Nanisiniq: Arviat History Project

Travelling South

I had a good smile and with awe, giggled just a wee bit. Why ?

Well, having read and printing out the stuff we need to bring for travelling. I’ll just give one section; clothing.

• sweater
• rain jacket
• walking shoes
• sweater for the night
• Casual clothing for dinner nights
• water bottle

…

Atanarjuat ~ the movie

Two things I learn watching the film by Zacharias Kunuk, Atanarjuat.

First of all, the good and then of course, the bad.

Atanarjuat; Atuat, a single lady was promised to marry him. However, another man, who really wants to have her is causing some problems. Atanarjuat is a good man while Oki

What I learned from the Polar Gas Pipeline Enquiry and Elders like Donald Suluk and Mickie

Reading the words of Donald Suluk and Mickie brings back lots of memories. If you read them carefully, there is a lot being said. Some of it, we would say in English, is ‘between the lines’.

What I remember is the tremendous struggle of many Inuit Elders in the 1970s to figure out a way of handling two very different cultures. Donald Suluk puts his finger on this when he compares the land to a ‘store’ in Qablunaat culture. He also notes the different relationship Inuit have with material things - and especially with money. He is absolutely right when he notes that Qablunaat culture is all about money. There are many Qablunaat who do not have this insight.

For me, listening to Elders in the late 1970s when we were doing this enquiry was both educational and increasingly painful. I watched Inuit trying to do what I now recognize is a central part of Inuit culture. Inuit are much better than Qablunaat at accommodating ‘difference’ - at respecting and trying to make room for different ways of thinking and doing things. Inuit culture has always been ‘a welcoming one’. And the archival records that I know well, illustrate this over and over again.

So when I read Donald’s words, I can detect his fears and concerns about the construction of a gas pipeline through the Kivalliq Region, but I also see him trying to accommodate it by making recommendation for changes in the route and warning about how the environment - garbage and waste oil from construction activities - should be dealt with. Mickie thinks it shouldn’t be built. The old and the new are found in Donald’s words. But most importantly, the relationship between Inuit and land and animals comes through clearly. When you combine that with what Mickie had to say about young people losing their culture, the fears and wisdom of Elders become obvious.

And this is an ongoing struggle that I can see in our work. In many Inuit communities, the introduction of Qablunaat religion has created intolerances and divisions that have been very hard to deal with. A culture where money is now needed for everything - rent, food, clothing, travel - and is in short supply given the lack of jobs and opportunities for many Inuit, competes with a culture and values that were definitely not centered around $$$. This was (and is) a culture based on relationships between Inuit and land, Inuit and animals, Inuit and other Inuit. It struggles in a modern world.

If Inuit young people are having a hard time with all of this, many of their Elders and the Inuit I met, interviewed and worked with in the 1970s were struggling with the same kinds of things. These are all questions about values and what is important. They compete with the logic of money and what we need to survive and live in a modern world. The way money affects who we think is something that is hard to talk about. My own Qablunaat culture certainly needs to start doing this.

Why did oil pour into the Gulf of Mexico? Why did the world recently experience (another) economic collapse with disatrous consequences for the lives of so many ordinary people - especially working Americans? It was all about money. There is a lot of history here and Inuit history helps us understand all of this much better. If we, and especially our children and children’s children are to have a good life, then we need to think carefully and learn lessons from the past about how to live on this tiny planet. There is a lot in the wisdom of Donald Suluk and Mickie. Thanks to both of them.

To Be A Research Assistant:

• Sharpen terminology skills
• Networking
• Contacts, emails, phone calls, conferences,
• Get to know elders by talking to them
• Be prepared to walk
• Make appointments and do some visiting
• Attend council meetings
• Permits, licences, approvals
• Set backs, etc (be…

Elizabeth Mukyungnik “The Old Days”

In my childhood, I never meant to be so bossy, but I was. I was the “Daddy’s Girl” back then. I was the mean little kid, they spoiled me too much.

