Greetings from all of us Inuit and Inuvialuit in Edmonton!!!

by Edna Elias

In late July, the Edmonton Inuit Cultural Society was very pleased to host two Meet ‘n Greet events consecutively in the same evening. Thanks to NorTerra Inc. who brought in their company Official Spokesperson, Jordin Tootoo to the city to make a surprise appearance at a lunch of the IDC Youth Leadership Orientation Program, the Inuit Society took advantage of Jordin’s being here to host the events.

OnThursday, July 27th , 2006 Inuit gathered to meet and hear from Jordin as he spoke about his hockey career and his family’s support. He spoke to the youth about his mother’s strong and firm connection between sports and school – basically if you miss school, there will be no hockey. Photos were taken, questions were asked and we all got to see each other and visit again. “It was really exciting to meet him,” says Myna Maniapik, “I thought that he was a very nice person”. A small group of people turned out but it was a very enjoyable evening.

Following the gathering at the Native Friendship Centre, Christy Brewster, Director Northern Business Development for NorTerra Inc. and myself moved the Meet ‘n Greet on another surprise visit – to Larga Home, the patients home away from home. Several Inuit who

Musicians: Owen Avakana on fiddle, Floyd Sydney on guitar and Myna Maniapik on spoons were at the Friendship Centre followed to keep the spirit of atmosphere high and cheerful. No one at the patient boarding home was expecting such a visitor! Not only did we surprise them by bringing Jordin but by bringing live music!

Thanks to Floyd Sydney for bringing his guitar and fiddle – the music added an extra element of surprise and added to putting smiles on peoples faces, lifting spirits and got toes tapping. And thanks to my cousin Owen Avakana, he, himself a patient was in the mood to play the fiddle. Two-stepping tunes, jigs, waltzes and songs kept on well after the close of visiting hours much to the delight of many long-term patients. Visitors, patients and staff greatly enjoyed the evening!

On a visit to Larga the following week, Emily Roberts of Fort MacPherson commented to me “It sure brought me up anyway”. Rose Crapeau asked “When are you guys going to do this again? Play music.”

Our thanks to NorTerra Inc. for all the door prizes for both events, Bill Davidson, Larga Ltd., Christy Brewster and Jordin Tootoo!!