I CAN’T KEEP STILL
I CAN STILL SNOWSHOE. I CAN STILL RUN. I CAN STILL BIKE. I CAN STILL CANOE. I CAN STILL MUSH DOGS. I CAN STILL SKI. I CAN STILL CUT WOOD. I CAN STILL HUNT. I CAN STILL FISH. I CAN STILL TRAP. I CAN STILL SHOVEL. I CAN STILL RAKE. I CAN STILL PLAY FIDDLE. …
Didee & Didoo: I’M RUNNING FOR PRIME MINISTER
BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO SNOWSHOE. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO CANOE. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO HUNT. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO FISH. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO BUILD A CABIN. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO CUT WOOD. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO SET SNARES. BECAUSE I KNOW HOW TO MAKE A RAFT. BECAUSE …
Didee & Didoo: Strong Poem
THEY’RE HAVING A STRONG MEETING. LIBERAL IS STRONG GOVERNMENT. AMERICAN SIDE MAKE STRONG LAW. SANTA CLAUS GIVE ME STRONG PRESENT. OLD CHIEF GOT STRONG NAME. CARPENTER MAKE STRONG MEASURE. DIDEE GOT STRONG CREDIT. DOCTOR GAVE ME STRONG NEEDLE. INDIAN AGENT GAVE ME STRONG CHEQUE. INTERPRETER BRING STRONG NEWS. THEY’RE MAKING STRONG CHRISTMAS DANCE. GEE! UNCLE …
Didee & Didoo: I Wish I Had Wings
I don’t have paws. I don’t have a tail. I don’t have horns. I don’t have hoofs. I don’t have feathers. I don’t have fins. I don’t have scales. I don’t have a duck bill. I don’t have fur. I don’t have claws. I don’t have gills. I don’t have a beak. I don’t have …
Didee & Didoo: POWER OUTAGE
YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR WHEELBARROW. YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR AXE. YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR HANDSAW. YOU CAN STILL SEE WITH YOUR CANDLE. YOU CAN STILL RIDE YOUR BICYCLE. YOU CAN STILL MUSH YOUR DOG TEAM. YOU CAN STILL PADDLE YOUR CANOE. YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR SNOWSHOES. YOU CAN STILL USE YOUR …
Didee & Didoo: Good Samaritan
GOOD SAMARITANS ALWAYS CARE AND THEY ALWAYS LIKE TO SHARE. THEY WORK FOR GOD ABOVE GIVING IS HOW THEY SHOW THEIR LOVE. THEY’LL GIVE YOU THEIR SHIRT AN’ THEY’LL PROVIDE COMFORT. THEY ALWAYS DO A GOOD DEED AN’ HELP THOSE IN NEED. THEY’LL OPEN THEIR DOOR AN’ THEY’LL FEED THE POOR. THEY’LL DO A GOOD …
Didee & Didoo: Thinking
I ALWAYS SIT AND THINK AND I WRITE IT IN INK. I ALWAYS THINK LOTS AN’ I WRITE DOWN MY THOTS. MY IDEAS GET BIGGER WHEN I START TO FIGURE. I DON’T LIKE TO DRINK IT MESSES THE WAY I THINK. THE PAST I’LL REWIND ‘CAUSE I HAVE LOTS ON MY MIND. I WON’T HAVE …
Didee & Didoo: I NEVER HAD A DIDEE
BUT I KNOW HOW TO TRAP BUT I KNOW HOW TO HUNT BUT I KNOW HOW TO FISH BUT I KNOW HOW TO PADDLE BUT I KNOW HOW TO SNOWSHOE BUT I KNOW HOW TO CUT WOOD BUT I KNOW HOW TO PLAY FIDDLE BUT I KNOW HOW TO MAKE A RAFT BUT I KNOW …
Didee & Didoo: My Gym
’When I mention my gym, it doesn’t have a basketball rim. My gym is the great outdoors, I share it with animals on all fours. I share my gym with the bear where there’s lots of fresh air. I share my gym with the porcupine where there’s lots of sunshine. I share my gym with …
Didee & Didoo: Mrs. Wrong
I ALWAYS SEEM TO FIND MRS. WRONG AND OUR LOVE DON’T LAST TOO LONG. THEY ALWAYS GIVE ME A SHOVE AND I CAN’T FIND TRUE LOVE. I’M STILL LOOKIN’ FOR A MRS. RIGHT AN’ I DON’T CARE ABOUT HER HEIGHT. I’M SEARCHIN’ FOR A HONEY WHO DOESN’T CARE ABOUT MONEY. I DON’T WANT HER TO …
Didee & Didoo: WALKS
When I Go For My Walks I Wear Out My Socks. I Wear Out My Soles And My Shoes Has Holes. I Always Walk With My Dog But Then He Makes Me Jog. I Never Read The Clock When I Go For A Walk. I Don’t Like To Sit So Walking Keeps Me Fit. Sometimes …
Didee & Didoo: Left-Handed
DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED CUPS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED HATS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED PENCILS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED PADDLES? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED AXES? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED KNIVES? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED COMBS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED CLOCKS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED PURSES? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED TEAPOTS? DO THEY HAVE LEFT-HANDED CHAIRS? …
Didee & Didoo: SMARTEST ANIMAL
DOGS KNOW WHEN YOU’RE HURT AN’ THEY KNOW HOW TO COMFORT. DOGGIES ARE SO SMART AN’ THEY’LL HEAL YOUR HEART. THEY CAN READ YOUR MIND AN’ THEY’LL MAKE YOUKIND. DOGS ARE OUR BEST FRIEND OUR BUDDIES TO THE END. DOGGIES ARE CUTE AN’ FURRY AN’ THEY’LL TAKE AWAY YOUR WORRY. DOGS ARE VERY LOYAL THEY’LL …
Didee & Didoo: Depression
HARD TIMES ARE COMING AND THERE WILL BE BUMMING. TIMES WILL BE TOUGH AND THERE WON’T BE ENOUGH. ON THE LAND WE HAVE TO SURVIVE AN’ IT WILL BE HARD TO STAY ALIVE. THERE WON’T BE MUCH FOOD AND PEOPLE WILL BE RUDE. MONEY WON’T BE WORTH ONLY FOOD FROM THE EARTH. TIMES WILL BECOME …
Didee & Didoo: HARD LUCK STORIES
I’VE HEARD THEM ALL SOME ARE PRETTY TALL. SOME ARE AS TALL AS A GIRAFFE AND THEY’LL MAKE YOU LAUGH. THEIR STORIES ARE SO FUNNY BUT YOU KNOW THEY WANT MONEY. I KNOW I’M WISE AN’ I DON’T LIKE LIES. THEY’LL PUT YOU IN A GOOD MOOD BUT SOME OF THEM ARE RUDE. I’VE BEEN …
Didee & Didoo: Surviving Spring
WHEN I SEE A SWAN I KNOW WINTER IS GONE. WHEN I SEE A BEAR I KNOW SPING IS HERE. THERE IS NO MORE SNOW AN’ RHUBARB WILL GROW. OUR LAND WILL TURN GREEN AND OUR WATER IS CLEAN. WE WILL HEAR OUR BIRDS AN’ SEE OUR CARIBOU HERDS. WE SEE ANIMALS ON ALL FOURS …
Didee & Didoo: Peter Norberg
THEY DIDN’T EXPECT HIM TO WIN FIRST PRIZE BUT THEY WERE IN FOR A SURPRISE. HE CAME FOR THE BIG DOG RACE HE WASN’T EXPECTED TO GET FIRST PLACE. HE WASN’T RACING FOR THE RED LAMP THIS MUSHER WAS RACING TO BE THE CHAMP. PETER NORBERG CAME ALL THE WAY FROM TUK AND HE HAD …
Didee & Didoo: Caribou Days
WINTER IS FINALLY GONE IT’S GREAT TO SEE A SWAN. IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN WE’LL SEE A BEAR. IT’S NICE TO SEE THE BIRDS AND THE CARIBOU HERDS. THERE IS NO MORE SNOW AN’ THE LEAVES WILL GROW. GWICHINS LIKE TO PLAY OUTDOORS LIKE THE ANIMALS ON ALL FOURS. WE HAVE ALL …
Didee & Didoo: QUIET PEOPLE
SOME PEOPLE ARE QUIET AN’ THEY WON’T CAUSE A RIOT. THEY JUST LIKE TO BE ALONE AN’ THEY DON’T LIKE A PHONE. QUIET PEOPLE ARE WISE AND THAT’S NO SURPRISE. I THINK THEY’RE TOO HUMBLE BUT THEY’LL NEVER MUMBLE. QUIET PEOPLE HARDLY SPEAK BUT DON’T THINK THEY’RE WEAK. THEY ANSWER WITH A SMILE ‘CAUSE THAT’S …
Didee & Didoo: I LOVE WHERE I WORK
I WORK AT THE OLD CROW AIRPORT AND I GIVE A WEATHER REPORT. I LOVE WHERE I WORK AN’ I TALK TO THE PILOT OF A HERC. I’M A RADIO TALKER I TALK TO THE PILOT OF A HAWKER. WE DON’T HAVE NO HIGHWAY THAT’S WHY WE HAVE A RUNWAY. THAT’S WHY WE NEVER SEE …
Didee & Didoo: Forgot the Grub
WE WENT IN THE BUSH TO FIRE FIGHT BUT THERE WAS NO FOOD TO BITE. BUNCH OF US WERE ON A FIRE CREW BUT WE HAD NOTHING TO CHEW. SMOKE CHASED THE ANIMALS OFF AND IT MADE US COUGH. WE NEVER ATE FOR ONE WEEK AN’ WE WERE GETTING WEAK. SOMEONE FORGOT ABOUT THE GRUB …
Didee & Didoo: When I was a Kid
ALL THE LADIES WORE HANKERCHIEFS. EVERYONE HAD HIGH CACHES. ALL THE ELDERS SMOKED PIPES. EVERYONE USED DOGTEAMS. WE MADE OUR OWN TOYS. EVERYONE HAD BIBLE NAMES. WE ALL USED GASLAMPS AN’ CANDLES. PLANES LANDED ON GRAVEL BARS. WE PACKED WATER FROM THE RIVER. WE CAN BUY CANDY WITH A PENNY. INDIAN AGENT WAS A BIG …
Didee & Didoo: Trading Post
YOU Moses can buy a gaslamp an’ everything for his camp. Neil can buy muskrat traps and old time caps. Eliza can buy pots an’ pails and screws and nails. Amos can buy a saw an’ axe and even shirt and slacks. Sarah can buy a windup clock or an old time padlock. Myra can …
Didee & Didoo: The Never Drank
Neil McDonald (Interpreter). Eliza Ben Kassi (Sharing). Rev. Joe Kay (God). Myra Kay (Sharing). Peter Charlie (Discipline). Mary Charlie (Discipline). Charlie P. Charlie (Music). Ellen Abel (Helper). Kenneth Nukon (Bush). Rev. Ellen Bruce (Love). Chief Peter Moses (Leader). Myra Moses (Honesty). Mary Thomas (Caring). Sarah Baalam (Kind). Eliza Steamboat (Language). When I was small they …
Didee & Didoo: When I Was With Didoo
When I was with didoo she made me happy. When I was with didoo she made me wise. When I was with didoo she made me strong. When I was with didoo she made me brave. When I was with didoo she made me humble. When I was with didoo she made me honest. When …
You’re Still Gonna Die
Even if you’re famous. Even if you’re rich. Even if you’re healthy. Even if you’re educated. Even if you’re strong. Even if you’re lucky. Even if you’re young. Even if you’re sexy. Even if you’re free. Even if you’re law abiding. Even if you’re fast. Even if you’re friendly. Even if you’re careful. Even if …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Vuntut Gwinchins”
Gwichin lived a nomadic life using stone axe an’ bone knife. They lived in caribou skin tents an’ Gwichins made caribou fence. In winter they ran on snowshoes In summer they paddled rat canoes. When the caribou herds arrive they knew they would survive. Gwichins hunted the caribou herds an’ waited for the migratory birds. …
Didee & Didoo: Poem “I Almost Kicked the Pail”
I think I looked pale an’ I almost kicked the pail. I was feeling worse so I went to see the nurse. She hooked me up to an IV and she tested my pee. She also tested my blood but it looked more like mud. I took morphine for pain and I went on a …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Doesn’t Make Sense”
My tickle is broken! Draw your name! Look at the fish tracks! Are you going to Whitehorse yesterday? Push on the rope! My ski doo has a flat tire! I almost bit my dog! Are you giving me a present for your birthday? My dog never talks to me! I floated upstream! I’m going to …
Didee & Didoo: Poem “Test”
They’ll hand you a paper An’ a pencil with a taper. If you mark the wrong place You’re allowed to erase. If you really think You can write in ink. When you write your test Yo have to try your best. If you study all night You can get them all right. You have to …
