Tusaayaksat – Winter 2008

Pihuaqtiuyugut:

We are the long distance walkers

Upin’ngaqharaiyaliqtuq Heading into spring

Each spring we moved off the sea ice. At Halahikvik ➊ we built and marked caches to store winter clothes and tools. When the snow melted, we walked up Kuuk ➋ to Tahiryuaq ➌

The stone tent rings left by our ancestors at showed us where to camp.

We spent spring here – fishing, hunting birds, collecting eggs and caching food.

Auyalliliqtuq

Heading into summer

Heading into summer, we continued our long walk inland. At Iqalugaqtuuq ➎ the elders showed us how to catch small fish. we saw inukhuit built by our ancestors. These stone markers showed us where to cross the river. We reached the caribou calving grounds at Qalgiliumanaq ➐ where we hunted until late summer.

Ukiahaqharailiqtuq

Heading into fall

Heading into fall, we began our long walk back. The stone markers we had left on the trail guided us to our food caches. At our fall campsite near the shoreline ➑, we got ready for winter. We prepared caribou hides, and sewed our winter clothing. The traditional literacy in the designs of our clothes and tools identified us as Kangiryuarmiut.

Ukiuq

The middle of winter

We moved on to the sea ice ➒ and stayed until early spring. We hunted seals and polar bears. While on the sea ice, people gathered to celebrate in the qalgi (the big dance house). We sang, danced, told stories and played games. We learned by watching, listening and doing. People with experience helped us practise these literacies until we were skilled ourselves.

Learning to tell stories is like learning a drum dance song. There are no printed words. You learn without writing. You learn by teaching each other.

– Taipahuk, 2006

Follow the route used by Kangiryuarmuit to travel from the sea ice inland to caribou calving grounds, and learn traditional names of places along the way.

Content courtesy of the Ulukhaktok Community Language Board, NWT Literacy Council & Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

A wall hanging by Alice Kaodloak and Mabel Nigiyok, shows a route Kargiryuarmuit traditionally took over a year’s time as nomadic harvesters.

➊ HALAHIKVIK: Nipiquhiplutik halaaqtakpaktut tuktu Nik aqhilati Nahuriplutik t he place where they shout ‘hala’ to scare the caribou

➋ KUUK: k ugaaq t he river

➌ TAHIRYUAQ: tahiryuaq

t he big lake

➍ UPIN’NGIVIK: iNuit upi N’ N givia t he place where they spent the spring

➎ IQALUGAQTUUQ: tatik iqalugariaqtuk two lakes with many little fish

➏ KUUGYUAQ:

k ugaq a N giyuq takiyuqlu

t he big and long river

➐ QALGILIUMANAQ:

q algitut Nu Na takummahiqqaqtuq t hat which looks like a dancing house [an area]

➑ INNAKHAKVIK:

u kiuqhiuti Nik miqhurvik

t he place where winter clothing is sewn

➒ ATIQVIK:

iNuit Nikpaqviat

t he place where there are seal breathing holes

Lo NG D I s TAN ce WALK To Q ALGILIUMANAQ

Made by Alice Kaodloak and Mabel Nigiyok, Ulukhaktok, 2008 (photo by Zoe Ho)

Stepping into the Past

“

sometimes, when you talk in English, it takes away the strength of the words in Innuniaqtun,” said Emily kudlak, community researcher for the Inuvialuit Cultural resource Centre. Emily had just made a speech in her native language at the prince of Wales n orthern h eritage Center in yellowknife. The foyer was full of visitors who had turned out for the opening of an exhibit called pihuaqtiuyugut: We are the long distance walkers. The visitors might not be able to understand her k angiryuarmiut dialect (spoken by the Inuit of prince a lbert s ound, Victoria Island), but they still seemed to understand from Emily’s tone, that traditional literacies carried a meaning deeper than plain words for her people.

This exhibit comes from the u lukhaktok Literacies project. Emily, moved by the power of traditional song of her ancestors, looked for a way to record these songs. s he found support from the n WT Literacy Council, the u niversity of Lethbridge, the Inuvialuit Cultural resource Center and the people of u lukhaktok – the exhibit is part of what they have discovered and learnt about the land routes and literacies of the k angiryuarmiut.

“Literacy is in the land, the sky, the ocean – literacy passed on from our ancestors when they used stone markers and caches to mark the land, from how we use the skies and the ocean to read weather patterns – this exhibit is so there’ll be all this material to teach the next generation…about the tools that our elders used when they were traveling,” said Emily.

representatives spanning three generations from the community of u lukhaktok performed traditional drum dancing songs for the visitors. Mary o kheena sang and drummed her song pihuaqtiuyugut: We are the long distance walkers, a beautiful hymn to the land and the need to take care of it for the next generation.

s he hopes the exhibit will “make our young people feel more for our land. Most of our elders who have traveled on this route in the exhibit have passed away.” Even though she has never gone on the journey, she recognized place names that she was told in stories. “If they had one [this exhibit] in our home community, where younger people could see it, it would be even more powerful,” she said.

Photos and words by Zoe Ho

Justin Memogana, the only young drum dancer present for the exhibit opening, was happy for a chance to connect with his past through the exhibit.

“This is one of the first exhibits that I’ve seen,” he said, “and it’s cool, it’s sweet. I feel proud of our ancestors for the distance they traveled and the ways they survived.”

Justin was also proud to see art by his aunt roberta Memogana in the exhibit. The print is part of the art, carvings, tools, clothing, and multi-media displays that show the many ways and means the Inuit traveled.

a wall hanging by a lice k aodloak (also a researcher on this project) and Mabel n igiyok, renowned artist from u lukhaktok, is featured in the display. It shows each stage of the long distance walk through the seasons of a year.

“Jean (o khealuk) walked the journey on this exhibit with her parents, renie (Taipahuk) shared her stories, so did Mabel ( k apotoan), all their knowledge from their parents, were given to us as a gift so freely,” said Emily. “When elders give you a gift, don’t put it in your pocket, give it away, share it. I hope you see this exhibit and pass it on.”

Pihuaqtiuyugut: We are the long distance walkers will be on exhibit at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center in Yellowknife from September 2008 to February 2009.

Photo Top Ulukhaktok drum dancers perform at the opening of the Pihuaqtiuyugut exhibition.

Bottom Elders and cultural workers from Ulukhaktok tour the exhibit as well as the museum's archives.

draw...

how to make... a Holman Print!

(Quana Mary okheena and Mabel nigiyok)

Mary o kheena still remembers how her father, Jimmy Memogana, used to make prints. “ h e made stencils with seal skin,” she said. “The first brushes we used were toothbrushes. We used butter knives to make them spray ink that we thinned with turpentine. They were really beautiful.”

Today, the h olman print made by artists in u lukhaktok is still coveted by international art collectors. Mary o kheena and Mabel n igiyok, two of u lukhaktok’s renowned artists, shared the basic steps of making a h olman print at the pihuaqtiuyugut Exhibition. “I like teaching children, they are more creative than adults and they take more risks,” said Mary. a re you ready? here are the steps!

Materials Needed:

Water colour paper Mylar (transparency film)

Waterproof marker

Exacto knife

Masking tape oil based powder ink(s)

Vaseline fine bristol brushs

Step

2 1

Make a drawing. a nalyze the drawing, and the different coloured shapes that make up the drawing. Trace shapes of the same colour with the marker onto mylar, and use an exacto knife to cut out these shapes. Each colour should be on an individual piece of mylar. These mylar sheets are the stencils for each colour of your print.

Step

o verlap pieces of mylar to recreate your drawing, using masking tape to anchor each piece in place on a ‘frame’ so that you can ‘open’ up each piece to stencil individually. o n a palette or colour plate, sprinkle small amounts of the oil based inks. u se Vaseline to soften your brush if necessary. Each brush should only be used for one of your chosen colours.

Photos by Maia Lepage

Top Ulukhaktok print maker and artist Mary Okheena

Mable Nigiyok, esteemed Holman print artist, shows a child how to make her first print.

3

Step put your homemade stencil ‘frame’ onto a piece of water colour paper. s ecure in place with more masking tape. u sing a stippling motion, pick up ink onto your brush and begin varying your brushstokes through the first stencil. You can overlap more on the areas you want to be darker. Lift the first layer of the stencil and place another piece down on the water colour paper. repeat stippling with a brush with a different coloured ink. When you have finished all the colours, remove stencil carefully.