I remember that I loved going to Elder Centre to see my late grand mother.

I loved the elders’ way about them. My mom would always let me watch the elders do their skinning and practices in the traditional Inuit way. I even used to sing along away with my mom when she used to sing Ayaya songs.

Back in those days everything used to be so cheap. My mom would always go shopping. Awww, and I miss watching her carve soap stone.

What a good time we used to have back then. Everything seemed to be comfier and funnier :)      

Remembering 

The field trip we went on today was fun. The wind was nice and warm. It wasn’t that cold. We walked by the cemetary to see all of the crosses. As we passed by, we were walking toward Nuvuk. On our way we also saw the olden boat and Arviat’s first building. The building is pretty nice, but it looks old.

There wasn’t a lot of bugs and bumble bees out. I enjoyed the walk.  At the cemetary we recognized many of our old friends. In particular, I was feeling the memories of my belated friend. 

Joseph Thompson “My Grandparents”

When I was a small child, I remember I used to follow my grandparents everywhere.  Every summer my whole family stayed at our cabin, I followed my grandparents when they went drum dancing, when the elders gathered for tea and games. I remember the elders played Nugluktaq (a game where one player tried to poke a stick through a twirling spool overhead). There were a lot of prizes for the winner of this game (everything new, like: stereos, TVs, guns, pots and pans etc.).

At home I used to stay with my granny (after my grandfather passed away in 1986).  I helped her finish an amauti, she was designed it with beads.  If she wasn’t sewing, we would do puzzles together.

I don’t remember much about my grandpa, he died when I was 6 years old. But I remember his face. He was a strong man, a hunter, boater, travelled by dog sled, even a shaman. 

David took us on a field trip to where Inuit first camped which it is not far from Arviat. Inuit moved to that area in 1922 and at that time, there was only one house (shack). However, after a year later there were 3 more buildings that were built. The camp existed for 4 years then Inuit moved…

The Nanisiniq group went on a field trip to the site of the first location of Arviat, known as Tikirayualaaq. It is located around the shore just behind the cemetary.

There was one small building in 1922 and three more were built in 1923. The rest had remained in caribou tent called…

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

We would like to thank our Coordinator, David Jr. for the use of his digital camera for taking photos of the field trip to Tikirayualaaq, the first known location of Arviat.

We took as many as we could so that people may see the space and the sea where the Inuit settled for four years. Pictures…

The Population of Arviat, Nunavut

1978 - 960 people

1981 - 1200 people

1986 - 1640 people

2001 - 1899 people

2008 - 2060 people

2009 - 2300+ people

There were not that many people living in Arviat in the 1970’s, however it is growing rapidly. Within 3 years (1978 -81), the population increased by 240. From 1981 - 1986, it has increased by 440 which is double the first one. From 2001 - 2008 it increased again by 161. Then from 2008 to 2009 it increased by 240 again as it did from 1978 - 1981. I have been hearing that Arviat has the highest rate for birthing, more young people are starting to have babies and families are growing bigger. There are not that many elders left, however there are more children.

I think it is important to keep our traditional way of living, especially when the population is growing so fast and more and more children need to be educated about the traditional ways. Who knows if many people still use the traditional way of living, for example, knowing how to survive on the land. It is important for all young people to know about their ancestors and relatives. The population is growing so fast that people may not even know who they are related to.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Rg-85 vol-229 # 630/153-3

Four (4) Eskimos making statements about Father Dionne and Father Thibert about the present war (August 24th, 1942)

Cst. Jimmy Gibbons: Jimmy stated that Father Dionne told him it is better if the German’s have won the war. However, Jimmy did not hear anything from…

“Eskimo Point” and the Work of the School

File # Rg-85 Vol 1951 #A-1000 / 153

1959-1960, Eskimo Point consisted of approximately 26 families who made their homes. 25 Students were sent to school.