Didee & Didoo: Poem “Flu Season”
WHEN YOU START TO COUGH YOU’LL TAKE THE DAY OFF. YOU WILL FEEL SORE AN’ YOU WILL LOOK POOR. YOU’LL HAVE A SORE CHEST AN’ YOU’LL TRY TO REST. YOU’LL HAVE A HEADACHE AN’ COUGHING WILL KEEP YOU AWAKE. YOU WILL BE REALLY WEAK AN’ YOU’LL BARELY SPEAK. YOUR NOSE WILL BE RED AN’ YOU’LL …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cannibals”
They don’t care how we feel cannibals just want a free meal. They like our delicious flesh an’ cannibals like us fresh. They don’t care about our life they’ll eat us with fork an’ knife. Cannibals don’t care what we say they only want us for prey. They don’t care if we’re slender but cannibals …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I Have to Push On”
Even if I’m sore I’ll still push on. When I feel poor I always push on. When I’m lonely I just push on. If I get sick I slowly push on. When I want to give up Somehow I push on. When I have no hope I seem to push on. Even if I’m sad …
Didee & Didoo: No Store
We don’t have a store so we’re really poor. We can’t even shop ‘cause they came to a stop. We could even die because we can’t buy. We can’t eat money and that’s not funny. Even if we have cash it’s as good as trash. We have more than enough but we can’t buy stuff. I …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Love Triangle”
She still love me but then there’s three. She has a pair she likes to share. She can choose an’ one will lose. She’s not true ’cause she has two. She only needs one but she likes fun. I think she’s sweet but she likes to cheat. She thinks twice to make things nice. She …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I Have Everything”
I Have Everything The northern lights are my TV. An eagle is my kite. Calm water is my mirror. The North Star is my compass. A rainbow is my picture. Icicles are my decorations. The birds are my radio. Birch bark is my paper. An owl is my mousetrap. The moon is my streetlight. Crows …
Didee & Didoo: Poem: “Nomadic Life”
Didee & Didoo: Nomadic Life They followed the caribou herds an’ they hunted migratory birds. Gwichins moved all over the place or hunger they would face. Everyone followed the caribou tracks but they stayed away from wolf packs. Hunters made tools from bone an’ they made axe from stone. Clothes were made from caribou leather …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I think about Didoo”
I think about Didoo When I’m hungry I think about Didoo. When I’m alone I think about Didoo. When I’m broke I think about Didoo. When I’m sick I think about Didoo. When I’m hurt I think about Didoo. When I feel lost I think about Didoo. When I’m worried I think about Didoo. When …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “So Much To Do”
SO MUCH TO DO Little old ladies are sweet an’ they have little feet. They pretend to be mad but they’re always glad. Their English is not right an’ they’re small in height. They’re not really new an’ they drink homebrew. Old ladies are really wise they outlive the old guys. They puff on a …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Walks”
Walks When I go for my walks I wear out my socks. I wear out my soles and my shoes has holes. I always walk with my dog but then he makes me jog. I never read the clock when I go for a walk. I don’t like to sit so walking keeps me fit. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “In Heaven”
In Heaven We will never die an’ we’ll never cry. We’ll never be sad an’ nobody gets mad. There is no grief an’ there is no thief. No one will be poor an’ no one will be sore. Our hearts will never break an’ we’ll never ache. There is no night an’ there is no …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Playing With Words”
Playing With Words My honey likes honey. That fly can’t fly. An ant bit my aunt. my son likes the sun. Don’t swallow that swallow. Don’t watch my watch. I came back with a sore back. I never saw your saw. I left my cash in your cache. I got a bill from Bill. When …
Didee & Didoo: Poem “Improvise”
You are wise if you improvise. You have knowledge not learned in college. You make plans using your hands. You use tools not following rules. You use your mind with what you find. You fix things even using strings. When stuff falls apart you have to be smart. You fix things that squeak and you …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Uncle Don”
Uncle Don Uncle Don was born at Bluefish and he always hunt and fish. Uncle Don is my mom’s brother an’ Clara Frost is his mother. Auntie Alice is Don’s wife and he worded all his life. I’ve known Uncle Don since I was a lad and Donald was friends with my dad. Uncle was …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Thin Ice”
Thin Ice When you are on thin ice you have to think twice. If you make one mistake you can fall in the lake. If you fall in the water you have to swim like an otter. Thin ice will make you scream if you fall in a cold stream. you want things to go …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Busy Beaver”
Busy Beaver They work nonstop but they don’t chop. They don’t use a saw they use their jaw. A busy beaver doesn’t use a cleaver. They don’t work with a knife ‘ cause beavers are wildlife. They don’t use an axe and they never relax. Beavers work all day never asking for pay. They always …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Gwichin Princess”
There’s a peaceful little town on the banks of the river where the wolf an’ caribou roan That’s where she calls her home. In summer there’s no nights days are short in the winter time. Under the northern lights she dances her blues away. CHORUS She’s a Gwichin princess Old Crow Yukon is her home …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Depression”
Depression Hard times are coming an’ there will be bumming. Times will be tough an’ there won’t be enough. On the land we have to survive an’ it will be hard to stay alive. There won’t be enough food and peoiple will be rude. Money won’t be worth only food from the earth. Times will …
Allan Benjamin and the origins of Didee & Didoo
Anyone who reads What’s up Yukon regularly will have come across the comic strip, Didee & Didoo. The comic was created by Old Crow resident, Allan Benjamin. It depicts a humourous take on the life of two Gwitchin elders. Along with his poetry, Didee & Didoo has been a fixture in WUY for the last …
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Trophies”
Sorry Folks No Poem This week
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Calls”
Sorry Folks No Poem This week
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Cake”
Sorry Folks No Poem This Week.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Caribou Legs’
Caribou Legs First he kicked his drug habit now he runs as fast as a rabbit. He runs many miles on mother earth and his name is Brad Firth. Brad is a Gwich’in athlete who was born with fast feet. Caribou Legs is made of steel an’ he runs to protect the Peel. In Inuvik …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Stanley Cup Season”
STANLEY CUP SEASON When it’s Stanley cup season It’s almost like treason. Dougie never misses a playoff and his TV is never off. He turns his TV right up when he watches the Stanley cup. Dougie is glued to the screen an’ sometimes he even looks mean. When the other teams score Dougie gets really …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Gerald”
His name is Gerald Nukon From Old Crow Yukon. He always says “Hi!” An’ he’s a pretty cool guy. Gerald is such a great lad and I never see him mad. Even if he gets stuck with a raft you’ll still see Gerald laugh. he respects old folks and he tells funny jokes. He’ll lend …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hope”
HOPE Don’t ever say nope ‘cause there’s always hope. Even if you don’t have soap You’ll always have hope. If you don’t have bug dope Don’t give up on hope. If you hang on to a rope You’ll always hang on to hope. If your dogs can lope You know you have hope. If you …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Autobiography”
AUTOBIOGRAPHY – A. BENJAMIN I DON’T LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT MYSELF ‘CAUSE SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE AN ELF. I WAS BORN UP IN OLD CROW WHERE THE PORCUPINE RIVER FLOW. I WAS RAISED BY DIDOO AN’ I’M NOT EXACTLY NEW. EVER SINCE I WAS LITTLE I LEARNED TO PLAY MY FIDDLE. I CAN PLAY LOTS …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Sarah Abel”
Sarah Abel HER NAME IS SARAH ABEL AN’ SHE PRAYED AT THE COMMUNION TABLE. SHE WAS AN OLD CROW RESIDENT AND SHE WAS THE W.A. PRESIDENT SARAH WAS ALWAYS KIND BUT SHE SPOKE HER MIND. HER FAITH WAS STRONG THAT ’S WHY SHE LIVED LONG. SHE WORKED FOR OUR TRIBAL AN’ SHE LIVED BY THE BIBLE. SARAH HAD STRONG BELIEF AND SHE WORKED WITH …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Tour Guide”
Tour Guide When I’m a tour guide I like walking outside. When I show tourists our town We use a wheelbarrow to get around. When they come to Old Crow Yukon They all want to meet Dick Nukon. I show them my snowshoes of birch And I show them our log church. Tourists like to …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Mary Tizya”
Mary Tizya I REALLY LOVE THIS PERSON SHE CAME FROM FT McPHERSON. THEN SHE BECAME ROSS’S WIFE AN’ LIVED IN OLD CROW MOST OF HER LIFE. SHE’S JUST LITTLE IN SIZE BUT SHE’S REALLY WISE. MARY SHE GOES BY THE NAME OF AND SHE ALWAYS SHOWS HER LOVE. SHE WAS VERY TRADITIONAL AN’ HER LOVE …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Just For Today”
Just for Today Yesterday is history an’ tomorrow is a mystery. For yesterday I don’t worry an’ tomorrow I’m not in a hurry. If I worry about tomorrow I can live in sorrow. Tomorrow may not arrive today I’m glad to be alive. Yesterday is gone and I’m movin’ on. I’ll leave this day in …
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Hair”