4

Step

Let print dry flat for three days in an area with open air. If any smudges were accidentally made, wait till print is dry, then use a white eraser to remove smudges.

photos by David Stewart

Canada has reputation for its strong, confident hockey players, and Geo p ascal and James Williams are looking to be our next big exports.

Geo started playing hockey when he was 11 years old. “I liked watching it on tv, so I decided to play. o nce I played it, I really liked it,” he said. p ascal was a quick learner and soon, he was skating and scoring goals like a pro. p ascal’s strong will and determination makes him an excellent player to have on your team.

"Geo is one of the most remarkable athletes I have seen in many years,” said Brian Drake, s amuel h earne s econdary h ockey coach, “ h e brings such a positive attitude and tenacious work ethic, whether it's at practice or in competition. Geo is an excellent role model for younger student-athletes, with the ability to motivate those around him."

The summer following the Winter Games, p ascal and Williams ventured to Creston, British Columbia where they tried out for the Creston Thundercats, a Canadian ‘B’ Junior hockey team. o ne of p ascal’s favorite hockey memories happened during a tryout there. “I scored a nice goal, and the captain of the Creston team got upset and tried to fight me. James Williams came into help me. It was awesome.”

James and Geo have played together for years and regularly attend camps together and the small fight was apparently teamwork at its best. “I was always told that if you wanted to get noticed, don’t be afraid to hit the biggest guy on the other team. I saw what was happening with Geo so I decided to go for it,” said Williams. The pair didn’t get chosen for that team, but they were both given a call back for the following year.

p ascal and Williams chose not to go back to Creston the following summer and attended a W h L tryout in Medicine h at instead. “We decided to go to Medicine h at because it was a higher level of play

James Williams was born to play hockey. starting at a young age, Williams was a natural. h e has an excellent sense of the game and he always knows where he should be. h e may not be the biggest man on the team, but it is guaranteed that you will notice him. h is fast skating abilities and excellent puck handling skills make him a force to be reckoned with. Match those skills with his 200lbs of pure muscle, and that equals one fierce competitor. James Williams met Geo p ascal in 2005, when Geo moved to Inuvik.

The two had played against each other a couple times before, but it was magic when they were placed on the same team. Together, they motivated each other to improve their skills and train even harder to reach their dream of the nh L. Even if training wasn’t always fun, the pair always did it with a smile on their faces.

p ascal and Williams have accomplished more than most others in the sport. They both played for Team n WT at the Canada Winter Games, and even though the team may not have done so well in the standings, it was a great learning experience. Their exposures to a national level of play really sparked their desire to get to the nh L.

and it gave us more experience. I am going to go again next year too. I just need to train some more and hopefully get faster,” said p ascal. While in Medicine h at, the pair had the opportunity to play against players who had already been drafted to the nh L, and prove that they could hold their own against the southern players with more experience.

recently, Williams moved to yellowknife with his family, but that doesn’t stop the future hockey stars from still sharing the same dream. Williams has been playing on three different hockey teams there, and does dry land training in the morning. “ h e’s up early and at training by 6:30am!” said p amela Williams, James’ proud mother. a ll his hard work is paying off because in mid- n ovember, James Williams got one step closer to the nh L.

“I was asked to try out for a Junior a team in pEI. I am hoping to go there as soon as possible!” said Williams. It will be quite an adventure for James. The furthest east he has ever been was Montreal. “I am really looking forward to it!”

James was recommended to the coach of the s ummerside Western Capitals by his high school hockey coach in yellowknife. “My Coach used to live there, so he talked to his friend about me, and they called me down,” said Williams. he also hopes that p ascal will be able to try out eventually as well, “I miss him,” said Williams.

Back in Inuvik, there isn’t a lot of competition for p ascal, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to achieve his dreams. With the help of coaches, friends and family, p ascal has centered his life on training and school. h e is extremely self-motivated and wants to become the best player he could possibly be. “I train six days a week,” said p ascal, “when I am not training, I am doing homework. It feels like I don’t play X-Box as much anymore.” Believe it or not, even when playing video games, p ascal chooses hockey over everything else. “My favorite game to play is nh L 2008, but nh L 2009 is out, so it will probably be my new favorite.”

words and photos

The two had played against each other a couple of times before, but it was magic when they were placed on the same team.

by Maia Lepage

In the event that the nh L does not work out, p ascal already has some back up plans. “I want to go to a university, or college, and become a physical education teacher or a police officer. Then when I am older, I would like to come back to Inuvik, and open up a training facility for kids. It wouldn’t just be for hockey, it would be for other sports too. I want to give them a place where they can improve their skills.” Williams is focusing on school as well, and is having his best year in terms of marks. “I’m doing really well. We have to keep up our averages to play on the high school team, so I made sure to work hard at it,” said James.

s o many people look up to players like s id “the k id” Crosby, and a lexander o vetchkin, and with a little more hard work, I am sure there will be a new generation of young Canadians looking up to our very own Geo p ascal and James Williams.

Geo Facts

Birthday: August 6, 1991

Shoots: Right

Wears #8 … although his practice jersey is 22.

If you could play on any NHL team, who would you play for?

Geo: Pittsburg Penguins so I can skate with Crosby… or the Washington Capitals.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a game?

James Facts

Birthday: Dec 24, 1991

Shoots: Left

Geo: I just chill and listen to music, completely zone out. Then I need to stretch. I always stretch.

“Ineeded what happened about 11 years ago, I’m only sorry it didn’t happen much earlier, because I was able to take responsibility and move forward with my issues and there has been plenty of that.”

a powerful statement made from a man who has seen his share of highs and lows both for the Inuvialuit people and for himself personally. for 45 years peter Green, the 64 year old p aulatuk resident will tell you that he lived in denial about his past experiences. n ow he takes comfort in sharing his story with others.

With a calm tone and underlying smile he tells his story with the comfort and poise of a seasoned university professor. peter was moved away from his family in p aulatuk to attend the Immaculate Conception s chool in a klavik. h e explained that his experiences there were not pleasant and have haunted him since.

“It took about 45 years for me to admit that something has happened there, and that something was (to) be sexually abused so it took that

Facing your demons, looking forward

long for me to make that kind of admission. I mean it happened and it's something that I live with, I was in denial about that for about 45 years." peter never shared his story with others until a few years ago. He began to reflect on his life and experiences from a jail cell in a lberta. “I asked myself, what am I doing here? What has happened to me? a nd what is happening with me? … I looked at every aspect, at every aspect of who I am, who I was and who I am. r ight from being an aboriginal and an Inuvialuit, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle... you name it, it’s that kind of assessment I needed to do.”

In 1997, peter started serving his second sentence for sexual interference and he believes that his experiences in residential schools are related, but he also wants to be accountable for his actions.

“o bviously there is a connection there, and I chose to deal with it on that basis. I never saw it that way for 45 years though. It took me that long to move on from that point and say there is a relationship there, and that needs to be dealt with. a nd that’s what I’m doing today.”

words and photos by Brett Purdy

Telling others what had happened is just a part of Peter’s journey of facing his inner demons and finding true personal mental health.

peter Green, a 64 year old p aulatuk resident, is studying by correspondence to attain his high school diploma.

Telling others what had happened is just a part of peter’s journey of facing his inner demons and finding true personal mental health.

Peter spent a number of his younger years fighting on behalf of the Inuvialuit people to protect Inuvialuit land and rights. h e was the president of C.o. p.E and was a signing member in 1984 of the Inuvialuit final a greement. his memories of the long struggle to further Inuvialuit rights are vivid, “It’s like waking up one morning and you’re told you know things have changed, and this is what needs to be done now. putting my signature on the document along with 14 others I mean that, I’m still not over that yet even though (that) happened something like 25 years ago.”

peter played an important role in those early years of building grassroots support to take the claims to the different levels of government. “We did the community work, we went to the people, I was a part of that, a part of the tour to inform people, and to seek direction to get a mandate so that we can move on from that basis.”

h e has also not lost sight of the fact that it is always important to do what you can and be involved whenever and wherever possible. “The claim provides that we participate in that process whether it’s at the federal or territorial or municipal level… it empowers the Inuvialuit people to become a part of mainstream society, and that way, there (are) provisions to allow us to let’s say engage with people.” h is fair share of hardships have not worn down peter’s desire to be an active community member. “a couple of years down the road after I’ve had time to reflect on and had time to you know put some issues behind me then there’s room for me to deal with the issues of other people at the community level and at another level. I see that.”

for this reason, peter spent some of his common experience payment on a laptop and he spends most of his days completing correspondence work through the a lberta Distance Learning Centre towards attaining his high school diploma.

