We have done so much
The Nanisiniq; Arviat History Project team (former and present) have come a long ways and have done so much.
Looking back to it’s birth and all the work and effort that’s been put into it is just unbelievable. Not to forget that people “behind the scenes” who started off as an idea and the negotiating and finally submitting an application to get this project started and finishing is more than what we can think of.
It has been just about 2 years now since this project began. I remember when the local Arviat Elders Sivullinuut Society were they key people in the selection and elder advisors and working with local residents and finding researchers. To this day, the elders are still much part of the work and their involvement is greatly appreciated and we know that without their support and wisdom, we wouldn’t have gone this far, this far into it’s final stages.
Researchers from Arviat, UBC and film producers, Sivullinuut Society, Department of Education, Nunavut Arctic College / HQ, media centre, Arviat Film Society, and viewers are just a few who have made this project a big succcess.
The list goes on to our financial supporters, and many others that have contributed much and made a huge difference being very much part of this historical study.
We do not want to forget anyone but we are much humbled by the support that’s been given in any way, small or great. You name it - it’s appreciated ! Thank you !
Anyways, as I was saying earlier, researchers have digged through old archival documents, photos and audio and videos in search of their history - the history of the Inuit specifically in Arviat, Eskimo Point in the early 1980’s, Cape Eskimo and Tikirayualaaq long before we were born.
We have found hidden treasures such as finding our ancestors. Healing came with it that filled an emptiness with complete satisfaction when for so long I had imagined what my mother’s parents looked like because I’ve never seen them. Never seen them until given a chance to view photos from the archivals that April, a UBC Research Assistant showed them to us. I’ve seen one from a family member recently but I needed a copy of my own. Today I own a complete satisfaction to finding my grandparents and own a photo of them together now on my refrigerator door ! These are the few kinds of neat things we do within this project.
So far, researchers have been travelling, giving elder interviews, filming some footages and interviewed by media. The word has spread and we have come to learn that many others are interested in this type of similiar projects for their own communities / places too. We encourage them to do their best because it will help not only their youth, but everyone around them. You won’t regret it.
As we come to a close this spring season / summer, we can look back at the accomplishments, mistakes, lessons, stuff we learned, and many more. It is starting to be exciting just thinking about the outcome of the whole project that we’ve been working hard within these two years that seem to fly by so quickly.
We look forward to continue finalizing and work as a team to produce a good documentary that we’d like to share. Stay tuned this spring and summer as we start wrapping up and … . . possibility of moving on to more projects.
Thank you !