The following were employed.

Aliktilloo; HBC Servant

Jimmy Gibbons; Special Constable, RCMP

Johnny Karetak; Special Constable, RCMP

Suluk

We, the Arviat History Project Students would like to send our condolences to the family of Sister Pelagie. 

Sister Pelagie joined the selecting process of 20 to 25 applicants for this project. She made careful and wise decisions. She made a contribution on planning and organizing for this important project. She really enjoyed taking part and everyone else enjoyed her too because she made everyone happy and laugh a lot.

Early in June we watched a short film on Sister Pelagie taken by National Film Board of Canada. It’s about her becoming the first Inuk Nun. She was a young girl who went to school in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut and then was confirmed by the Arch Diocese of the Keewatin.  She also taught classes. Students had a wonderful time having her as their teacher and nun. We are sad to see her leave her family, but she will be remembered for her kindness and gentleness.

One time we used to be neighbors with Mark and Pelagie Nanauk. I loved to see her because our neighborhood is all young adults so it was great to have an Elder like her nearby. We smiled and greeted each other. I once told her how I felt about my wrong doing and she was very open to correct me.  This has helped me.  When they moved to another house not far from where we live, I was sad knowing that I wouldn’t see her daily, as I had before. Even though they had moved, when we did see each other we shared the same smile.

Thank you for your kindness, gentleness and care for the people. You have made a big difference in the lives of the Inuit. May you Rest in Peace, Sister Pelagie.

During the summer time, more people are staying up late because of the 24 hour sunlight. More people are out enjoying the sun while its around. During this time, most people make dried caribou meat. I also see lots of people going out hunting and boating or just relaxing out on the land, enjoying the nice summer weather.

Spring time is always fun too, people go out more because of the nice weather, not too hot and not too cold. By this time, geese fly by and more animals are passing by. Therefore, people want to be out.

On the other hand, during fall when the weather is starting to be cold, people start to sew parka’s to keep warm for the upcoming long winter. In the fall, there is also more rain and the weather is starting to be more cool.

Finally, during the winter it is more depressing. This is because of the isolation and the long winter. Day turns into night more quickly, it makes you tired more easily because of lack of light. In fact, the weather changes often reflect how the people feel. The colder, darker and longer the weather, the more people will be tired. However, when there is sunlight and the surrounding land is alive with beautiful colors, people are more likely to enjoy the land and themselves.

Today I looked at the website called “Inuit contact.” This website describes the Inuit as people who migrated from the land that is treeless, explains Inuit culture, and also shows how numerous animal groups migrated to the arctic.

The Inuit are highly skilled to survive in the arctic environment. For instance, they learned how to work together and adapt their lives for survival, even when climate and weather conditions change.

Relationships and beliefs, developed through a social cultural dependence were important for the Inuit. The way of life of the Inuit involves a basic, but intricate set of legends, beliefs and practices, shared by the circumpolar Inuit group, despite being dispersed across the huge land areas. These ways of living were practiced most strongly by Inuit before colonization and first white contact. These elements and beliefs helped to guide people in an unpredictable world. The sets of rules that Inuit live by are sometimes called Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), or Inuit traditional knowledge. Later in the month, an elder is going to talk to use about the guiding principles behind IQ- I will write more about IQ then, but for now will talk about what I found out on the website.

These beliefs, sometimes involving shamans, were used to bring happiness and harmony back to the world. These beliefs were good because they helped to connect people to one another and prevented hostility.

One Inuit belief is the belief of a “common good.” People have their own responsibilities, however they should keep in mind that sharing and caring for others contributes to a collective well being. Working for the common good is great and encourages people that doing good for others is also good for ourselves. I hope this idea lasts forever.

Another is “being respectful to living things.” The people of the north believe that being nice to living things is necessary, as these living things help the Inuit to survive. This belief helps to maintain harmony and balance.

