Sorry, Mom This Post is Not for You (Skinning a Seal)

     A week or so ago some a seal was donated to the school so that the students could see how to properly remove the fur and meat. This was a unique experience since we are a down river school we often don't see seal. After inviting an elder to come and explain where to cut, our head custodian Buster took to the dirty work. FYI this post is not for those with a weak stomach.

 After they caught the seal they cut it down the middle to remove the "guts"

 I never knew that seals had claws

 Buster removing the face, one of my students looking on

 Buster is explaining what he is doing before he cuts

 Kindergarten and first grade students getting first hand experience

 The meat is nearly all cut off

 One of our elders looking at the seal flipper

Whats left is the fur and fat

     I am still unsure how they remove the fat, but it drips off and they use the seal oil for cooking or dipping their seal or dry fish.

Here is the cleaned drying seal fur

     Another experience that I would have not likely been a part of in the lower 48. I am glad that I have been able to participate in so many unique activities here in Marshall. I am excited that we have only finished the first quarter and that there are many more experiences to come.