Sorry Folks no poem this week
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Love”
Sorry Folks No Poem This Week.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Fasting”
FASTING WE ALL NEED TO FAST ‘CAUSE THEY DID IT IN THE PAST. SOMETIMES FOOD I DON’T TOUCH ‘CAUSE I DON’T EAT TOO MUCH. I ALWAYS WATCH MY WEIGHT SO I EAT FROM A SMALL PLATE. I DON’T LIKE TO GET WIDE SO I WATCH WHAT GOES INSIDE. I DON’T THINK I CHEAT WHEN I …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Culture Camp”
CULTURE CAMP IF YOU GO TO THE CULTURE CAMP YOU WILL FEEL LIKE A CHAMP. IT IS IN AN OUTDOOR SCHOOL BUT IT IS REALLY COOL. YOUR CLASS WILL BE OUTSIDE AND YOU WILL LEARN WITH PRIDE. IT’S THE STUDENTS WISH TO CAMP OUT IN THE BUSH. YOU WILL SLEEP IN A TENT AND YOU’LL …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Just For Today”
JUST FOR TODAY YESTERDAY IS HISTORY AN’ TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY. FOR YESTERDAY I DON’T WORRY AN’ TOMORROW I’M NOT IN A HURRY. IF I WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW I CAN LIVE IN SORROW. TOMORROW MAY NOT ARRIVE TODAY I’M GLAD TO BE ALIVE. YESTERDAY IS GONE AN’ I’M MOVING ON. I SURVIVED YESTERDAY NOW I …
Didee & Didoo: Sex Education
SEX EDUCATION IT WASN’T TOUGHT IN OUR SCHOOL MAYBE THEY THOUGHT IT WAS CRUEL. WE NEVER LEARNED FROM A TEXT ‘CAUSE THEY NEVER TAUGHT US SEX. HOW INNOCENT BABIES WERE MADE THEY NEVER TOUGHT US IN ANY GRADE. WE HAD NO SEX BOOKS TO READ WE JUST LEARNED HOW TO READ. WE WERE ALL SELF-TAUGHT …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WALK A MILE”
WALK A MILE WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES? WELL I HAVE SOME BAD NEWS. HER SHOES ARE SMALL SIZE WHICH IS NOT MADE FOR GUYS. HER HIGH HEELS ARE PINK WHICH MADE MY FEET SHRINK. I TRIED BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BUT THEY’RE JUST EXTRA TIGHT. I COULDN’T WALK AN INCH ‘CAUSE MY TOES …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hot Spell”
HOT SPELL YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT YOUR WINTER CLOTHES AN’ YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR NOSE. YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR SEAT AND YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR FEET. WE DON’T NEED TO BURN DRY TREES ‘CAUSE WE CERTAINLY WON’T FREEZE. WHEN WE’RE IN A HOT SPELL WE DRINK WATER FROM THE WELL. WHEN IT’S HOT YOU WON’T …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “GOD STAND BY ME”
GOD STAND BY ME WHEN I’M FEELING DOWN AND I HAVE A FROWN GOD STAND BY ME! WHEN IT’S ALL BAD NEWS AND I HAVE THE BLUES GOD STAND BY ME! WHEN I’M DOWN AND OUT AND BAD THINGS I THINK ABOUT GOD STAND BY ME! WHEN I CRY SOME TEARS AND NOBODY CARES GOD …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “David”
DAVID MY FRIEND, DAVID, IS A GOOD MECHANIC AND HE LIKES TO EAT DRY MEAT AND BANNOCK. ON OLD CROW MOUNTAIN HE HAS A TENT SO THAT’S WHERE HE ALWAYS WENT. DAVID CAN FIX CHAINSAW AND KICKER IF IT’S BROKEN HE’LL FIGURE. HE CARRIES HIS TOOLS IN HIS PACK SACK AND FOR ENGINES HE HAS …
Didee & Didoo: Cold Rush
COLD RUSH IN THE SUMMER THE MOSQUITOS WILL BITE IN THE WINTER THE FROST WILL BITE. WHEN YOU GO TO THE OUTHOUSE YOU WEAR YOUR PARKA OVER YOUR BLOUSE. YOUR PANYS WILL BE DOWN TO YOUR KNEES SO IT WON’T TAKE LONG TO FREEZE. YOU HAVE TO BE IN A BIG RUSH BUT YOU DON’T …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Best Coach”
BEST COACH DIDOO WAS THE BEST COACH ‘CAUSE SHE HAD THE WINNING APPROACH. SHE SHOWED ME HOW TO RUN ON SNOWSHOES AN’ SHE NEVER TAUGHT ME TO LOSE. DIDOO SHOWED ME HOW TO PLACE SHE NEVER COACHED ME FOR LAST PLACE. SHE SHOWED ME HOW TO RUN FAST AN’ SHE NEVER TAUGHT ME TO COME …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “SEWER TRUCK GUYS”
SEWER TRUCK GUYS THEY GO ON THEIR DAILY TOUR WHEN THEY PUMP THE SEWER. THESE ARE THE GUYS WE SHOULD THANK WHEN THEY EMPTY OUR SEWER TANK. WHEN IT’S HOT IN THE SUMMER THEIR JOB MUST BE A BUMMER. THAT’S WHEN THE SMELL IS WORSE AND YOU CAN HEAR THEM CURSE. I WONDER IF IT’S …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “SOMETIMES I’M DUMB “
SOMETIMES I’M DUMB SOMETIMES MY MIND IS BLANK LIKE AN EMPTY GAS TANK. SOMETIMES I CAN’T THINK AN’ MY MEMORY IS ON THE BRINK. SOMETIMES I CAN’T RECALL AN’ I’M UP AGAINST THE WALL. SOMETIMES I CAN’T THINK RIGHT AN’ MY EYES HAVE NO SIGHT. SOMETIMES I CAN ACT DUMB AN’ MY MIND GOES NUMB. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “MY NEW WORDS”
MY NEW WORDS INSTEAD OF CARIBOU MEETING YOU CAN SAY CARIBOU MEATING. INSTEAD OF EDIBLE YOU CAN SAY EATABLE THEY SPELL SEAGULL BUT I SPELL SEAGLE YOU CAN SAY SUNDAY OR YOU CAN SAY FUNDAY YOU CAN SAY MASHED POTATOES BUT I CALL IT SMASHED POTATOES. THEY CALL IT A SKIN CANOE BUT I CALL …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Free Store”
FREE STORE YOU WON’T FEEL POOR SHOPPING AT THE FREE STORE. I’M NOT TELLING YOU A JOKE YOU CAN SHOP VEN IF YOU’RE BROKE. YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY EVERYTHING IS TO GIVE AWAY. THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A TILL THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A BILL. THEY HAVE EVERYTHING IN STOCK AND THEY …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cold Rush”
COLD RUSH IN THE SUMMER THE MOSQUITOS WILL BITE IN THE WINTER THE FROST WILL BITE. WHEN YOU GO TO THE OUTHOUSE YOU WEAR YOUR PARKA OVER YOUR BLOUSE. YOUR PANYS WILL BE DOWN TO YOUR KNEES SO IT WON’T TAKE LONG TO FREEZE. YOU HAVE TO BE IN A BIG RUSH BUT YOU DON’T …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “TOUGHEST GWICHIN”
TOUGHEST GWICHIN SHE WAS AS TOUGH AS ROCKS MY GREAT GRANDMA MARGARET BLACKFOX. SHE WAS THE TOUGHEST GWICHIN ‘CAUSE ANY RACE SHE CAN WIN. DIDOO DOESN’T LIKE TO SIT THAT’S HOW COME SHE’S DIT. DIDOO WAS HARD TO BEAT ‘CAUSE SHE WAS AN ATHLETE. DIDOO WAS JUST TOO FAST AND SHE NEVER COMES LAST. WHEN …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bill Smith”
BILL SMITH HIS NAME IS BILL SMITH, AND TABITH HE STAY WITH. SHE WAS HIS GWITCH’IN WIFE, AND THEY LIKE THE BUSH LIFE. BILL WAS A WHITE MAN, AND HE LIKED OUR LAND. THEY HARDLY STAY IN TOWN, IN THE BUSH THEY’LL BE FOUND. WHEREVER THE WENT, THEY STAY IN A TENT. BILL HAD A …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Through the Eyes of an Elder”
THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ELDER I SEE THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ELDER NOT THROUGH THE HELMET OF A WELDER. IF YOU SEE THROUGH AN ELDER’S EYES THIS IS HOW YOU WILL BECOME WISE. ELDERS TALK ENGLISH THAT’S NOT RIGHT SO THAT’S HOW I TRY TO WRITE. THEIR ENGLISH IS WHAT I CALL BROKIN’ …
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Darius”
DARIUS HE’S A GWITCH’IN ATHLETE, THAT LIKES TO COMPETE HIS NAME IS DARIUS, AND HE’S VERY SERIOUS. HE’S A PRO, FROM OLD CROW HE THREW THE SNOW SNAKE, RIGHT ACROSS THE LAKE. HE’LL PUSH THE POLE, AND WIN GOLD. HE’LL PULL THE STICK, LIKE A TOOTHPICK. SOMETIMES HE’S CURIOUS, MOST TIMES HE’S HILARIOUS. HE’S OUR …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Check Up”
CHECK UP WHEN I GO FOR A CHECK UP THEY MAKE ME PEE IN A CUP. I HOPE I DON’T LOOK PALE WHEN I STAND ON THE SCALE. I THINK THEY WRITE IN THE REPORT THAT I’M GETTING A BIT SHORT. I DON’T DRINK OR SMOKE BUT I STILL GET A POKE. THEY CHECK MY …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “SEWING “
SEWING MY AUNTIE MAKES EXTRA BUCKS WHEN SHE SEWS MUKLUKS. WHEN SHE SEWS BEAVER MITTS AUNTIE NEVER CALLS IT QUITS. SHE MAKES TEA IN DIPPERS WHEN SHE SEWS SLIPPERS. MY AUNTIES USES HIDE AN’ FELT WHEN SHE SEWS A BABY BELT. SHE’S BUSY SEWING WITH LEATHER AN’ SHE MAKES EARINGS WITH FEATHER. MY AUNTIE LIKES …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “THE GREAT OUTDOORS”
THE GREAT OUTDOORS ANIMALS ON ALL FOURS, LIVE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS. ANIMALS GIVE BIRTH, ON THEIR MOTHER EARTH. THIS IS THEIR HOME, WHERE THEY FREELY ROAM. THE GREAT OUTDOORS, IT’S ALSO MINE AND YOURS. WE’LL BREATHE FRESH AIR, AND BIRDS WE’LL HEAR. WE’LL DRINK PURE WATER, AND SWIM WITH AN OTTER. WE’LL SLEEP UNDER …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cry”
CRYING I CONSIDER MYSELF A STRONG GUY, BUT I ALWAYS SEEM TO CRY. I DON’T EVEN HAVE TO TRY, ‘CAUSE I KNOW HOW TO CRY. WHEN I’M FEELING LOW, MY TEARS START TO FLOW. I WAS THINKING MAYBE, I EVEN CRY LIKE A BABY. IF I HEAR THE WORD GOODBY, I JUST START TO CRY. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “TUG OF WAR “
TUG OF WAR THEIR TITLE THEY ALWAYS DEFEND, AND THEY ALWAYS BEAT THE MEN. TUG OF WAR IS A CONTEST, TO SEE WHO IS THE BEST. THE LADIES SAY WE HAVE NO HOPE, WHEN WE PULL ON THE ROPE. SOMETIMES WE TRY TO CHEAT, BUT WE STILL GET BEAT. THE LADIES MUST HAVE MUSCLE, ‘CAUSE …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Thinking”
I ALWAYS SIT AND THINK AND I WRITE IT IN INK I ALWAYS THINK LOTS AN’ I WRITE DOWN MY THOTS MY IDEAS GET BIGGER WHEN I START TO FIGURE I DON’T LIKE TO DRINK IT MESSES THE WAY I THINK THE PAST I’LL REWIND ‘CAUSE I HAVE LOTS ON MY MIND I WON’T HAVE …
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Paddle”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Terry Fox”
TERRY FOX IF YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING IN, AND YOU’RE NOT LIKELY TO WIN, JUST REMEMBER TERRY FOX, AND HIS WISE TALKS. HE IS AN INSPIRATION, TO OUR WHOLE NATION. TERRY’S ACTIONS SPOKE LOUD WHICH MADE US ALL PROUD. FOR A CURE FOR CANCER, TERRY WANTED AN ANSWER. TERRY DIPPED HIS LEG IN THE OCEAN, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “MY OLDER BROTHER”
MY OLDER BROTHER WE GREW UP IN OLD CROW YUKON ME AND MY FRIEND WILLIAM NUKON. HE WAS LIKE MY OLDER BROTHER AN’ HE WAS LIKED BY MY MOTHER. WILLIAM ALWAYS TELLS FUNNY JOKES AN WE ALWAYS WORK FOR OLD FOLKS. WE ALWAYS SAW AND PACK WOOD AND THEY ALWAYS FED US GOOD. WE WERE …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WHITESTONE TRIP”