“Living equally and maintaining harmony” are also practiced. Following these practices shows we have a responsibility to be respectful. If this belief was not followed, the relationship between the Inuit and living things, and the survival of the Inuit would be destroyed.

“Continually planning and preparing for a better future.” The Inuit take care of their kids so the children will learn how to one day be a good parent. For instance, teaching a young man to hunt is important for the future of the family. Kind of like how my involvement with Nanisiniq: Arviat History Project will benefit future generations of Inuit because I will be able to pass on my knowledge to them.

Well this is it for now on the topic of IQ, I will write more about IQ after talking with the elders.

Qablunaq - one white man

Qablunaat - group of white men

I think Inuit picked these terms for white people because these terms describe how white people look. From what I know, Inuit would name each other by their looks, so these names must reflect how the white people looked like to the Inuit. Qablunaq (or Qablunaat) literally means stomach and eyebrows, so these are the characteristics that the Inuit must have noticed right away when first meeting white people.

Sometimes at school, elders would come and visit classrooms to tell stories. I remember an elder saying “.. the first time we saw white people, we were so scared.” Maybe some were not, but when most elders tell their stories about first seeing white people, the stories often involve being scared of the white people. I also remember an elder telling me about the first time they saw a helicopter. They thought it was a giant walking from far with its arms spread wide. This always gave me a smile when I look back.

I think Inuit were most surprised about when the white people first came and tried to communicate. I know hearing another language can make you nervous and both groups of people did not understand each other very well. But from what I was told by elders, they helped each other to understand and communicate with one another.

June 29, 2010

Kanaknaq = North    

Kivat = South    

Kiti = East

Kangi = West

Kityinik = Eastward

Kitaagut = East end

Kikmuaktuq = Down

Tagyaq = During spring go to community and then in fall return to camp

Ataaq = During spring, return to land

Qaqmaliq = Shopping

Qaimnguq = In the fall the rocks get iced up around it

Tungilliq = On a lake there’s ice in the centre and the surroundings is all water

Ittaq = Caribou tent

Miqqut = Needle

Tatyiki = Caribou scaper (sharper edges)

Hiirliriyaut = Caribou skin scraper (dull edges)

Ulu = Women’s knife

Tikiq = Thimble

Quagyulik = Needle with a flat end

Ivalu = Thread

Qaktaq = Pot

I enjoy going out on the land so much! Going to our cabin (Home away from home)which is not too far from the town is just so relaxing, nice and quiet. Going for tea and roasting country food is always good, yummy! I also find it fun to go hunting, get some fresh meat and eat with family and friends. Even just going for a ride is fun, seeing the land and people passing by. When we are nearby a river it just clears your mind from the sound of it, almost as if the river is washing away your worries. Thats what I especially love about going out land.

It makes me feel connected to my past generations doing what they did like hunting, sharing food, helping each other and other things that they did together as a family or a group of people. I have always wondered how life would be if people still lived as how our past generations lived because today, not many people know about surviving on the land, cutting up meat the right way, which way to go and other things that are important about surviving on the land. Although I do not know much about surviving on the land, i still enjoy going out anyway because it is always relaxing!

Another Media Centre Short Film:

David Owingayak (My father) is teaching on hunting preparation for winter seasons. This was taken back in the 1980’s.

BRING THE FOLLOWING:

Binocoluars;

To see afar off, to see whereabouts you are and heading to. Carry it around your neck outside of your parka. Don’t leave it inside the kamotik because you will have to untie and tie the kamotik which slows down everything.

When travelling by ski-doo and a kamotik (sled), you must have all the supplies with you to bring. Always bring extras because you may not end up going home at all as planned due to weather restrictions.  

So to prepare packing on the kamotik, Owingayak says and shows all the items needed for protection and survival.

Coleman Stove;

Two burner stove is usually a fair size for going far distances. Make sure it works well and isn’t broken or has a hole. Keep it tightly closed so that dirt and other things don’t get into it.

