Tamarack geese facts for kids

Tamarack geese are special model birds. They are made from small tree branches. The Cree people traditionally created them. They used these models as "decoys" when they hunted geese in the spring and fall. A decoy is something that looks like an animal and is used to trick real animals into coming closer.

These models are made from thin branches of the Tamarack tree. The branches are tied together around a central ball, also made of tamarack twigs. A thin brown string is used to hold them together. Sometimes, a thicker string helps while they are being made, but it is cut off later. The models have a small hole in their head. When held against the snow, this hole looks like the white patch on the side of a real Canada Goose's head.

What Are Tamarack Geese?

Tamarack geese are unique, handmade birds. They are not real birds, but models. The Cree people, who are an Indigenous group in North America, have made them for a long time. These models were very important for hunting. Hunters would place them in fields or near water. This would make real geese think that other geese were already there, making them land nearby.

How Are They Made?

Making a Tamarack goose is a skilled craft. It starts with gathering small, flexible branches from the Tamarack tree. These branches are carefully tied together. They form the body of the bird around a central ball. This ball is also made from tamarack twigs. A thin, strong brown string is used to secure all the pieces. Sometimes, a thicker string helps hold the shape while the artist works. Once the model is finished, this thicker string is removed.

The Special Head Hole

One interesting detail of the Tamarack goose is the small hole in its head. This is not just for looks. It has a clever purpose. When the model is placed on the snow, this hole creates a shadow. This shadow is meant to look like the white patch found on the side of a real Canada Goose's head. It helps the decoy look even more realistic to other geese.

A Tradition Revived

Over time, the art of making Tamarack geese started to become less common. Fewer people were learning how to make them. But in 1968, a man named John Blueboy had a great idea. He lived in Moose Factory, Ontario. He wanted to bring this special art back to life.

New Purpose: Souvenirs

John Blueboy's idea was to make smaller versions of the Tamarack geese. These smaller models could be sold as souvenirs. A souvenir is something you buy to remember a place or an experience. This new purpose helped keep the tradition alive. Since then, many artists and craftspeople have learned this beautiful art. They continue to make Tamarack geese, sharing this part of Cree culture with more people.