“Even though I hold an n WT equivalency grade 12 diploma, I said to myself I could do better. I could, why not?” With 11 credits left to complete his diploma peter is scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2009. h is plan is to attend the graduation ceremony in Edmonton. after which he plans on improving his language skills by taking courses in Inuvialuktun. for peter being able to speak in the language that his parents spoke to him as a child is a way of connecting with his history and heritage.

peter is already a part of some community boards in the community of Paulatuk and will likely get more involved once he is finished. For now his priority is to focus on getting the most out of himself for himself. “I’m still implementing the things that I needed to do.” peter has help through therapy sessions and close family and friends in the community that support his efforts, but he hopes that others will take stock in themselves, and do what they need to do to be as healthy as they can be.

The Inuvialuit Communications Society is producing a one-hour documentary on the different things Inuvialuit families have done or spent their common experience payments on. Peter will be featured in this documentary that is scheduled to air on APTN in the fall of 2009. If you have any stories you would like to share, please contact ICS at 867-777-2320 or email us at bpurdy.ics@northwestel.net

Uto all those who touched our lives during our time together and especially in our time of need. We always say that we don't want to name names, for fear that we will forget someone, but I want to acknowledge you all and thank you from our hearts. To the family, moms o lga and Bessie, brothers and sisters and families, Sarah, Albert, Floyd, John, Jacinta, Kenny, Tim Autry, Naddia, Carol, Tyson. To Jerry, Hans, uncle Ed and Jenny, uncle Sam and Margaret, Cathy and Nellie for coming by to visit. To friends and family Andy and Millie, Lily and Ruben, Buzzy, Corey, Tim and Sandra, Liz, Peter and Molly, Kieth and Trisha, Al Jr, Frank and Audrey, Aaron, Gil and Lottie, uncle Marcus and Ida, uncle David, aunties Evik and Annie, John and Phyllis, Ernest and MaryRose, Sadie, Robin C., Julie T., Justin and Celina, Arnold and Kathy, Norma W., Jeanie R. B., Ruben and Agnes, Hank and Marlene, granddad Edward and Mabel, nurses Linda and Samantha, the staff of Larga Home for making our stay comfortable, to all the nurses and doctors of Stanton Hospital, University and Cross Cancer for the care and help. Special thank you to Dr. Shaha and the Inuvik Regional Hospital staff for all your help. To the PCC, Northern Store, Aklak Air, Canadian North, First Air, Hamlet of Paulatuk and the Rec. Committee. Thanks to everybody for their thoughts and prayers.

THANK yo

From the family of Bella Rose Lennie Ruben, husband Ray, children Vernon, Ray Jr., Darsey, Warren, Melissa, Iona, Bessie, Colleen, Gloria and Rebecca. Grandchildren Shannon, Todd, Billy, Nicky, Joel, Misty Rae and Adam.

Power Camp National is the best place to go. So pack your bags and go with the flow. There are a lot of girls. There is a lot of fun. There is a lot of support.

And I have just begun!

- poem by s hana a llen

Words by Teresa Winter

Photos by Debbie Bernhardt & Emma Tius

3youth from Inuvik traveled to Montreal this fall to the power Camp n ational retreat. power Camp is a charitable organization that inspires and supports the empowerment and leadership of girls across Canada. Debbie Bernhardt, Christina Thrasher, and s hana a llen gathered with other young women interested in changing their world for the better. “It was like a support group,” says Debbie Bernhardt who made friends with many women her age. “There were Inuit, Latin and a frican women there. It was a space where we could talk about hard things and feel safe,” says Bernhardt.

at the retreat, the girls participated in outdoor activities such as archery, and lantern walks through the woods. The indoor time was time spent in workshops addressing topics such as sexual health and racism. The programs combined creative expression, knowledge, and skill building activities, mentorship, community action and fun. power Camp n ational works to raise awareness and mobilize action towards the elimination of violence and discrimination. “Ever since power Camp, I don’t bully people anymore. My experience changed me for the better and I made really good friends,” said Christina Thrasher. Way to go, girls! youth in Inuvik deserve a chance to discover their talents and strengths. The I yC works hard to help provide that chance.

Visiting facilitators “Beatboard,” an organization committed to affecting positive change through music, art, inclusion and solutions for healthy living spent two weeks with the youth of Inuvik. The visiting facilitators found some very enthusiastic young people and helped them to make their own movies and beats. The youth wrote songs about their culture and what it is like to be a teen these days. s ome recorded songs in Inuvialuktun, while others made movies and told their stories. The project gave youth a chance to explore the multimedia tools. “ youth in Inuvik proved that people are inherently creative if given the right space to make art,” says facilitator rupinder s idhu, who worked in shss and the youth centre recording beats with the youth in Inuvik.

On our Airwaves

Words by Brodie Thomas

Itis another Tuesday afternoon and in homes across Paulatuk, people are tuning their radios to 107.1FM. Through their speakers they hear the familiar voice of Larry Ruben signing on at Paulatuk Southwind Radio.

“Ever since we started we didn’t really have a real name. When I first got on, it was just a knee-jerk reaction to say ‘Paulatuk Southwind Radio Station,’” said Larry.

The afternoon show is a mix of music, community announcements, and storytelling. Most of it is in Inuvialuktun. “I start off with community announcements first. Then music. Then there are call-in requests and birthday greetings.” Larry said his show has remained informal, and that is the way people like it.

“I take it as it comes and play it by ear. It’s not like I have 15 minutes for this section and 15 minutes put aside for that. I just go with it. If I have a long CD and nobody calls in, I just let the music play,” he said.

If you were to walk past the Paulatuk radio station between one and three on a weekday afternoon, you might see Larry darting across to the hamlet building to get the latest community announcements while a song plays.

Larry also collects the latest news from people who have traveled to other communities for meetings. He then makes sure his listeners, especially elders, get the information.

“Even myself, when I go out to meetings I make sure all the information gets out to the public,” said Larry.

In Ulukhaktok, Annie Joss co-hosts a weekly show every other Friday that also encourages and promotes the use of Ulukhaktok’s traditional tongue, Inuinnaqtun. It all started back in 2001 with a call-in contest.

“There were ten items written in English, so you called in and said the Inuinnaqtun word that means the same thing,” said Joss. She said that used to go on every week until they ran out of callers.

Now there is a new game where callers tell stories based on the seasons. The story must be in Inuinnaqtun. Each week the best storytellers win a prize.

“Right now we have five gallons of gas for each winner, and we normally have three winners, one for each category,” said Annie.

They also do announcements, messages, birthday greetings, and anniversary announcements.

“I always tell people to call in and wish their friends happy something-day,” said Joss with a laugh.

Although the show is in Inuinnaqtun, the audience is not limited to elders who still speak the language. All ages tune in to listen. Even those who cannot fluently speak Inuinnaqtun can still pick up bits and pieces of the stories. Joss said even young people call in to take part.

“This past Friday we did a contest and our youngest contestant must have been ten or eleven. They do their best to say their story in Inuinnaqtun and we try to think of the effort they put in and congratulate them on that. It helps to keep them learning.” Young people aren’t the only ones learning the language. Annie said she wasn’t very fluent when she started hosting the show. Her time in residential school caused her to lose a lot of her language. She has had a lot of help from her co-host, Robert Kuptana as well as the elders listening in.

“It’s really hard for me sometimes to communicate with the elders because I cannot even say some of the words. But if I use enough other words they’ll understand what I’m talking about and they’ll correct me. It has helped me a lot. And if I have trouble on the radio saying certain things, there’s always an elder standing by. They’ll pick up the phone and tell me how to say the words properly and then it comes out understandable.”

There is something beautifully simple about radio. All you need is a small box with a few switches to tune in. All you need to put on a show is some sound: either music or a voice. And unlike TV or the internet, northern radio remains personal. Listeners feel as if they’re talking with friends, even if the conversation is mostly one-way.