WHITESTONE TRIP IT WAS IN 1976 IN THE SPRING WHEN THE BIRDS STARTED TO SING. WE BUILT A SMALL WOODEN SHIP TO GO ON OUR WHITESTONE TRIP. PETER NUKON WAS IN CHARGE AS WE BUILT THE SMALL BARGE. WILLIAM NUKON WAS HIS BROTHER AN’ ELDER WILLIAM ITSI WAS THE OTHER. OLD CROW WE LEFT …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WINTER IS GONE”
WINTER IS GONE WHEN I SEE A SWAN I KNOW WINTER IS GONE. WHEN I HEAR A ROBIN SING I KNOW ITS FINALLY SPRING. WE WILL HEAR THE BIRDS AND SEE THE CARIBOU HERDS. AND WE KNOW WE WILL SURVIVE WHEN THE CARIBOU ARRIVE. THE WEATHER WILL GET WARMER AND THE SNOW WILL TURN TO …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “BEING A DOG “
BEING A DOG I DON’T THINK I WOULD BE A HOG ‘CAUSE I’D RATHER BE A DOG. I DON’T THINK I WANT TO BE A SNAIL ‘CAUSE I LIKE WAGGING MY TAIL. I DON’T LIKE TO BE A SHARK ‘CAUSE I WANT TO BARK. I WOULDN’T WANT TO BE AN OWL ‘CAUSE I NEED TO …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hot Spell”
HOT SPELL YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT YOUR WINTER CLOTHES AN’ YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR NOSE. YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR SEAT AN’ YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR FEET. WE DON’T NEED TO BURN DRY TREES ‘CAUSE WE CERTAINLY WON’T FREEZE. WHEN WE’RE IN A HOT SPELL WE DRINK WATER FROM THE WELL. WHEN IT’S HOT YOU WON’T …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “She”
She was born in Old Crow, under a colourful rainbow, where the caribou roam, this is where she calls home. There the snow is so white, in the summer there’s no nite, where the sky is so blue, and the land so true. There the water is so clear, and so is the air, where …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I Come From Old Crow”
I come from Old Crow, where the Porcupine River flow. A small isolated log cabin town, where you’ll hear my fiddle sound. I am from the Gwitchin Nation, the land of God’s creation. I feel so proud and strong, ’cause this is where I belong. The land of the Midnight Sun, where darkness there’s none. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WALK A MILE”
Walk a mile in her shoes? Well, I have some bad news. Her shoes are small size, which is not made for guys. Her high heels are pink, which made my feet shrink. I tried both left and right, but they’re just extra tight. I couldn’t walk an inch, ’cause my toes just pinch. Now …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Long Ago”
Long ago they never use padlocks, and doors we never locks. Nobody would take your stuff, because stealing was unheard of. The way people live, they always give. Nobody needed more, and nobody was poor. Nothing you would touch, even if you didn’t have much. Elders say to wish, is only foolish. Honesty we learn, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Elder’s Eyes”
When you look into our elders’ eyes, you can tell that they are wise. When you hold their hand, it’s obvious they lived off the land. Under the wrinkle, their eyes they twinkle. They like to laugh, and eat caribou calf. They have tons of knowledge, not learned from college. Our elders deserve the best, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “AUTOBIOGRAPHY”
AUTOBIOGRAPHY I DON’T LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT MYSELF ‘CAUSE SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE AN ELF. I WAS BORN UP IN OLD CROW WHERE THE PORCUPINE RIVER FLOW. I WAS RAISED BY MY DIDOO AN’ I’M NOT EXACTLY NEW. EVER SINCE I WAS LITTLE I LEARNED TO PLAY MY FIDDLE. I CAN PLAY LOTS OF TUNES …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Chief Peter Moses”
His name was Chief Peter Moses, he was my Grandpa I supposes. Clara Frost was my Grandmother, and Peter was her older brother. This story is not so new, it happened during World War Two. When he was the Old Crow Chief, he heard about kids in grief. There were orphans from the war, and …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Jackson Brothers”
The Jackson Brothers had a boat, but I guess it wasn’t made to float. The brothers had a freight barge, and the pilot should’ve been in charge. Old Paul was his name, and he took the blame. A river pilot he was hired, but he soon got fired. They should have left him alone, ’cause …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “George Attla”
George Attla is an Alaskan, and his tribe is Athabaskan. Since he was a young boy, dog racing was his joy. George comes from a small town, with lots of dog barking sound. His right leg is lame, and dog racing is his game. Even though he has a handicap, George still hunt and trap. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hope”
HOPE DON’T EVER SAY NOPE ‘CAUSE THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE. EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOAP YOU’LL ALWAYS HAVE HOPE. IF YOU DON’T HAVE BUG DOPE DON’T GIVE UP ON HOPE. IF YOU HANG ON TO A ROPE YOU’LL ALWAYS HANG ON TO HOPE. IF YOUR DOGS CAN LOPE YOU KNOW YOU HAVE HOPE. IF YOU …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Edith Josie”
She came across the border, and became a news reporter. Eagle, Alaska she left behind, and Old Crow she did find. Edith Josie is her name, and she made it to fame. You can see Auntie smile, as she write in her own style. Miss Josie made Old Crow famous, and her brother’s name is …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “THE BIG RACE “
THE BIG RACE I SNOWSHOE RACED AT FT McPHERSON AND I’M A FIT AND HEALTHY PERSON. THEY TOOK THE LEAD ‘CAUSE THEY HAD THE SPEED. IT WAS A FAST RACE BUT I KEPT MY PACE. I KNOW HOW TO LOPE SO MAYBE I HAD HOPE. I HAD SOMETHING TO PROVE AND I CAN STILL MOVE. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Best Coach”
BEST COACH DIDOO WAS THE BEST COACH ‘CAUSE SHE HAD THE WINNING APPROACH. SHE SHOWED ME HOW TO RUN ON SNOWSHOES AN’ SHE NEVER TAUGHT ME TO LOSE DIDOO SHOWED ME HOW TO PACE SHE NEVER COACHED ME FOR LAST PLACE SHE SHOWED ME HOW TO RUN FAST AN’ SHE NEVER TAUGHT ME TO COME …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Bushman”
The Bushman The Brushman had a lonely life, so he went out lookin’ for a wife. He built a birchbark canoe, a canoe built for two. He waited until it was dark, and hoping the dogs wouldn’t bark. He stole a lady while she was sleeping, in the morning she was still weeping. He paddled …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Patrol”
The Patrol In December of 1910, a patrol of four policemen, with four-dog team, a routine patrol it seems. They would not return, everyone would soon learn. Dawson City they departed, to Fort McPherson they started. They took the wrong trail, to find the way they fail. At minus sixty below, their food was getting …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Feeding Time”
FEEDING TIME MY POODLE ATE NOODLES. THAT SPIDER ATE APPLE CIDER. MY DOGS ATE FROGS. THOSE APES ATE GRAPES. MY GOATS ATE OATS. THAT OTTER DRANK WATER. THOSE ICE ATE RICE. THAT GOOSE DRANK JUICE. THAT BEAR ATE A PEAR. THAT SNAKE ATE A STEAK. THAT PIG ATE A FIG. THOSE LOONS ATE PRUNES.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Eliza Steamboat”
Eliza Steamboat I never knew where she got her name, but from Old Crow she came. She lived to be very old, and her cane she always hold. Her age we don’t know, because the records don’t show. Her brother was Big Joe Kay, and she worked for the W.A. She always smoke her pipe, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Bishop who ate his mukluks”
The Bishop who ate his mukluks, was almost out of lucks. Bishop Stringer and his guide, set out across the Rat River Divide. From Fort McPherson their journey began, a one-week trip was the Bishop’s plan. They were heading to LaPierre House, surviving on rabbits and grouse. September 1909 was the year, when winter was …
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “GWICH’IN GATHERING”
GWICH’IN GATHERING I’M PROUD TO BE A GWITCHIN FROM OLD CROW, YUKON A PLACE WHERE YOU WILL LAUGH WITH DICK NUKON. YOU’LL LISTEN TO FUNNY STORIES FROM STEPHEN FROST AND JOKE AROUND WITH SHITSII ROSS. YOU WILL HEAR FIDDLE MUSIC BY HAROLD AND SQUARE DANCE WITH CAROL. YOU CAN DANCE THE JIG WITH FAMOUS EDITH JOSIE …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “UNCLE’S ENGLISH”
UNCLE’S ENGLISH IF YOU HEAR UNCLE SPEAK HIS ENGLISH IS VERY WEAK HE DON’T LIKE TO TALK RIGHT AN’ THAT’S THE WAY HE WRITE. WHEN UNCLE’S ENGLISH IS SPOKEN’ IT’S DEFINITELY ALL BROKEN. UNCLE DON’T KNOW HOW TO SPELL BUT TO US IT SOUNDS WELL. HE NEVER LEARNED ENGLISH IN SCHOOL BUT HOW HE TALKS …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “David”
My friend, David, is a good mechanic, and he likes to eat dry meat and bannock. On Old Crow Mountain he has a tent, so that’s where he always went. David can fix chainsaw and kicker, if it’s broken he’ll figure. He carries his tools in his pack sack, and for engines he has a …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Culture Shock”
CULTURE SHOCK MOSES HAD A CULTURE SHOCK HE HAD ‘CAUSE KICKER MADE HIM GAWK. CLARA HAD A CULTURE SHOCK WHEN SHE HEARD ROCK. AMPOS HAD A CULTURE SHOCK WHEN HE SAW A PIANO AT THE DOCK. WHEN THE TEACHER WROTE WITH CHALK MYRA HAD A CULTURE SHOCK. ISAAC HAD A CULTURE SHOCK WHEN HE ATE FOOD …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Mom”
My Mom is from Old Crow, and she is a pro. She was ski champion in 1963, it was natural for her to ski. Father Mouchet taught her the technique, and she was at her peak. Mom skied even if it was cold, because she wanted the gold. My Mom was really fast, and everybody …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Raven, raven on my roof”
Raven, raven on my roof, how you make it rattle. You’d think your claws were little hoofs as back and forth you prattle. All winter you’ve perched on my streetlight warming up your feet; but now you skitter left and right; I guess my roof sounds neat. You scrape and clatter up and down like …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Joe and Annie Henry”