Matches, candles;

Never leave home without matches. Waterproof is recommended. Carry them in your pockets for quick take. Candles are useful during the dark nights, they also bring warmth in the igloo.

Pot, teapot, cup, spoon;

Of course, you will need to eat and drink along the way. Remember to bring your pot for meals, a teapot for hot drinks to keep you warm, a cup to drink from, a spoon if you put sugar. Stop and snack in between your destination. Helps to keep you warm and gives you strength.

Knife, ulu (small and big);

A man uses a knife. He brings both sizes of small and bigger knife. His work varies from smaller animals to larger animals. Another use of the knife could be just to cut a piece for meat preparing for meals, or any minor work.

As for the ulu, a woman usually is the user. Same reasons as above. But she may need to use it more for cutting a caribou skin to sew and repair winter clothing.

Gas Tanks; 

In this film there were 7 five gallon gas tanks all full, therefore, the trip will last more than a day. Enough to go and return. Be prepared to have extras because you may need to drive other routes or get stuck. Never put the gas tanks where something will easily pierce through them that will cause some leaking. Leave sharp objects away from these tanks and store them away from flames.

Naptha;

With the use of Coleman stoves, a naptha is needed. Bring extras again that will last two or three days. If staying out longer, bring more. Never put the naptha cans where they will easily be pierced and cause some leaking. Leave sharp objects away from these tanks and store them away from flames.

Ski-doo belt;

What would happen if you just drive your ski-doo and the belt breaks? If you don’t have a spare belt, you’re doomed. Walk home. Would you want to walk 100 miles in a weather that’s - 65 Celcius? I don’t think so.

Tools;

Machines break down. Never leave home without tools. Repairing skidoo and kamotik requires use of tools. One little screw / nut can spoil the trip, with the tools you are safe.

Hammers and nails;

A hammer and nails? Whatever for? To nail down a snow igloo? Absolutely not ! Remember, a kamotik breaks down from thumping on hard snow and ice. Think of the speed of the driver and the weight of the supplies carried. For sure, at least one cross piece will crack, so, you need a hammer and nail to repair one just in case.

Shovel;

The sun isn’t always shining. Snow may be blowing later on. Or if you are picking up cache, it’ll be covered with snow and then you’d have to shovel the outside of it. You might need to end up digging down too to get a shelter, igloo making.

Saw;

Hand saw is used to cut up squares to make an igloo. The rectangular shapes are called “auviq” or in Inuktitut “auvikaqtuq”. You don’t just dig with hands to make square for igloo, they’ve got to be matching squares to make a proper igloo.

Axe;

Unlike summer, things outside will freeze eventually and be buried and covered with snow. Snow, snow, snow. Yes, you can’t just pick up cached meat with your bare hands, you need an axe. Axe has it’s many uses out on the land.

Grub Box;

Where would you put all of these stuff to bring? In a cardboard box? of course not. Usually a large wooden grub box is sturdier. The food in there needs to be stored, and also the littler items that were listed here. Store them neatly, don’t just throw them in there. How you organize will make a big difference while you’re driving. If you just leave them loosely and drop them in, it’ll be messy and your food might get broken up.

Tarp, caribou skins, rope;

Tarp big enough for the kamotik and the stuff on top of it will need a covering, like a blanket. Place the tarp first way before laying the stuff on the kamotik. Spread it evenly flat leaving enough to cover the tops. This prevents the items of falling off and getting too wet. Helps keeps things orderly and in their place.  Next, lay the caribou skins on top of the tarp evenly too. So they are placed facing leftwards following one another depending how big the kamotik is. The skins help the items from breaking because they are soft and the skins will also be used when the night time comes as their bed mattresses. Ropes, always bring extra ropes. They do break. Ropes are tied from end to end. Secure them tight. Tie them twice. Your kamotik’s rope must be even. Kamotik rope shouldn’t be too short, it must be long because accidents happen. The length of the rope helps the weight become lighter which makes it easier to pull and move forward.