Radio has been used to bridge the distance between communities, and now it is being used to bridge the gap between languages and generations.

In Paulatuk, Larry has elders come in to tell stories in Inuvialuktun to be broadcasted for the entire community. With some funding help from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), the elders are paid for their time.

“We work it so two elders can come in four times in a month. We make sure they get paid for their time because in a community as small as this, a little money can go a long way,” he said.

Annie said she is proud to be re-learning her language and helping others keep it alive.“It really helps me a lot when they phone in and say their stories in Inuinnaqtun. When I’m listening I can understand their stories very well. My Inuinnaqtun lately has been not bad at all so I think I’ve improved a bit. I kept at it and now I’m getting much better on the radio.”

Like Annie, Larry said he loves his job and looks forward to getting in front of the microphone. He said it is strange that while people love listening in, most are shy about having their voices on the air. Last year, he hooked up the phone to the microphone so callers could go on air live. He always gives people the choice, but he said a lot of the time they just want him to say the greeting.

“I have to coax them to talk to me,” said Larry. He said the feedback he receives is all positive. “The elders who are home listening to the radio, sometimes they can’t get out but they want to know what is happening. They feel the radio station has to be running on a daily basis so they can get current information. They love getting music and current information,” he said.

Radio has always been and continues to be an important part of life in the north. Even as the internet and satellite radio become more popular, northern radio remains popular. Walk into any kitchen and you’re likely to hear familiar voices of Dorothy Arey or Wanda McLeod reading birthday announcements on the CBC. The format has changed little from the early days of CHAK radio in Aklavik.

Our DJs on-air (photos L-R) Larry ruben on air at p aulatuk's s outh Wind radio station (photo by Georgina Wolki), Dorothy a rey (left) doing a live show at the Great n orthern a rts festival, and Wanda McLeod hosting the n orthwind noon show at CBC Inuvik (photos by Zoe h o).

A Schooner of memories

Written by Zoe Ho with files from Jenn Robins, Charles Gruben and Elizabeth Pertschy

Photos by Jenn Robins

Angun Charles Gruben remembers a time when “medivacc” was in the form of a schooner. “I got injured as a child of seven in the spring of a pril l952. They waited until summer of 1952 when the schooner could take me by river to a klavik,” he said. “The captain, an Inuvialuk named Captain Bill Thrasher was such a kind man. After about fifteen hours, the schooner arrived in Aklavik with a load of school children from all along the a rctic coast and with me, bound for the hospital.”

Many in Tuktoyaktuk are familiar with this schooner, “o ur Lady of Lourdes”, brought up to the a rctic community all the way from California in the late 19th century. s he used to be a crucial mode of mass transport for people living in the delta and Tuktoyaktuk, bringing supplies to the communities and families to their destinations. for the past twenty years, the sixty-feet vessel made mostly from thirty-five tons of teak iron bark has been perched on land, acting as a landmark in the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk.

o lder residents fondly remember the schooner’s history. Elizabeth pertschy, who has since moved to Edmonton, feels the schooner is tied to memories of her father.

“The schooner took a lot of children, like myself for school in the early forties.” It also brought the children back home. “ s ummers were short, but for two months we always enjoyed being at home with our parents,” said Elizabeth.

The now weathered and worn schooner became one of the targets of vandalism in the community. s ister f ay Trombley, a retired nun who has told children in Tuktoyaktuk that she would stay in the north “until all her teeth fall out” started a refurbishing project to give o ur Lady of Lourdes some of her dignity back. Elizabeth, Charles and many others in the community rose to the s ister’s call.

“My Dad, Bertram Pokiak, was the person looking after the engine of the schooner, ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’. This was just as important as the pilot of the schooner,” she said.

“In late august, I was visiting from Edmonton. for a while I was one of the volunteers to paint the schooner, with a lot of children from Tuktoyaktuk and others who wanted to fix the boat,” said Elizabeth.

In the three weeks that the project was underway, summer storms rolled in, but the volunteers stuck to their commitment of scraping and painting the Lady of Lourdes. o ne of the young people who helped said, “I think they felt happy to be making it look brand new. a nd when it was done they felt joyful.”

It also made young people dream about journeys the Lady of Lourdes had been on. a teacher from Mangilaluk school recorded what her students thought about the renewal project.

a nother said, “If I was on that boat I would be a passenger, so I could look around while we are sailing along the arctic. I would be so happy.”

Jenn robins, an artist originally from England was visiting Tuktoyaktuk at the same time. s he taught the children how to make prints of the Lady of the Lourdes. “We scraped and painted and made prints, ate bannock and drank hot tea, all at s ister f ay’s,” said Jenn. “ h opefully, the kids getting involved in getting the boat back in shape will look on the boat as their own as they worked so hard and will take care of her.” The community is looking forward to continuing with the schooner’s restoration next summer.

One said, “It would have been cool if I was a captain on that boat. I could have been a good captain.”

Co-pilots in the family

Cecil h ansen and his daughter Dawn landed Canadian n orth flight 444 safely (and on time) in front of many members of the h ansen family and supportive friends. The crowd cheered as the wheels touched down around 1pm on s eptember 29th, 2008. It was Dawn and Cecil’s first trip to Inuvik as co-pilots and things could not have run smoother, despite the less than ideal conditions outside. It was so snowy that most thought the plane would not be able to land. “It was typical weather for this time of year and it's good to show her that not every day is going to be 23 degrees and sunny. It’s not like that here,” joked Cecil.

Dawn has been working for Canadian n orth just a few short months, while Cecil has been flying for the company as a pilot for 39 years. flying was always something that Dawn wanted to do, and having a father who is a pilot helps. “I thought her brother would take a shot at it. h e’s a little older but he never showed an interest in it. a s soon as she showed interest in becoming a pilot, I was behind her 100%,” said a very supportive Cecil.

Dawn is thankful to have her father working by her side. “Growing up you always respect your father. When you grow up a little more and see him in his job, you respect him a little bit more. Then to be able to sit next to him at work, well, it’s a pretty high honor,” said Dawn. “Being able to fly with him is definitely one of the coolest experiences of my life.”

Even though they are family, they still conduct business in the cockpit professionally. “o ther than the fact that it’s great to see her there, the operation of the plane is the same. We have strict operating procedures that we have to follow and they are the same with every pilot you fly with,” said Cecil, “but it’s nice to look over and crack a joke once in a while.”

There are many other pilots that fly with Canadian North so the father-daughter team are happy whenever they get a chance to fly together. This happens once or twice a month. Both agree that it is a great experience. “It's all professional up here, so we get our job done,” said Dawn.

Cecil and Dawn were full of smiles in the cockpit as they answered questions from reporters, although they were both anxious to see their family, who were waiting inside the airport. When asked about the warm reception, Cecil said, “I think they are just happy for Dawn. a s long as they have known me I’ve been a pilot, but Dawn just worked really hard for the last three years and this just shows that she has done a great job. That they put her in that seat is quite an accomplishment for someone of her experience level. n ot too much longer and she’ll be showing me a thing or two!”

“It’s a dream come true. I never thought I would get to the stage where she would fly with me because I will be retiring soon. But she came on with Canadian n orth so early, and it’s a great thing,” he said.

- Cecil Hansen

“This was our first trip to Inuvik together. We have been across to places like o ttawa, Iqaluit and yellowknife, but this was our first run into Inuvik.”

Words and photo by Maia Lepage

A Trip to Build a Dream On…

Dreamcatcher’s 2008

Words by Maia Lepage

Photos by Fred Arey

Every year, a boriginal youth from all over Canada gather in Edmonton for the Dreamcatcher a boriginal youth Conference. The goal of the conference is to empower the youth and give them the courage to pursue their dreams and make them a reality. Through lessons in faith, healing and tradition, the conference brings together youth to celebrate adolescence and encourage them to do their best in all facets of life.

s ix Inuvik youths were chosen to attend this year’s conference, which was held october 16th-20th at Grant MacEwen College. “We started off our fundraising with a lot of recycling stuff,” said Carmen Thrasher. After they made their first big score by collecting and returning recyclables, they bought the ingredients for a pancake breakfast.