Joe and Annie Henry were married over 80 years, which means for each other they really cares. A record which made it in the world record book, I think you’ll just have to take a look. Most people don’t even reach that age, so make sure you read on their page. But they deserve many, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Sawmill”
We used to play at the sawmill, sliding on the sawdust hill. When their work was done, it was our turn to have fun. When the logs they saw, the sawdust never thaw. The sawdust mound, was our playground. Sometimes we pretend, that we were sawmill men. It looked like snow, so we always throw. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Granny’s Money”
Granny’s Money When her cheque she got, my Granny is big shot. Granny didn’t know how to count, but she sure knew her cheque amount. She didn’t know how to add, but she knew how much cash she had. My Granny do little jig, when she see her cheque is big. She couldn’t sign her …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Wilfred Charlie”
Wilfred Charlie is his name, and dog mushing is his game. He comes from Carmacks, where you’ll see his dog team tracks. Behind his dog team he ran, so they called him “Iron Man”. His dogs are part wolf breed, that’s why he’s always in the lead. Wilfred’s dogs only number six, but he knows …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Lost Tribe”
LOST TRIBE There’s a story told about a lost tribe, let’s sit down and let Grandpa describe. He told us of the place they were born, and the caribou skin clothing they had worn. In the winter they followed the moon, and people expected them back soon. They never did return home, because our brothers …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Darius”
“Darius” He’s a Gwitch’in athlete, who likes to compete. His name is Darius, and he’s very serious. He’s a pro, from Old Crow. He threw the snow snake, right across the lake. He’ll push the pole, and win gold. He’ll pull the stick, like a toothpick. Sometimes he’s curious, most times he’s hilarious. He’s our …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “CALVING GROUNDS”
“CALVING GROUNDS” We must protect the calving grounds, so that oil rigs and pipelines are out of bounds. It’s the cleanest place on Earth, where the caribou give birth. Within hours of birth calves will run, in their land of the Midnight Sun. This is their summer home, where the calves are free to roam. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Long Guns”
“LONG GUNS” Long guns they used to make, so more beaver pelts they would take. Beaver pelts were piled high, so that long guns they will buy. Hudson Bay traders, were fur graders. Pelts were piled to the barrel of the gun, and the fur deal was done. The guns were heavy and long, because …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Grandma and Grandpa”
Their names are Didee an’ Didoo, Grandpa an’ Grandma for me an’ you. Their pipes they’re always smokin’, and their English is broken. Didoo is always wise, an’ Didee like to tell lies. Didee is weak an’ Didoo is strong, Didoo is right an’ Didee is wrong. Didee play the fiddle, an’ Didoo dance a …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bill Smith”
BILL SMITH His name is Bill Smith, and Tabitha he stay with. She was his Gwitch’in wife, and they like the bush life. Bill was a white man, and he liked our land. They hardly stay in town, in the bush they’ll be found. Wherever they went, they stay in a tent. Bill had a …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Dare Devil”
DARE DEVIL YOU WANTED US TO FALL SO YOU SOLD US ALCOHOL. YOU KNEW WE’D FALL BEHIND SO YOU POURED US THAT WINE. YOU MADE OUR LIVES RISKY WHEN YOU HANDED US WHISKEY. YOU ONLY MADE US DUMB WHEN WE GULPED YOUR RUM. YOU WANTED US TO DIE WHEN YOU GAVE US RYE. YOU WANTED …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Expiry Date”
We all know our birth date, but when will we go to St. Peter’s gate? So I often think and wonder, when I’ll be six feet under. What if we knew our fate, and we knew our expiry date. We all know that death is certain, and that could be hurtin’. My expiry date I …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Freddy Carmichael”
Freddy Carmichael When he was a small boy, he had a plane for a toy. When he was a young lad, a big dream he had. Aklavik is his hometown, an’ he wanted to be sky bound. Freddy Charmichael is his name, and a bush pilot he became. This Gwitchin pilot had a wish, to …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Names”
NAMES PEOPLE HAVE ALL KINDS OF NAMES JUST LIKE MY FRIEND JAMES. SOME NAMES ARE FANCY JUST LIKE MY FRIEND NANCY. MY SON’S NAME IS JORDAN AN’ HIS COUSIN IS GORDON. MY COUSIN’S NAME IS GLENNA AND JEANIE’S DAUGHTER IS JENNA. MY GODCHILD NAME IS SHERRY AN’ MY AUNTIE IS MARY. I GREW UP WITH …
Didee & Didoo – Poem”MEL (BUSH PILOT) “
MEL (BUSH PILOT) THIS STORY I WOULD LIKE TO TELL ABOUT OUR FRIEND MEL. HE HAD SMART BRAINS ‘CAUSE HE FLEW BUSH PLANES. MEL WAS HIS OWN MECHANIC BUT HE MADE SOME PEOPLE PANIC. HE FIXED THEM WITH HIS TOOLS AN’ I THINK HE BROKE SOME RULES. I DON’T KNOW IF IT’S TRUE BUT HE …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Alphabet”
MY ALPHABET A IS FOR AWESOME B IS FOR BEAUTIFUL C IS FOR CHARMING D IS FOR DELIGHTFUL E IS FOR EXSQUISITE F IS FOR FANTASTIC G IS FOR GREAT H IS FOR HAPPY I IS FOR IMPRESSING J IS FOR JOYFUL K IS FOR KINDNESS L IS FOR LOVELY M IS FOR MAGNIFICANT N …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “News from Old Crow”
NEWS FROM OLD CROW DECEMBER IS ALWAYS BUSY IT MAKES SOME OF US DIZZY. CHRISTMAS MUSIC WE HEAR SO WE KNOW HOLIDAY IS NEAR. THE LADIES ARE BUSY SEWING AND OUTSIDE IT IS SNOWING. EVERYONE IS DOING GOOD AND BOYS ARE HAULING WOOD. EVERYONE PUT UP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SURE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL AT NIGHTS. THE BOYS …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “DAGOO FOLLOWED THE BIRDS”
DAGOO FOLLOWED THE BIRDS THE GWICHIN LEGEND IS VERY OLD ABOUT THE MAN WHO DISLIKED THE COLD. HE WONDERED WHERE THE BIRDS GO WHEN IT STARTED TO SNOW. DAGOO FOLLOWED THE CARIBOU HERDS NOW HE WANTED TO FOLLOW THE BIRDS. THE WINTER WILL DO THEM HARM SO THEY FLY TO A PLACE THAT’S WARM. DAGOO …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “CHON-FM “
CHON-FM LIKE THE REST OF THEM I LISTEN TO CHON-FM. IT’S OUR RADIO STATION FOR OUR FIRST NATION. SONGS FROM WAY BACK WHEN THEY’RE ALL PLAYED BY BEN. WE LIKE BEN CHUCK’S STYLE SO WE NEVER SWITCH THE DIAL. WE LISTEN TO GWICHIN TALK AND HE SOMETIMES PLAYS ROCK. YOU WILL HEAR WILBERT AND LISTEN …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WILDLIFE ALPHABET”
WILDLIFE ALPHABET MARTEN BEAVER CARIBOU DUCKS EAGLE FALCON GROUSE HAWK MINK JACKFISH KING SALMON LOON MOOSE SNIPE OTTER PORCUPINE SQUIRREL RABBIT SEAGULL TERN MUSCRAT RAVEN WOLF FOX LYNX GRIZZLY
Didee & Didoo – Poem “HOT SPELL”
HOT SPELL YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT YOUR WINTER CLOTHES AN’ YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR NOSE. YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR SEAT AND YOU WON’T FREEZE YOUR FEET. WE DON’T NEED TO BURN DRY TREES ‘CAUSE WE CERTAINLY WON’T FREEZE. WHEN WE’RE IN A HOT SPELL WE DRINK WATER FROM THE WELL. WHEN IT’S HOT YOU WON’T …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “So Much To Do”
SO MUCH TO DO YOU WON’T GET BORED IF YOU LEARN A GUITAR CHORD. YOU CAN SNOWSHOE OR YOU CAN CANOE. YOU CAN BIKE OR GO FOR A HIKE. YOU CAN COOK OR READ A BOOK. YOU CAN WALK YOUR DOG OR GO FOR A JOG. YOU CAN SEE THE CARIBOU HERDS OR LISTEN TO …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Food Chain”
FOOD CHAIN I THINK WE’RE AT THE TOP ALTHOUGH WE DON’T HOP. THEN THERE’S THE GRIZZLY BEAR AN’ THEY DON’T HAVE NO FEAR. NEXT THERE’S THE WOLF PACK THEY’RE ALWAYS READY TO ATTACK. THEN COMES THE WOLVERINE AN’ HE CAN BE REALLY MEAN. IF RABBITS DON’T HAVE FAST FEET THEY WILL BECOME DEAD MEAT. WE …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cold Rush”
COLD RUSH IN THE SUMMER THE MOSQUITOS WILL BITE IN THE WINTER THE FROST WILL BITE. WHEN YOU GO TO THE OUTHOUSE YOU WEAR YOUR PARKA OVER YOUR BLOUSE. YOUR PANYS WILL BE DOWN TO YOUR KNEES SO IT WON’T TAKE LONG TO FREEZE. YOU HAVE TO BE IN A BIG RUSH BUT YOU DON’T …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hope”
HOPE DON’T EVER SAY NOPE ‘CAUSE THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE. EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOAP YOU’LL ALWAYS HAVE HOPE. IF YOU DON’T HAVE BUG DOPE DON’T GIVE UP ON HOPE. IF YOU HANG ON TO A ROPE YOU’LL ALWAYS HANG ON TO HOPE. IF YOUR DOGS CAN LOPE YOU KNOW YOU HAVE HOPE. IF YOU …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “TOUGHEST GWICHIN”
TOUGHEST GWICHIN SHE WAS AS TOUGH AS ROCKS MY GREATGRANDMA MARGARET BLACKFOX. SHE WAS THE TOUGHEST GWICHIN ‘CAUSE ANY RACE SHE CAN WIN. DIDOO DOESN’T LIKE TO SIT THAT’S HOW COME SHE’S DIT. DIDOO WAS HARD TO BEAT ‘CAUSE SHE WAS AN ATHLETE. DIDOO WAS JUST TOO FAST AND SHE NEVER COMES LAST. WHEN SHE …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Wouldn’t it be Great if”
Wouldn’t It Be Great if WE GREW A NEW SET OF TEETH. WE COULD SEE IN THE DARK. WE COULD SEE AROUND CORNERS. ANIMALS COULD TALK TO US. WE COULD ALWAYS BE YOUNG. IF WE ALL HAD MONEY TREES. THERE WERE NO MOSQUITOS. THERE WAS NO ALCOHOL. IT NEVER GOT TOO COLD. WE DIDN’T HAVE …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “News from Old Crow”
News From Old Crow DECEMBER IS ALWAYS BUSY IT MAKES SOME OF US DIZZY. CHRISTMAS MUSIC WE HEAR SO WE KNOW HOLIDAY IS NEAR. THE LADIES ARE BUSY SEWING AND OUTSIDE IT IS SNOWING. EVERYONE IS DOING GOOD AND BOYS ARE HAULING WOOD. EVERYBODY PUT UP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SURE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL AT NIGHTS. THE BOYS …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I Love Christmas”