Know where you are heading;

Always inform your family who are staying home where you are heading. This will be useful when the expected date of return becomes worry some.

First of all, the hunter must know his directions. Does he know north, south, east, and west? Watch as you go. Study the surroundings, the land, the sea ice, the hills, the wildlife, the sky, the clouds, the sun, the direction of the wind. Were there trees? Were there animals? Were there birds? What did you see? As you drove, was the land flat? What was it like when you left and how is it now as you return? Did the weather change? What’s different? What’s still the same?

For the passenger;

He must be seated properly and he must not face the wind to prevent frostbites. He must sit away from the driver but not completely. Facing the west is usually the best way to sit so he can look ahead and still face away from the wind.  You must wait for the right weather. If it’s too windy, take precautions and be careful in which way it’s blowing.

My summer is all planned out. After Joan Carolyn’s birthday (my sister), which is today (July 5), I will be heading to Rankin Inlet until the first week of August. When I get back, we will be heading to Yellowknife and Vancouver. I am excited about going because we will be doing research with archives. When we get to Yellowknife, we will also visit a museum which holds Inuit artifacts.

I have never been there before, and so it will be exciting for me to go there and learn about Inuit history at the same time. When we get to Vancouver we will have our own rooms, which will make me very comfortable and well rested to do research. I can not wait to start doing the research because I’ve been wanting to know more about the history of Arviat. I will be doing research with my mother, Tamar and other students who are involved in the project.

After we head back home from Vancouver, the high school graduates will be preparing our gym and the community hall for our graduation ceremony. I am so excited about my summer because it will be nice and busy! Enjoy your summer everyone!

Finally doing tumblr again after reading my letter from April. Thanks April for asking about the types of food that I like to eat when in Vancouver.

It is a quiet day, we are not really busy with work. I am just doing this blog as usual. There isn’t more workshops since Frank and April and Pat left us. We are still here with Tamar and David Jr. trying to organize interviews. 

I need more work to do, but what is there to do? I need to find out more about the work that we are doing so that I know what to do each day. Do this, do that.. .

It is getting quiet around here with the team. I am missing Martha. I do not see her around often. She’s my two thumbs up here.

I little bit got upset about Frank’s Bank Account. Frank is really helping us out on pays, I didn’t want any pay from him just from the UBC’S. I didn’t want money from Frank’s account, but he made his own choice. Thanks to Mr. Tester:).  We got so much help from Frank, I can say it so many times. I hope UBC finance is able to pay us soon.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010  Today we watched a short film of Inuit traditional drum dancing. This was taken sometimes in the mid 1980’s over at Joseph Sewoee’s residence.  Although the gathering is not like the ancient days, the people here were in the similiar positions as it would in the olden days. What I mean by that is, when there’s a drum dancing event, men and women are seated in a circle. Children that follow are also seated amongst them.  Only one person stands dancing in the centre of the circle.  This person is the drum dancer. He beats the drum with a stick. One drum on one hand and the stick on the other hand. The drummer swings back and forth or left to right. Each drummer differs in their movements while the seated women sing a “pihiq” meaning a song. Dancers drum until the song is completed and then the next person willing to drum takes his turn. It’s usually the men who drum. People take turns and a new song is sung to the next drummer.  A pihiq is a song owned by a person. In this pihiq, the song is telling a story. The story is usually a true story – something like an experience or a thought. Most Inuit of their own tribes know who and what song belongs to who.  I recognized all of the attenders in this event. I even had tears as I watched through out the time because some of them are now gone. In it were men and women of this community, Arviat. Few children could be seen too.  There were: Joseph Sewoee, Annie Sewoee, Edward Iootna, Sarah Iootna, My grandfather Casimir Nutarasungnerk, Martha Okotak, Richard Tutsuitok, Mary Qahut`yuaq, Rosalie Sinnisiak, Uncle Tony Atatsiak, Martha Tahiuq Arloo, Luke Kinniksie, David Issumatarjuak`laaq, Martha Mukyungnik`yuaq, Mary Aayaq, David Hannak.  Children: Joshua and Lazarus Alikut

If you, or anyone that you know once worked in the Arctic during the time period of 1930-1970, and are living in Vancouver or British Columbia’s lower mainland, we would like to hear from you.

