Dog Sledding Program in Minnesota Nett Lake, MN - Bois Forte Band member Maurice Champagne and Nett Lake Boys & Girls Club Branch Director Donald Chosa, Jr. came up with the idea of bringing dogs and sleds to the kids at Nett Lake School and Nett Lake Boys & Girls Club. They wanted the students to have a fun, hands-on experience while also learning about the important role dog sledding has played and continues to play in the Bois Forte culture. "In the 1800's, dog sledding was a big part of our culture. It's another way to get the kids outdoors, away from video games and TV”, said Champagne.  Chosa coordinated with the Nett Lake School Principal to create a dog sledding program for the school's K-6 students. Club members getting a hands-on experience with dog sledding Besides riding the sleds, the program included learning about the life of John Beargrease, who delivered mail to villages along Lake Superior by dog sled. The Club members also learned that dogs can travel 30 to 40 miles covering a lot more ground than canoeing, paddling or snowshoeing.  Champagne said he wanted the students to know that “dogs are a gift of the spirits to teach us, and to offer protection and help. Their senses, particularly their eyes and ears, are better than humans’, and that's why the Creator provided them as a friend for people.” Dogs pulling a sled of Club members

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