I Love Christmas FOR CHRISTMAS I CAN’T WAIT THEN OUR HOUSES WE’LL DECORATE. WHEN CHRISTMAS CAROLS I HEAR I KNOW CHRISTMAS IS HERE. I JUST CAN’T WAIT TO SEE OUR COLOURFUL CHRISTMAS TREE. WE SET UP OUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND WE’LL SEE STARS AT NIGHTS. WE DON’T SEE THE SUN BUT WE HAVE LOTS OF …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Muskrat and Beaver Story”
Muskrat and Beaver Story This story is from a long time ago when Muskrat an’ Beaver met at Old Crow. Beaver was swimming up the Porcupine River an’ Muskrat was swimming down the river. Crow mountain Muskrat went to climb Beaver wondered why it took him a long time. Beaver swam around in the slough …
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Self Esteem”
Self Esteem If you have low self esteem, it will be hard to dream. So don’t think of yourself, like a little elf. Don’t keep your head to the ground, or you’ll keep yourself down. If your self esteem is low, your head will touch your toe. Make your self esteem high, so that you …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Olympic Torch”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon. Olympic Torch The big day was November fourth, when the Olympic Torch came North. It came up to Old Crow, where the torch did glow. Showshoeing is my traditional sport, so I carried the torch from the airport. I ran with my snowshoes, because that’s how …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Old Fashioned”
OLD FASHIONED Maybe it’s just his passion, but Uncle is just old fashioned. I can’t say Uncle is wrong, but in this age he doesn’t belong. My uncle still use artifacts, like cassettes an’ eight tracks. He still has a rec- ord collection, with lots of old- ies selection. Uncle’s stuff is really old, but …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Eskimos”
Eskimos Eskimo people are tough, they live on the Earth above. Where trees don’t grow, their home is the land of snow. Eskimos use ulus, and they live in igloos. Where there’s snow most of the year, in the land of the polar bear. They wear caribou skin clothes, so that they won’t froze. They …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Police”
Police Their job is to keep the peace, that’s why we have police. They put their lives on the line, to protect yours and mine. Some police have kids and wives, and they risk their lives. Police are always your friend, and their hand they will lend. Sometimes they have to jail guard, that’s why …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Edith Josie”
Who Will Write Her News? She only went to Grade 4, but she didn’t need more. ‘Cause she used verb and noun, and she wrote about our town. When Edith writes her paragraph, she always makes us laugh. She had her own writing style, an’ she always had a smile. We like the way Edith …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Word Fun”
How come eggs, don’t have legs? My poodles, eat noodles. Are those horns, or thorns? Lots of butter, makes me stutter. There’s a spider, in my cider. Do worms, have germs? Did the owl, growl? My goats, eat oats. Do loche, ever wash. The dragon, is in the wagon. The gorilla, has my umbrella. Are …
Didee Didoo – Poem “Prop”
PROP A boat is not like a car, ’cause I can hit a sandbar. When the water starts to drop, I can seriously damage my prop. If the water I can’t read, I forget to drive at a slow speed. Then I come to a sudden stop, and I shatter my prop. I hit a …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Story By Hawk”
Story By Hawk This story was told by Hawk, when birds an’ animals used to talk. There was Loon and Crow, with no colours to show. Their feathers were all white, so they wanted to be painted right. Loon was painted by the crow, an’ his feathers started to glow. Crow used very colourful paint, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Our Ladies”
OUR LADIES Their title they always defend, and they always beat us men. Tug of War is a contest, to see who’s the best. The ladies say we have no hope, when we pull on the rope. Sometimes we try to cheat, but we still get beat. The ladies must have muscle, ’cause they know …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Health is Wealth”
Health is Wealth Put a stop, to drinkin’ pop. If you drink Coke, you will be broke. Put a halt, to food with salt. Don’t touch, sugar too much. Don’t let potato chips, ever touch your lips. It’s not wise, to eat french fries. Food cooked with lard, makes you breathe hard. Food that’s junk, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Lottery Ticket”
“Lottery Ticket” When I went to buy a lottery ticket, the friendly lady said, “Pick it!” With no luck, I lost one buck. When I lost my dollar, everyone heard me holler. They stole my money, and that’s not funny. I’m in my sorrow, ’cause they won’t let me borrow. One more ticket I bought, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “One Buck (No Luck)”
“One Buck (No Luck)” When I went to buy a lottery ticket, the friendly lady said, “Pick it!” With no luck, I lost one buck. When I lost my dollar, everyone heard me holler. They stole my money, and that’s not funny. I’m in my sorrow, ’cause they won’t let me borrow. One more ticket …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Idle Talk”
I know it is just idle talk, but I wish I can turn back the clock. If the years I can rewind, my time will be way behind. My heart rate will climb, as I go back in time. Maybe I’ll get a heart attack, if the years I can turn back. Let’s turn back …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Michio”
Michio He came from Japan, and he liked our land. He even looks like a Gwitchin, Maybe he’s our next of kin. Up to Old Crow he came, and Michio is his name. Michio knew all our faces, on a first-name basis. He even spoke some Gwitchin words, as he took pictures of the caribou …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Gerald”
His name is Gerald Nukon From Old Crow Yukon. He always says “Hi!” An’ he’s a pretty cool guy. Gerald is such a great lad and I never see him mad. Even if he gets stuck with a raft you’ll still see Gerald laugh. he respects old folks and he tells funny jokes. He’ll lend …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “How Bear Lost His Tail”
“How Bear Lost His Tail” This is a long time ago tail about how Bear lost his tail. At first Bear’s tail was long then Fox did something wrong. Fox is known to be sly so he told Bear a lie. Fox fished with a pole through the ice hole. Fox caught lots of fish …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Whitestone Trip”
It was 1976 in the spring when the birds started to sing. We built a small wooden ship to go on our Whitestone trip. Peter Nukon was in charge as we built the small barge. William Nukon was his brother an’ elder William Itsi was the other. Old Crow we left behind an’ we headed …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Terry Fox”
“Terry Fox” If you feel like giving in, and you’re not likely to win, just remember Terry Fox, and his wise talks. He is an inspiration, to our whole nation. Terry’s actions spoke loud, which made us all proud. For a cure for cancer, Terry wanted an answer. Terry dipped his leg in the ocean, …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “The Great Outdoors”
“The Great Outdoors” Animals on all fours, live in the great outdoors. Animals give birth, on their Mother Earth. This is their home, where they freely roam. The great outdoors, is also mine and yours. We’ll breathe fresh air, and birds we’ll hear. We’ll drink pure water, and swim with an otter. We’ll sleep under …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Hip Hop”
HIP HOP They wear their caps backwards, and they speak new words. I really don’t like to tease, but their pants are down to their knees. They wear baggy pants, and they break dance. They dance to Hip Hop, and they listen non-stop. In their ear they have a cord, and they skateboard. They have …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Canada Day”
Canada Day On Canada Day, an Elder will pray. Our Gwichin Nation, put on a celebration. O Canada we sing loud, because Canadians, we’re proud. We have a sports day, and baseball we play. Against the ladies we have a tug-of-war, and of course they pull us far. The little tikes, race on their bikes. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Going Green”
GOING GREEN You’ll know what I mean, when I say he’s going green. Uncle’s house was brown, when he left town. But when he came back, Uncle had a green shack. I thought he would faint, when he saw the green paint. I thought Uncle would sob, when he saw the paint job. After they …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Mischief”
Mischief We all did it one time or another, but we never told our mother. We never even bother, to tell our father. For the most part we were good, but sometimes we were up to no good. Maybe we tried a cigarette puff, or we tried chewing snuff. It was just too risky, so …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Christmas Concert”
CHRISTMAS CONCERT TIME IS NEAR AND IT COMES ONCE A YEAR. THE WEATHER IS A BIT COOL AN’ WE ALL GO TO THE SCHOOL. THE PRINCIPAL READS FROM A PAGE AND THE CURTAINS OPEN ON THE STAGE. FIRST THERE’S THE LITTLE CREATURES WHO ARE INTRODUCED BY THEIR TEACHERS. WHEN SANTA COMES TO TOWN HE LOOKS …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Other Brother”
“My Other Brother” We grew up in Old Crow Yukon me and my friend William Nukon. He was like my other brother an’ he was liked by my mother. William always tells funny jokes an’ we always work for old folks. We always saw and pack wood and they always fed us good. We were …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Crying”
CRYING I consider myself a strong guy but I always seems to cry. I don’t even have to try ‘Cause I know how to cry. When I’m feeling low My tears start to flow. I was thinkin’ maybe I even cry like a baby. If I hear the word goodbye I’ll just start to cry. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Baseball Caps”