We are interested in hearing from people who worked in all areas of the Arctic and would especially…

Back in the old days Inuktitut was called Inuktut, however to make it easier for Qablunaat to understand it eventually became known as “Inuktitut”. Inuktitut is the language of Inuit and syllabics are the Inuktitut writing system. I’ll give some examples of syllabics:

• “huvi?” - whats up?
• “mutna” - ᒪᑦᓇ - thank you

The characteristics, ᒪᑦᓇ are syllabics. There are many different dialects of Inuktitut. The version of Inuktitut that Inuit speak depends on where they are from and the ethnic group that they belong to. The similarity of Inuktitut language between communities depends on how close the communities are together. For example, here in Arviat we call dried caribou meat “nipku” and the community close to us which is Rankin Inlet say it as “mikku”. As you can see, we say it differently but it means the same thing.

Syllabics, which originated from Arabic (a language from the Middle East), were adapted for Inuit use by Reverend Edmund Peck in the early 1890s-1900s. Syllabics were used to teach the bible to the Inuit in Inuktitut.

I think it is important to speak Inuktitut because it keeps our Inuit tradition and culture alive. Knowing both Inuktitut and English creates a balance in knowledge, but it is more important to know Inuktitut because in some communities Inuktitut has been completely forgotten.

Today more people are using English and mixed Inuktitut. When this happens it causes more people to lose their language. Some communities have lost their language due to mixed languages and the creation of new words. In fact, during lunch there was an elder who went on radio to talk about the Inuit language. The elder talked about how the real Inuktitut language fades when new words are introduced. She was not trying to blame anyone but instead wanted to help people understand why it is important to still use proper Inuktitut words.

To view the Inuktitut language on our site, click here.

We learned that we wouldn’t be able to actually camera interview this afternoon. It’s a sad day. Had to inform the ladies that we cannot come over to their places due to lack of cameras, or actually, having no cameras available for the project.

Things we were told have been delayed, therefore,…

Today, we were gathering questions to decide what we will be asking during our interview. Our interview topic is Tuberculosis (T.B.) and we will be asking 3 elders who have survived T.B. We made plans to decide who will interview, who will be the camera person, and who will be the director. We also decided to pair up in order to do the interviews.

I am looking forward to interviewing because it will be interesting to learn what it was like to have T.B and what life was like with this health condition. I have always wanted to know about health in the old days, especially without modern medical the treatments. Although people back in the old days had some treatments for various sicknesses, it was probably hard to tell if you had T.B because they did not know how to detect the signs to diagnose T.B.

When we are interviewing elders we will be asking how it was like to have T.B and some other questions about what elders thought when they first heard about T.B. Sometime this week the group will go out and interview the elders.

Monday, June the 28th,

This morning and this afternoon we prepared for interviewing on t.b. Plans are underway. We have selected three women who went for treatment back then.

From our training workshops recently, we came up with brainstorming questions and what roles each student is going to…

Student from UBC is leaving in the morning (Sat, June 26th). We will miss you here at Arviat. You have done well. You are an expert.

April is a young person who’s got the energy to train and work extra hard in teaching us students of the Arviat History Project; Nanisiniq. You did more than you…

In connection with this project my husband and I watched Kiviaq last night. He is interviewed by Zacharias Kunuk.

