The women did all the housekeeping tasks, cooking, gathering wood, collecting water or ice, and keeping the tent reasonably clean. However, some were better at this than others. Everything had it's own place. Meat was usually boiled, or sometimes roasted, beside the stove. At mealtime, a piece of oilcloth would be unrolled on the floor where everybody sat cross-legged. (I had problems, as my long legs wouldn't fold up!) The caribou meat normally had a bone attached to hold it. By holding the chunk of meat in my teeth and using a sharp hunting knife, I could cut off a piece close to my lips. It was customary that each meal begin with grace. The Dogrib diet consisted of meat and tea, except on very special occasions when a little bannock might be served. The men ate first. On my first winter patrol, I was advised by the special constable not to eat everything on my plate, as I had to leave something for the women. The children in the camps seemed to enjoy their lifestyle. Young boys were not called on to do very much except play. The older ones usually had a dog or two on a sleigh and went out hunting with their fathers. The girls, even when small, were required to help with all the chores. It was quite common for a child to go and live with another relative. If another family had several children and the next family had none, the first family was, under tribal custom, expected to give one child up, especially a boy. The Natives' greatest fear  was not having someone to hunt for them when they grew old. The women were the workforce and the girls were trained for this role.