Baseball Caps Caps is what we wear An’ it’s part of our gear From morning to night Caps make us look right. We wear baseball hats But we don’t really need bats We always have our hats on An’ we don’t like it when it’s gone Wearing caps is not cruel It just makes us …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Elves”
ELVES North Pole is where they stay where they work and play. They work, nonstop in Santa’s toy shop. They make lots of noise Building lots of toys. They never tire out and they never pout. They put toys on shelves These hard working elves. Elves make lots of toys For all the girls an’ …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “My Prayer”
My Prayer Thank you,Creator, for giving me another day. Please guide me and show met the way. Always keep me humble and strong, and keep me from doing wrong. Thank you for providing me with my needs, and don’t let me forget to do good deeds. I pray for the homeless, sick and poor so they …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I wish I were a kid again”
“I wish I were a kid again” Wouldn’t it be just nice if we could live our life twice. To be a kid once more an’ crawl on the floor. With no work an’ all play and no bills to pay. I’ll sleep in my crib and eat with my bib. I’ll splash in a …
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “My health is my wealth”
“My health is my wealth” I put a halt to using salt. Sugar I don’t taste ’cause it’s a waste. Not only that, I don’t eat fat. I don’t eat junk food ’cause it’s rude. I put a stop to drinking pop. I don’t smoke ’cause I’ll choke. I don’t chew snuff I don’t like …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “ABORIGINAL DAY”
ABORIGINAL DAY I just couldn’t wait, for the June 21st date. It comes just once a year, so our best we wear. When it’s Aboriginal Day, we celebrate the Indian way. This is our chance, to sing and dance. As Aboriginals, we’re proud, so we celebrate really loud. We eat bannock an’ dry meat, which …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Stealing”
If something looks appealing, don’t even think of stealing. If to you it doesn’t belong, to take it would be wrong. If it’s not your own, just leave it alone. Being a thief, only causes grief. Maybe you can borrow, to prevent sorrow. Even if you don’t have much, don’t even try to touch. Only …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Observer \ Communicator”
Observer \ Communicator I work at the CARS station, where I measure the precipitation. I record the air pressure, and the snow I measure. When the pressure rise, it brings clear skies. Clouds that form, may bring a storm. When I hear thunder, CB clouds I’m under. On cold clear nights, I see the Northern …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Newfie”
NEWFIE He’s a funny little man, who came from Newfoundland. He’s always happy like a clown, and Whitehorse is his home town. He’s always goofy, an’ we call him Newfie. Newfie wears a little tam, and he doesn’t give a damn. He always s-s-s-stutter, and sometimes he mutter. Newfie had an old army truck, that …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Autobiography”
Autobiography I DON’T LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT MYSELF ‘CAUSE SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE AN ELF. I WAS BORN UP IN OLD CROW WHERE THE PORCUPINE RIVER FLOW. I WAS RAISED BY MY DIDOO AN’ I’M NOT EXACTLY NEW. EVER SINCE I WAS LITTLE I LEARNED TO PLAY MY FIDDLE. I CAN PLAY LOTS OF TUNES …
Didee & Didoo – Cartoon “Taxi Business”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem ” I wish I had wings”
I wish I had wings ‘stead of these arm things. ‘Cause I prefer to fly way up in the sky. Then I don’t have to walk I would fly like the hawk. I would leave the ground and be sky bound. I would soar like an eagle and play with the seagle. I would fly …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Mistakes”
Sometimes I start to shake when I make a mistake. We pretend it’s a fake when we make a mistake. Our hearts will ache ‘cause there was a mistake. Sometimes we’re not awake Then we make a mistake. Your life could be at stake if you make a mistake. If you step on a rake …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “WINTER IS GONE”
When the birds arrive it’s great to be alive. It’s great to hear the birds an’ to see the caribou herds. There’s lots of sunshine ‘cause we left winter behind. When I see the eagle soar I know winter is no more. When the birds start to sing then I know it’s spring. When I …
Protective colouration
As a kid, I delivered the Windsor Star to Red Wings goalie Glenn Hall. As a cub reporter, I once photographed Toronto tough guy Eddie Shack. Playing baseball. In 1972, I scored a coup on As It Happens by walking beside Bobby Hull’s convertible and interviewing him en route to picking up his $1-million cheque …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cabin Fever”
All winter trappers trap beaver But then they catch cabin fever. They quit trappin’ for mink an’ squirrels ‘cause they want to see the can can girls. Sourdough rendezvous is about to happen so the trappers forget about trappin’. During the long winter they trap for lynx Now they go to the 98 Bar for …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Goaltender (Josh)”
If you’re a goaltender you can’t be tender. The puck will go past if your reflex is not fast. You have to flop to make a stop. You have the biggest job so you have to rob. In order to make a save you have to be brave. If you’re not awake you will make …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Self Taught”
Since I was a little elf I’ve been teaching myself. When I was alone I learned stuff on my own. I learned a lot but mostly I’m self-taught. When I was little I learned to play my fiddle. I learned over a hundred tunes and I even draw cartoons. I’m not like Farley Mowat but …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “53 Year Old Machine”
This 53 year old machine is still kind of mean. Maybe a bit slow but she can still go. It needs more than one part but she can still start. It’s not ready for the junk yard ‘cause she can still work hard. After all these years she now runs in low gears. Sometimes there’s …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Trimble Gilbert”
My uncle Trimble Gilbert recorded a fiddle CD with Wilbert. Arctic Village is his home town where you’ ll hear his fiddle sound. Rev. Gilbert is a Gwichin fiddleman and his sons play in his backup band. When his fiddle he hold, Trimble plays tunes that’s old. Playing the fiddle he’s a master and in …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “High Tech”
My uncle is a redneck but he’s also high tech. He talks on his cell phone chewing on a caribou bone. When he’s on his computer I wouldn’t call him cuter. Uncle clicks with the mouse while he wears Auntie’s blouse. I think he uses a swear word when he enters his password. But don’t …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Two Old Ladies” Part Two
Slowly their strength grew An’ the winter they made it through. The two old ladies survived the cold weather By working together and sleeping together. Because they knew how to survive they kept each other alive. With the warm weather of spring more food it would bring. All summer they dried lots of fish and …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cold Rush”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Andy Nieman”
“Andy Nieman” He’s a residential school survivor and the devil was his driver. He knows all about pain ‘cause he was addicted to cocaine. He knows all about being low ‘cause he lived on skid row. His life was about no hope ‘cause he was addicted to dope. His life was mostly sin ‘cause he …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Culture Camp”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Two Old Ladies Part One”
TWO OLD LADIES PART ONE There were stories about a famine when there was no meat an’ salmon. People were in search of the caribou herd but sometimes they only ate a small bird. Their stomachs were hollow when there was no caribou to follow. The cold weather was tough and food was not enough. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “He Missed His Girlfriend”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “January”
The month of January is kind of scary. We don’t have to be told ‘cause this month is so cold. The temperature goes to 40 below everything seems to run slow. We’re in a deep freeze with hardly any breeze. Even when it’s noon we still see the moon. We like to stay inside an’ …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Dear Abby”
Here’s my letter dear Abby ‘cause things are not too shabby. I need you to make me happy ‘cause I don’t like to be crappy. I need you to make me glad ‘cause I don’t like to be sad. I need you to make things right ‘cause I don’t like to be uptight. You can …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bear Dogs”
They like to bark an’ scream but they’re too small for a dog team. Some are black an’ some are white and some pretend to bite. They all have sharp ears and they’re not afraid of bears. They have a habit of chasing a rabbit. I have one little pup that drinks out of a …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Glad Temper”
I don’t like to write about myself ‘cause sometimes I feel like an elf. I was born up in Old Crow where the Porcupine River flow. I was raised by my Didoo an’ I’m not exactly new. Ever since I was little I learned to by the fiddle. I can play lots of tunes and …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Ski-Doo”
Ski-Doo It doesn’t bark or scream an’ it replaced the dog team. It was a new thing that starts with a string. It can turn left or right and it doesn’t bite. It doesn’t have feet and it doesn’t eat. You don’t have to tie it up an’ it doesn’t pee like a pup. It’s …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Free Meal”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “I’m Just an Old Dog”