Left to Right: Michael Ciboci, Jacob Peffer, Fred Arey, Edwin Joe, National Aboriginal Role Model Mascot, Alyssa Dick, Carmen Thrasher, and Kimberly Day at Grant McEwan College Campus in Edmonton, where the Dreamcatcher Conference was held.

Kimberly Day, Alyssa Dick and Michael Ciboci hang out in the West Edmonton Mall.

after a few successful breakfasts, they had enough money to fund a pizza dinner. “The community was very supportive,” said fred a rey, one of the organizers of the trip, “We kept doing those sorts of fundraisers, and they kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger!” With some added support from local business and organizations, the group reached their goal of $16,000 in just 3 short months! “It was a lot of work,” said Edwin Joe, “but it was worth it.” o nce the money was raised, it was time to fly to Edmonton.

s he also urged the youth to go far with their education, and not to stop at grade 12. It was a really powerful message for the kids.” The ceremonies were filled with vibrant colours and rich traditions. There were dancers, drummers and singers from all backgrounds that contributed to the celebration of youth.

“It was killer freaky!” added Carmen Thrasher, “there was lots of turbulence!”

The flight wasn’t the only part of the trip that left everyone a little nervous. The youth delegates and their chaperones spent the day before the conference at Galaxyland, which is the amusement park in the West Edmonton Mall. They tried to ride every rollercoaster there… but there was one that was just too scary. Only Michael Ciboci braved that one on the first day. Determined to overcome their fears of the rollercoaster, the group made another visit a couple days later, and by then everyone had worked up the courage to try it.

“Well, everyone except k atherine. s he was still too scared.” s aid a rey. a lyssa Dick and k imberly Day were so nervous they had to keep their eyes closed but they got through it together “It was the first roller coaster I’ve been on,” said Carmen Thrasher, “I was real scared, but people kept telling me how great it would be, so I went. I felt real sick, but it really was fun!”

The next evening was the opening ceremonies. “They had elders from right across Canada, from every culture. It was so awesome,” said a rey, “a n Inuit Elder from Iqaluit spoke at the ceremonies and she said that it is possible to hold on to a traditional lifestyle, even in the busy hectic world we live in today.

Saturday, October 18th was their first full day of seminars. There were a variety of traditional and urban workshops, which focused on a wide range of topics. The youths could choose anything from the dangers of drug abuse to powwow 101. They were encouraged to find something that they were interested in, and they all chose very wisely.

“They all ended up in a C s I workshop for part of the day,” said a rey, “It focused on how the police conduct a crime scene investigation. I poked my head in for a second before I went to my session; they all seemed to really like it!” “We got to play with foot and finger print stuff, it was hands on and really fun!” said Carmen. “We were also all together so it made it more fun,” said Edwin. o ther sessions the youths attended included lectures on Drumming, s urviving residential s chools and Internet s afety. “There was a lot of learning,” said Carmen.

“By s aturday, the kids were really craving some traditional food. after a couple days away from home and constantly eating out at restaurants, they just wanted some good home cooking. for lunch the college served a traditional meal of stew and bannock, but it was such a popular choice amongst the 1100 delegates that it ran out before we could have any!” said fred. The college had 40 exhibitors from across Canada and they were selling traditional items like mittens, parkas and food so luckily, the kids found some dried meat and had a small slice of home. “They really missed the traditional food big time!” said a rey.

s unday evening marked the closing ceremonies of the conference, and they were just as impressive as the opening ceremonies. The main event was a drumming circle, which was hosted by Jamie kessel, an international speaker and trainer who is also listed on the Dreamcatcher’s website as a “Blatant Enthusiasm Expert”.

“N ot everyone had been on a plane before, so it was a little scary when we were leaving Inuvik. We weren’t sure how the kids were going to react. They all did great. They were a little scared at first and had to close the blinds but by the time we got to Edmonton, they were flying like pros!” said Arey.

Fred Arey and his brother Jacob Peffer enjoying the beautiful Edmonton weather.

a ll the delegates were encouraged to participate by bringing their own drum or rattle, or if they preferred to stand on the sidelines, they were encouraged to enjoy the sounds of the drums.

“During the closing ceremonies, the kids were saying, ‘we really feel good about our culture’ and I reminded them that we should all feel proud. It was really beautiful,” said fred a rey.

Even though the conference had come to a close, the education of the six delegates continued on. They took advantage of their remaining time in Edmonton to visit the local colleges and u niversities. They visited Concordia, n a .I.T, and the u niversity of a lberta. “a ll the youth that attended were between grade 9 through 12, so the university tours really gave them the opportunity to seek out information on what kind of careers they want.

"Even if you are in grade 9, it is never too early to start thinking about the future,” said a rey. “a lot of the students were saying ‘o h, I want to go to na IT’or ‘ n o, I want to go to Concordia.’ Just hearing them say that lets me know that I’ve done what I needed to do to create some opportunities for post s econdary education. It was a lot of fun.”

“While we were doing a tour of the culinary program at n a .I.T, we bumped into o nida Banksland (who is originally from Inuvik but is attending the two year culinary arts program.) s he was just as excited to see us, as we were to see her. The youth were able to talk to o nida and ask her questions before she ran off to her next class. s he reminded the kids that they are all from the same community and that if she can do well in school, so can they. It was really great to see her,” said a rey.

“We also bumped into Charlotte Greenland at the u niversity of a lberta. s he is originally from Aklavik and she is in her final year of her education degree. s he was just blown away to see us too. We had no idea we were going to run into her because the campus is so big but it was great because she talked to us about her class schedule, and her practicum, and how many hours she does in a week!”

The youths returned home to Inuvik on Wednesday, october 22nd after an action packed week in Edmonton. “They were not expecting such a busy schedule or all the city life, you know, the constant rush, rush, rush, but they really did well!” said arey. Their days in Edmonton were typically 16 to 18 hours long, and they were packed with places to be and things to learn. They had to get up between 6:30am and 7am most mornings and, since they were all sharing hotel rooms, they also had to take turns getting ready, and cooking breakfast.

“I am really proud of them. They experienced city life as much as they could,” said a rey. “We would just like to thank everyone who supported our youth. The group spent 3 months working hard and raised $16,412. There were also some major contributions from Vince s harpe, (who gave $5000 towards the trip and then gave each kid $200 spending money) the Ladies auxiliary, the Legion and Inuvik community corporation, a boriginal futures (who donated all their office equipment so that the youth could have an actual office for the council.), Dowlands, and everyone who helped make our fundraising efforts a success. The community has been very, very supportive!”

Delagates from Inuvik: Back row: Michael Ciboci, Jacob Peffer, Edwin Joe and Fred Arey (chaperone) Front Row: Alyssa Dick, Katherine Ciboci (chaperone) and Carmen Thrasher.

Michael Ciboci holding on for dear life on one of the rides in Galaxyland.

Crafts Made with Care

In 1993, a nnie and Danny Gordon opened o kevik Craft s hop in a klavik and 15 years later, they are still as crafty as ever.

a nnie and Danny have a beautiful relationship when it comes to crafting. a nnie focuses her time on crafts like earrings, moccasins, and mitts while Danny does all the crafts that involve hardware. h e likes to make things like fishhooks, ulus, hunting knifes and anything that involves cutting. The teamwork is evident when you look around the wonderful little shop in the heart of a klavik.

“We make all the crafts ourselves. When we first opened we used to buy from other people but I noticed that sometimes they just rush. I didn’t want to sell something that was not good, so we make everything now,” said a nnie. “We also have material that you can buy, but we don’t usually sell a lot of that.”

“I’ve been sewing all my life. Back in the 50’s and 60’s, it was not like it is now. you made your own clothes, parkas, mitts, and those kinds of things. Now you can buy warm clothes at the store, but I still make my own,” said Annie.

“I still use the pattern that my mom made for me. s ome other patterns were given to me by Danny’s mom; both families have helped out.”

“I like to make something, and then make a lot of it, then move on to something else. I used to make a lot of moccasins and mitts, but I am trying not to do too much sewing anymore,” said a nnie, who turned 71 this year. Danny, who is one year her senior, spends a lot of his time trapping in the bush. h e is still as active as ever. “We still like to go out on the skidoo,” said a nnie, “but I have to be more careful about the stuff I do!”

a nnie and Danny traveled to Inuvik for the a nnual Craft f air in n ovember.

a nnie also added that it is almost time to retire. “We are not making as much stuff anymore. We are slowly cutting down. I don’t know when, but I think we will shut down soon.” for the sake of everyone who loves the o kevik Craft s hop, let’s hope that soon is in another 15 years.