Kiviaq is an Inuk whose mother is an Inuk and has a step father who was a constable then that’s a qablunaaq. He faced a very hard life in his early years. So did the rest of the…

I felt like quitting this program because I missed a few classes. Oh my god, and it was just for 2 days. I slept in and did not go to class because I was house sitting for the very first time. My mind was saying feel free at home, so I did and I stayed up all night visting friends.

And suddenly I changed my mind, I didn’t want to quit the program because the team needs me. I started saying ”I am helpful” and the team needs me to show others what we have done. We need strength to show the histroy. I am happy that we, the youth, are still keeping the group strong because there is still much more to find out about our history. 

As I thought of quitting, my mind was saying, “no Inuk, you don’t want this to happen- history needs to be made.”  So I decided to keep going and to continue to work more on Nanisiniq.

I like the project and by working on it, history is improved.  I just hope I can make it till the end.

ᓄᖃᕈᐊᒥᐊᓕᓚᐅᖅᑐᖓ ᑖᑉᓱᒥᖓ ᑕᐃᑯᖓᖏᒐᔪᓗᐊᕋᒪ. ᐅᑉᓗᑦ ᒪᕐᕈᒃ. ᓯᓂᒃᑕᓚᐅᕋᒪ ᐃᓕᓐᓂᐊᕆᐊᖏᒫᖅᖢᖓ ᒥᐊᓂᖅᓯᒐᑉᑕ ᐃᒡᓗᕐᔪᐊᕐᒥᒃ ᓯᕗᓪᓕᖅᐹᒥᒃ. ᐃᓱᒪᓚᐅᕋᒪ ᑐᖓᓱᒋᑦ ᐊᐃᓯᒪᓐᓇᔮᕈᐊᒧᑦ, ᐱᒑᖅᑕᒥᐊᖅᖢᖓ ᐅᓐᓄᐊᒥ ᐅᑉᓚᓗᕋᖅᖢᖓᓗ ᐱᖃᓐᓈᒻᓄᑦ.

ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᓴᑐᐃᕌᓪᓚᒥᐊᖅᖢᖓ, ᓄᖃᕈᐊᖏᓕᖅᒥᑦᖢᖓ ᐊᑐᒐᐅᓛᖑᒐᒪ. ᐅᖃᓕᓚᐅᖅᑐᖓ ᐃᑲᔪᕐᓂᖃᖅᑐᖓ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐊᑐᖅᑕᐅᔭᕆᐊᖃᖅᖢᖓᓗ ᐊᓯᒻᓄᑦ ᐱᓕᕆᐊᑉᑎᒃᓄᑦ. ᐱᒡᒍᖃᑎᒌᒋᐊᖃᖅᑐᒍᑦ ᑕᑯᑎᒃᑎᓂᐊᕐᓗᑕ ᑭᖑᓂᑉᑎᒃᓂᒃ. ᖁᕕᐊᓱᒃᑐᖓ, ᒪᒃᑯᒃᑐᑎᒍᑦ, ᑲᑎᒪᑐᐃᓐᓇᕋᑉᑕ ᐃᓕᒃᑕᔭᕆᐊᖃᕋᑉᑕᓱᓕ ᑭᖑᓂᑉᑎᒃᓂᒃ.

ᓄᖃᕈᐊᓚᐅᖅᖢᖓ, ᐃᓱᒪᓚᐅᖅᑐᖓ, ᓇᐅᒃ, ᓄᖃᕐᓂᐊᖏᒃᑐᑎᑦ, ᓱᔪᖃᕆᐊᓕᒃ. ᑲᔪᓯᓕᖅᖢᖓ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᑲᔪᓯᓂᐊᖅᑐᖓᓗ ᓇᓂᓯᓂᕐᒥᒃ.

ᖁᕕᐊᒋᔭᕋ ᑕᒪᓐᓇ ᐊᒻᒪᓗ ᐱᓕᕆᐊᕆᓂᐊᖅᖢᒍᓗ. ᑕᐃᒪᑐᖅ ᐱᐊᓂᒡᓚᖓ.

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