I’m just an old dog My name is Grover an’ I’m just a leftover. At one time I was in my prime. Now I’m an old dog who can no longer jog. I’m just an old sock now I barely walk. I no longer roam so I just stay home. I used to be top …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Louise and Chris”
Louise and Chris Uncles’ kids numbered over a dozen And Louise is my first cousin. Just in case you didn’t know We all grew up in Old Crow. Uncle Stephen is their pappy And we all grew up happy. Auntie Ethel is their mother And I’m just like their brother. We grew up in the …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bush Pilots”
When they fly bush planes they always use their brains. Sometimes it’s a tight squeeze when they land on wheels or skis. Or they land on water when they fly the single otter. When they have souls on board they pray to our Good Lord. Sometimes they don’t have a mechanic but bush pilots never …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Don Burnstick”
“Don Burnstick” He comes from down south an’ he knows how to use his mouth. If you’re feelin’ crappy he’ ll soon make you happy. Your sadness will be gone when you hear jokes by Don. His name is Don Burnstick an’ he’ ll make you laugh real quick. He’ ll tell funny jokes about …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Sourtoe Cocktail”
There are strange things done in the land of the midnight sun. Captain Dick ended up with a toe when someone froze it off at 40 below. So he made a famous brew that you’re not suppose to chew. Dick’s recipe included a toe nail when he made the sour toe cocktail. The human toe …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Sewing”
Sewing My auntie makes extra bucks when she sews mukluks. When she sews beaver mitts Auntie never calls it quits. She makes tea in dippers when she sews slippers. My auntie uses hide an’ felt when she sews a baby belt. She’s busy sewing with leather an’ she makes earrings with feather. My auntie likes …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Old Crow Trading Post”
OLD CROW TRADING POST Philip Dicquamare came from France and Old Crow he found by chance. Philip was a French man and a trading post he ran. I remembered it was around 1964 that he had a log cabin store. Philip’s store was by the river bank, he had a stove made from a gas …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Cabin Door Sign”
Cabin Door Sign I’m not always at home ‘Cause I’m always on the roam. You don’t need to knock My door doesn’t have a lock. When you open my door knob You will find nothing to rob. You can have a good rest But don’t leave it in a mess. If you need to stay …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Buttons”
Buttons We used to play this game and buttons is the name. With buttons we pay an’ that’s why we play. We dig a hole in the ground a small hole that’s round. But it’s bad news when we start to lose. We cut buttons off our clothes not a good idea I suppose. Our …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “She Saved My Life”
She Saved My Life She’s my uncle’s wife and she saved my life. Her name is Nancy an’ she’s really fancy. And I’ll tell you why ‘cause she wouldn’t let me die. I was just a little kid an’ this is what she did. Her life she put on the line just to save mine. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Through the Eyes of an Elder”
Through the eyes of an elder I see through the eyes of an elder Not through the helmet of a welder. If you see through an elders eyes This is how you will become wise. Elders talk English that’s not right So that’s how I try to write. Their English is what I call brokin’ …
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Didee & Didoo – Poem “Uncle & Bob”
UNCLE AND BOB Uncle doesn’t like a fly And Bob likes to fly. Uncle knows the land An’ Bob knows how to land. Uncle like his trappin’ cabin An’ Bob likes his plane cabin. Uncle traps for otter And Bob flies The Otter. Uncle traps for beaver And Bob flies The Beaver. Uncle sets his …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Best Singer”
“Best Singer” The songs that I wrote will put a lump in my throat. But the best song I ever heard came from my little song bird. The songs that he wrote is sung in a happy note. Singing in the forest I listen to his chorus. Sitting in his nest his songs are the …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Grandma Suzie”
GRANDMA SUZIE If she hits you with her cane she’ll give you a little pain. But it won’t hurt ‘cause she likes to flirt. We all like Grandmas Suzie but she’s kind of choosy. She already has a honey an’ Grandma Suzie is so funny. She likes all us men but she has a jealous …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Merle Haggard”
“Merle Haggard” He was always on the roam when he sang “Sing Me Back Home”. The strangers were his back up band when Merle sang “Branded Man”. Merle’s songs are mine an’ yours including “Swinging Doors”. “No Reason to Quit” was Merle’s big hit. He sang “Mama Tried” an’ “Bonnie an’ Clyde”. Merle plays fiddle …
Writing from Old Crow
Old Crow poet and cartoonist Allan Benjamin caught himself when he said he carries a pen and paper in his pocket 24 hours a day. “Actually, it’s pencil. A pen freezes.” Not something you want to happen out on the Flats when inspiration strikes. The 56-year-old Benjamin, who is well-known by What’s Up Yukon readers …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Tinkering”
“TINKER” I think he’s a good thinker ‘cause he always likes to tinker. He likes to take stuff apart then he tries to make it start. He seems to get his joy tinkering on an ancient toy. He could be missin’ some nuts an’ bolts or maybe just not enough volts. Sometimes he depend on …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Body Heat”
Body Heat When it’s a cold autumn you’ll freeze your bottom. You can either migrate or better yet hibernate. You can’t do no harm when you need to stay warm. When we share one sheet we call that body heat. When we share one cot we’ll both be hot. When we sleep together we won’t …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Teachers”
TEACHERS They teach our little creatures that’s why we have teachers. They teach them to read an’ write and of course to be polite. When we send them off to school teachers teach them the golden rule. They teach them to add ‘cause they want them to grad. Teachers keep our kids on track so …
Going Slightly Batty
My wariness of bats – I won’t say abject terror, that’s far too strong – dates back to the Eisenhower era. I can even trace it to a particular evening in 1952 (the year of the green Pontiac Pathfinder), when a bat suddenly swooped through the living room of our rented cottage in Quebec. I …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Being Caribou”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Check Up”
Allan Benjamin is a cartoonist from Old Crow, Yukon.
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Store”
Store I don’t like to buy pop but I like to shop. I can use my credit card when I need to buy lard. Or I can buy honey if I have enough money. I look at the price when I buy rice. I always buy cheese and sometimes peas. I always buy coffee but …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Body Parts”
BODY PARTS We’re born with a new body but aging makes it shoddy. If I could get a new part I would go for a new heart. It wouldn’t do no harm to get a brand new arm. I had them for many years so I could use new ears. I wish for better eye …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Don Cherry”
Don Cherry His name is Don Cherry an’ he’s named after a berry. His nickname is Grapes he has suits of all colours an’ shapes. Don even has a suit that’s pink when he’s at the hockey rink. When I turn the TV on I get a kick out of Don. We know Don can …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Here Are The News”
Here Are The News: Jerome went up river to cut wood and Albert say he’s doing good. Stephen went to Whitehorse for dog race and I heard he came in first place. The weather is really cool even that Donald haul wood for school. Charlie Thomas went out to Crow Flats him and Isaac will …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Bruce”
“BRUCE” I’m not as tough as Bruce He’s as strong as a moose. He has lots of power ‘cause he can pack flour. In the preliminary rounds he ran with 600 pounds. When they load the flour on his back 850 pounds Bruce can pack. That’s a lot of strain to carry that much grain. …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Victor Cheated Death”
Victor Cheated Death He left his kids and wife and he lost his life. They all cried ‘cause the husband had died. It happened in Aklavik and his name is Vic. I think it happened in 1962 and this story is true. Vic had died an’ went to sleep an’ everyone started to weep. But …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Margaret Blackfox”
Toughest Gwichin She was as tough as rocks my great grandma Margaret Blackfox. She was the toughest Gwichin ‘cause any race she can win. Didoo doesn’t like to sit that’s how come she’s fit. Didoo was hard to beat ‘cause she was an athlete. Didoo was just too fast An’ she never comes last. When …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “Better To Be Poor”
Better To Be Poor It’s better to be poor than to have more. It’s better to be poor than to be sore. It’s better to be poor than to steal from a store. It’s better to be poor than to have money galore. It’s better to be poor than to break in a door. It’s …
Didee & Didoo – Poem “River”
RIVER It can rise and drop and it will never stop. It can be fast or slow and it will always flow. It can be low or high and it will never run dry. It can be cold or warm and it can do some harm. It can be wide or narrow but never straight …