Words and photo by Maia Lepage

“The things he left us”

Even as a child, Billy Day had one foot in the Inuvialuit world, and the other foot in the English-speaking world. Born in 1930 at Tomcod Bay, on a ship called the Moose r iver, Day was the eldest son of a mother who spoke Inuvialuktun, and a father from Missouri, who spoke English. Growing up, Day acted as an interpreter between his parents. This skill would serve his community well later on in life, when he became an interpreter for elders during Inuvialuit land claim negotiations.

Day spent the first few years of his life in Tuktoyaktuk before moving to a klavik at age seven to attend school. a s an adult, Day moved to Inuvik a few years after the community was founded, and spent most of his life in Inuvik. h e later said he always considered a klavik his home.

Day’s daughter s arah rogers said her father spent a lot of time with the elders when he was young. “ h e said when he was growing up he didn’t spend much of his time with people his own age, he would follow elders around and listen to their stories,” she said.

In a previous interview with Tusaayaksat, Day reminisces, “ people took to me because I was curious and asked lots of questions."

Words by Brodie Thomas

"I remember one elder from a klavik. We were sitting down and talking and he said, I will tell you a story but you ask something every now and then. or make a sound for me. I never gave it any thought… afterwards I found out that was a check to see whether I was listening or not.”

s arah said the patience her father learned from the elders was evident whenever he was teaching. She said when she first married she was at her husband’s camp with his family making dry fish. At first she was doing it wrong and nobody bothered to tell her.

“They would just fix it when I wasn’t looking,” said Sarah. Then one day Billy was at the camp while Sarah was making dry fish. He saw what she was doing wrong and corrected her right away.

“My dad came up to me and he said, ‘My girlie, this is how you do it.’ I wasn’t putting my knife down far enough, so it would split and spoil. h e wouldn’t be mad or anything, he would just tell us ‘This is how you do it,’ and he would show us.”

It is still difficult for Billy Day’s children to talk about their father. Day passed away in July at the age of 88. The day of his passing was a somber one for people throughout the Beaufort Delta, who knew and

“

Even right from the beginning of land claims negotiations, our elders have said that money does not mean everything,” said Billy.

Photos by David Stewart

Remembering Billy Day

respected the man for his tireless work in the struggle for Inuvialuit rights. for his children, it was his kindness, patience, and love that will be missed most of all.

When Billy moved to Inuvik with his young family in 1961, he began working for s ocial s ervices. There was a huge need for translators in Inuvik as the federal government took more control over the community. f ar from being a bureaucrat, Billy took time to help the people settling in Inuvik. Many people, especially elders, could not speak English so Billy helped them understand the changes and navigate the new system.

h e quickly gained a reputation as someone who could be trusted. Elders were especially fond of him. They turned to him to help them keep traditional drumming and dancing alive. Billy, in turn, invited his friend Edward Lennie to help with this task.

Billy was a bit older than Edward but both were young men, adjusting to life in the new settlement then. They formed a bond that would last a lifetime.

“ you know what his saying was? If you can’t do it right, leave it alone,” Edward said.

Edward recalls how Billy helped teach the youth about artic games and drum dancing. h e spoke about how Billy helped keep the language alive, even as the residential school discouraged the use of Inuvialuktun.

“These are the things he left us,” said Edward. “These are the things people leave for you and then you have to carry on and pass it on.”

Lennie said Billy was the one who convinced young people to come out and play or dance. Billy would call on local industries or oil companies to fly the drummers and dancers to other communities for performances. While the performers were in the spotlight, Billy was behind the scenes making sure the show went on.

In 1969, Lennie saw ads for the first Arctic Winter Games, which were scheduled to take place in 1970 in yellowknife.

“I went over to Billy and said, ‘look, doesn’t this sound funny? a rctic winter games? The only thing they’re going to play is basketball, hockey, soccer.’”

Day asked him what they should do about it, and Lennie told him he wanted to make sure there were real arctic games at the event.

“They said our land has taken care of us for many centuries, and it would look after us for many more if we take care of it.

Sitting by the delta of the Mackenzie River, Billy Day recalls a humorous story about northern lights, told to him by elders years ago.

“ r ight away his face just lit up. Just like a candle,” said Lennie. The men were successful in putting together a team and bringing them to yellowknife. They performed for prime Minister Trudeau not once, but twice.

In the 1970s, Day left his job with the government so he could spend more time out on the land. his wife Maggie had wanted to return and he had promised her he would whenever she decided to. Billy had one camp between Inuvik and a klavik, where he would spend fall, winter and spring hunting, fishing and trapping. When the family traveled to the camps, they went to work, but nobody seemed to mind the chores.

In 1983 he was elected to the CopE board of directors. CopE negotiated the Inuvialuit final a greement (I fa), which led to the creation of the Inuvialuit s ettlement a rea, and the many Inuvialuit boards and corporations that exist today. for Billy, regaining control over the land and resources was very important. “Even right from the beginning of land claims negotiations, our elders have said that money does not mean everything,” said Billy. “They said our land has taken care of us for many centuries, and it would look after us for many more if we take care of it.”

Before the I fa , the Inuvialuit had no say in what was happening on their land.

In 2006 Billy Day was awarded a National Aboriginal Achievement Award

“We never stopped. We would work all day. h e always made sure he stopped to rest but then he would think of something else to do,” said his daughter Diane.

a lthough the work was hard and the days were long, Billy’s daughter s arah said her dad was more at ease when he was on the land. s he said he was like a different person.

“ you’re more connected out there because you’re together. h ere in town there are lots of distractions. When you were out on the land with my dad you would eat good and you would work together.”

h ard work was something that came naturally to Billy, either on the land or in town. after leaving the Department of s ocial s ervices in 1975, he split his time between going out on the land with his family and serving on boards in Inuvik. h e served on the boards of the h unters’ and Trappers’ a ssociation and he became heavily involved with CopE, the Committee for o riginal people’s Entitlement.

oil and mining companies only negotiated with the federal government. Billy was proud that he helped change this. “With the final agreement, we have a say in what happens on our land now,” he said.

n ellie Cournoyea is now the Chair of the Inuvialuit regional Corporation. s he was involved with CopE in the early days and worked closely with Billy. s he described him as a forward thinking person who had both knowledge of the past and a way of anticipating the changes that were coming.

“It was never a matter of getting compensated for what he did. a lot of the things that he did… he just did it because he believed it was the right thing to do. h e had tremendous knowledge and he never guarded his knowledge. h e took a great deal of effort to impart his knowledge, to others who were willing to take part in the betterment of the Inuvialuit and the region.”

for Lifetime Achievement. He is shown here in Vancouver after accepting the award with friends and family. (L to R) Billy’s daughter Marsha, Billy Day, Max Kotokak, wife Maggie Day, and Frank Pokiak, chair of the Inuvialuit Game Council (IRC photo).

Billy Day signing the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1984. Day served with COPE in the time leading up to the IFA signing. This was one of Day’s greatest achievements and his lasting contribution to his family and his people (IRC photo).

h is work on boards often took him away from home for weeks at a time. Even when away, Day’s family members were always on his mind.

“My dad would always call to make sure that we were ok. h e would send post cards even though he knew that sometimes he would make it home before I got the postcard in the mail,” said his daughter Diane Day.

The trips away were hard on the family but Day’s wife Maggie kept the children busy while he was gone. h is family knew he was very committed and worked hard to make things right for his people.

The environmentalist was asked by the person interviewing him, 'what will all these people do up there for a living, because at this moment hunting and living is their way of surviving?'

The environmentalist answered, ‘No problem, just put them all on welfare!' That made me mad. These activists have no sense of people’s feelings,” said Billy.

o ne of Billy’s greatest achievements was the way he shook up the newly forming environmental establishment. Groups such as Greenpeace were totally against whaling of any kind. Billy knew this was wrong because he had been harvesting whales all his life in a responsible and humane manner.

Whales continue to be an important part of Inuvialuit culture. h e spoke out against these groups that claimed to have the environment’s best interests in mind. Thanks to Day the Inuvialuit now proudly manage their lands and resources.

h is environmental work put Billy on the international stage. h e was often called to speak at international environmental meetings. Day was one of the founders of the International Whaling Commission.

“Billy was very instrumental in that,” said r ichard Binder. “They wanted to form a group with an international context for whaling so they got all likeminded people together and formed an international organization,” said Binder.

“I am proud of all my dad’s accomplishments, he taught me well and for that I am grateful,” said his daughter Diane.

Billy spent his scarce personal time on the land. The summer months were spent at his whaling camp Nalgugiak (East Whitefish), located near the mouth of the Mackenzie r iver. Billy acted as the whale monitor for East Whitefish. All the whale hunters in the area would check in at his whaling camp before heading out to sea. “a ny time we were going to go out hunting we would stop in at Billy’s,” said r ichard Binder, who now works with the Joint s ecretariat. “We always stopped to see if there were hunters out there or ask where the whales are. That way you’re not scaring the whales away for other hunters.”

Billy understood that any work, either on the land or in modern society, is important for well-being. h e understood the dignity that comes with work and self-sufficiency. He was still angry as he recalled watching an environmental activist on TV years earlier.

In 1996 he actively participated in a meeting in California that resulted in the founding of the World Council of Whalers. Billy’s experience at the international level made him very aware of the outside world. He understood where Inuvialuit culture fit in on the world stage. h is family said he read a lot to stay informed about what was happening elsewhere. “My mom would say he had too many books in the house,” said his daughter s arah with a laugh.

Day won numerous awards for his contribution to the Inuvialuit, including an a boriginal achievement award, and an award from the International a ssociation for Impact a ssessment. While he humbly accepted these awards, Billy didn’t go looking for recognition.

In his interview with Tusaayaksat, Billy had said, “I was wondering if I should have accepted being nominated for the a boriginal achievement award. There are many people involved, even today, in the kind of work I had done all my life. I feel that I am fortunate because I have remembered my connections to my elders and ancestors, and respected what they have taught me.”

a nd that, is just one of the values that Billy has left us.

Edward Lenniem

umitchikikanga

(left)Billy Daylu

Garrett Nutiglu

unitchikikangiik

taimanga kanganga

inuniaguhiniktamani

Inivialuit daymata

katikpangmata

tamani June 052007mi

Day iliavluni

tamani COPEni

akupirauvluni

tamana nuna

ilthuakiniagmarung

tamani aglaktauman

unapt 1984mi

Hut unitangiit itkagitkuluni Uvaptingnun Billy Daym

By Brodie Thomas

Billy Daym

kuliaktuaktuak

ilihimakaminiik

inuhiktamaniituak

taumauna

tautuktualiuhulugu

Tamakuat

tatuktualiuktuat

ICSkut (L-R)

Billy Tamana

apihirugaktinga

Renie Arey.

(photo by David Stewart)

translated by Leonard Harry

nutagaugaluahuni Billy Day tutimavluni inuvialuktun nunangani iglua ahiin taniktun ukahuni nunangani . a nimavluni 1930mi

Tomcot baymi umiakpangmi Moose r ivermik atiligaamik. Day angayughiliuvluni angutinin akanga inuvialuktun ukahuni apanga

Missourimin taniktun ukaktuamik inugugniakami tapitauvluni akaminilu apaminilu ililuni tamani inuniaktuani ikatigvlugit inuhiminun inilani. Tapitaulihuni nunanangiagmata land cliamnik Inuvialuit.

Day hivuligmik inuuniahuni tamani. Tutuuraktuumi tamaga nuutkaluakani a ghilagvingmun ukiuktutilalik seventun ilihagiahuni, inagukami Inuvingmun nuuluni tamani inuvik ilianignman pakitauganingman tamani ahii inuuniahuni tamani ahii aghilagvik inipagivlugu.

Tamani akuligmik tusayahirat apihurukamirung unipkanik piguinikuak inuit pigihunikangatili tchuginiaguuman aphugaihuuman. Ilihimarunga atauhimi utukanam akupirahitik kuliaktuagutilagangaguuk aglan apighuruguurutin tamani kuliaktuakama ilani nivrilautivlunga itkagingihaga ikpahirangugman tainaguuk kuliaktuagaktuk nalaktuanginahuiluni.

s arah ukalaktuak tuhugihuga apani iltchuak utukananin ilihimanaktuk ilihaurigaluakami. u kalahuni katitkakami tuvakatiminiituak angayukangani pipiliuhuni ilthuatun havalaitkaluaktuk hivuligmik aglaan ukalautilaitkat ilthuarukinahulugu ukalautigaluagnagu s arah, atauhimi uvlumi Billy inaanuhuni s arah piphliuktilugu tautukamiung ahii ukautinagiahulgu kilukagnivlugu kilamik.

“a paga kaivluni taina pinaitchuk ina pinaktuk paniing ilihautivlugu ahii haviin pilaoiangitkin hunalilaithuk taina. u michalaitchuk ilihautihinahuta ina pinaktuk ukautivluta taina ilihautihuugatigut.”

Billy utukaulcharahuniEdwadmin nutaruk kii angutik ilchuagiagutinakamirung tamana inuhitchiak inilani atauchikun havahutik inhuming . Inahutik pilautalaitkupku pingilalugu Edward ukaktuak.

All photos courtesy of Diane Day

Edward ilihimaga Billy ilihautivlugit nutakat piragutinik arctic winter games tamanalu aginitigun Inahuni Billym ikayughulugit pimaniakamirung kauri tamaniaktuak tamanalu ilihagvingni ukaurchik atugnaiman inuvialuktun “Tamakuat unitangiit uvaptingnun tainaktuak Edward “tamakuat unitchugait uvaptingnun tainahuta pimaniakaghulugit."

Lennei kuku Billymguk havaktuat ughirikirit tingmiruatigin ilanun tingmititkuvlugit agirit nutakat piragiakuvluhit alanun tautuktuaktitchihuruanun tautuktuaktitchirit nakugipiguumatigit. Billym kihimi tainatuakahugait tautikuaktipiagughulugit.

1969mi Lennie tautuktuak hivuligmik a rctic Winter Gameskagnigmata tamani aulakihignigmata iavani yellowknifemi 1970timi Bilymughulunga ahii tamakuat pilautakangitchut a rctic Winter Gamekaktuat Tamakunanihinak piraghirut baskit ball hocky soccer. “Daym ahii kanuhinikpanmi Lennie ahii pinikanga tamanaguuk tamanituat piragutit tavranitchuhiragaluat piragutit, kilamiguk iglangamagikiliktuk patkurak ikinmatunLennie tainaktuak."

Billylu tamanalu tuatara Maggie tamanaptauk kuliahulugu tutichiaktik agnak atiligaaktaukMaggiemik inuguktuak kilaugagniavingmingni

p angma huli ukautigitchigiitchuk apanganik kitungangiha. Day taimalaltuak Julymi utukautilalihuni88tun taimalangman iniut kiglugutchakparaktuat tamani humilika iniut Beufort Deltami ilihimakanganiik tamna inuk tamni yagatchigiiluni hapinagaluaktilugu inuit inuhiat piniahulugu nutakaminun nakuvluni uakingulailuni nakuginiktuahunitaina piitchikpakihigaatilukating.

Billy nuunami inuvingmun nutapkaktilugi natakani 1961mi havakighuni s ocial serveceni angavluni pihuktamik tapitahirat Inuvingmi tamani federal Govermat akiakakmata tamani inimi Billy aptagaluahuni ikayuihuuruk.

Inuit aghilagvingmi inuuniakaktuat Inugiaktut inuit utukanalu kangikipkagniahulugit taniktun kangitkilaitchuat utukanaat Billym ikayuhulugit kangikipkagniahulugit tamana inuhitchiak kanuk aulatchumagaita.

k ilamik ahiin iniut nakugivlugu namagivlugu utukanaat nakgivlugu ikayuktiginiakhulugu tamakunanik agiunanikpimaniakakamirung Billym ahii ilanani Edward Lennie Iayukuvluni tamana pimaniakamirung.

Tapkuak angutik pihahirivlutik ilugiit pirakttit yellownaimulahivlugit piragutivlugu prime Ministak Trudeau athingkami malguikuahiting.

1970mi ahii Governmentni haranguing nanamun inuuniaguhuni Tuvakata Maggie nunamun utigutuahunitaina pikanga utigukpan humilika utigukpan nunamun hulika.

Billy inikaktuak aghilagviumlu inuvlumlu akungani tamani aulaghuni ukiagmilu ukiumilu upingahiramilu anguniahuting ikalungniahutinglu nanigiaktuhutinglu. n utakangit tavunga aulakaming inimun havakagurut hugingkat havangnik kanulaitchut” havangailaitchugut havagaktugut uvluktutilatun ilani havangihauralagaktuk humik aglan havaghiramik isumikami," tainaktuak paninga Diane.

Taina havak hapignagaluahuni uvlulu takivlutin. s arah ukalahuni apangaguuk nunamiinami aimaruatun itaktuk. Tainahuni apangaguuk alatun iliraktuk inuk “tavani nunami atauchimiitaktut atachimiinaming. u vani inimi hulika peculating. n unamiinaming apaktiglu nigilautagurut havaguvluting atauchimi havahuting “ h avaknaktuak tamaniiluni nutim Billym ilihimavlugu nunsmiluuni inimiluuni tamani havani urinating tamani s ocial s ervesni tamani 1975mi tamani avagiikilugit nunamiluuni kitunganilu tamanilu havahini katimarauvluni Irving .c Tamani katimarauvluni havaghuni tamani nanigiaktuktuat katimatingit tamanilu CopEni tamakuat commetee for rigenal people intitlement tamani1983mi katiruaninun hivgiktauvluni CopEkut ilhtuarukangiit nunanangniakamingInuvialungni katimarauvluni ilthuahurugmarung unapt ukuat (I fa)Tamana ilthuakiniahulugu unapt tamani ahii Corporation inugiakirut katimarinik uvlupak pangma.

Tamani Billym utiktitchuhulugu aulata nunam tamana pihupiaghulugu amanita.” Tamaniptauk aulakikagman nunanagniagun nunanangniagun katirutihagamarung Tmakuat utukanavut ukaghuting moniitguk huniangitkatigut Billy ukalaktuak tainaktuaguuk unapt munagigatigut itchapak aipapak munagihigatigut ilthuatun munagiguptigu."

Tamana iligaluaktiinagu I fa Inuvialuit nalaktaungitchuat tamani nunaptingni ughurugrualu mainalu tsmskuat katimakatihinahukugit federal Governmat Billy kuyaruk tamana ilthukimarung ikayuktaukami.

“Tamaniguuk ilthuakimarung kanulahivluta huna Lithuanian nunaptingni inaktuak."

n ellie Cournoyea pangma hivuliktauruk Inuvialuit reginal Corporatini ihagutikagmata CopEkut k aniligvlugu havakatigivlugu tamani Billy Inaktuak tamnaguuk hivunmun isumahuruk inuk tamana inglgaan inuhik

pitkuvlugit ilani inuit “ a paga maglagiga pihagritnik tamakuninga ,ilihautimagikivlunga kuyagihuugiga ukalaktuak pania Diane.

Billy aptagaluahuni ingminik aulaguruk tamani nunamun. u pingami aulaguruk kilalugagniavingminun nalgugiamun(East White fish) amanita Mackeziem pangani ituak tamanilu munahirauvluni kilaugagniatuanun East whitefishmi ilukating anguniatuat inanun nutkagurut anguniagakakaming tagiumun “humilika anguniakagaluakata nutkagurugut Billy munr ichard Binder ukalakyuak haktuak pangma Joint s ecretariat “tamaunga nutkagurugut apirughulugu anguniagamagata inuit humitilangailu kilalugat taina ikahangitkivut kilalugat lanthanum anguniaktuanun.”

Billym kangikimavlugi unanimous inilaniluuni piitchuitchuat nakuruat kihunulika h una havak tamani havangnaktuak inimical nakuruak havak ukalaktuak nakugingka huli tamana ilimaga nunakun

ilihimavlugutamanalu inuhik himigniaktuak ilimavlugu kaimaruak.

“Tamani kanuk akihiuluni pilaitchuk tamani havakami havakparagaluahuni tainaguruk ilimavlugu ilthuatun havakami ilihimakpaktuk ukpignailamik pitchailiralaitkai ilihakanganiik ilitchugipkapiagniahulugu ilihimanii alalu ikayuguktuat tamana nakuhilagniakamirung Inuvialiulu tamanalu unapt.”

h avani katimarukami aulaguruk aimavingminin uvlut ikakagatahulugit piitchaktuk .untaken pigumalaitkait aulakimakami “a pakput kukuaguruk ilthuagmagapta Ilani algolagnic tuyugugatigut ilimagaluahun adhere tikitkaluaktinagit aglani ukalaktuak pania Diane Day.

aolagagman piitchinagaluatuk kitunganginun aglan akangata tuatara daym Maggiem kitungani aptalapkagugai aulakimapkaktilugu. k itingangiha pipiagughulugu ilihimrut haktagman ilthuauaktuamik

pitcgailihuruattamakununa tautuktuatigun kingunagaptingni (TV).

a pighuruktauruak inuum ipihurukanga cangue inuniahivat anguniagnik piikpan anguniakun kihianik inuruat kanuk inuniahivat hungitchuguuk wellfaretilugit ilukaiha ukalaktuak “indigo humik isumataichut kanuk isumagaluakpata ukalaktuak Billy.

atauhik Billym pihagilautakanga ivrulatchiclugit ilugiit pihakamiraktuat nunakun iliriniaktuat lighting inaitut atingat Greenpeace tamana piipiaguhulugu kilalugagniagnik huniglika Billym ilihimavlugu kilogram taina inhimini inuniagutimavlugu inuhimini kilalugagniaktuakimavluni tamana inugitimavlugu inuoianun Tamaliat pitchwoman inungutingat inuit ukalahuni paktuhulugi takuat ilugiit ilingiguuk ilimiktiguaguming nakukiyauruk kuyanaktut Inuvialuit ingmingnik aulalahigat nunakting tamakualu inuniaguhit.

Inuvium agiringit tautuktuaktitchiruat kaivrahilugu billy agiruat blly kuyatchaktuak tamana aginik pimaniaguga aginik eamani katirutigimarung

Inuvialuit day tamani 2007mi billym tamana aginik pimaniaguga 1959milu 1969milu. (IRC photo)

n unakun havanga Billym humilika nunanin

ilitchugivlugu ataramik kukuaktauhuruk

ukakuvlugu makuna nunatigun hulika

katirutigimatit Day laevulin humilika

nunanin ikayuktuavluni pakinmarung

mana humilaka Whaling Commission

“Billy ilihimapiahuni tapkununa r ichard

Binder ukalaktuak” tamakununa

ilirihughuting kstimarinik humilika maligutitighiranik kilalugagniagnikun

taima ahii ihumakaktuanik taina atautchimuivlting humilika atauchimun katimailiuhuting Binder ukalaktuak.

Tamani 1996 mikatimakatauruak

Californiami taima ahii councjlnihuting kilalugagniagnikun Bbillym ilihimauta

humilika atiruk ilihimalighulugu

humilika nunamik ilihimavluni Inuvialuit inuniaguhingat ilihimavluguhumilika nunami. n utakangit ukakyuat taiguguruk ilihimaniahuni hutilanginik nunami

humilika alanin “ mamangaguuk ukalaguruk makpigauvalthatuk iglumi “ ukalaktuakpania s arah iglakaghuni.

Day aitchuhiaktahuni inugiaktut ikayutingit tamakununga Inuvialungnun tamakuningalu tamani inuruanin pihaghiraminin aichuhiahuni tamakunagalu tamakunaga humilika aichuhiahuni a ssosiationin impact a ssesmentnin

Tamakuat aitchuhiat piginginmatun igigaluahulugit piraghulugit Billy Isumangitchuk ilihimautiminik.

u vani apighrugautirat ukalaktuak aitchutit pipniaghulugit inuit inugiaktut iamakuninga pihaghiranik tamaniituanin inugiaktut ikayuktuat helipad uniin taina havakyamnik inunimni havaga kuyahupiaktunga tainahilunga

itkagikamniik ilihaurukahilunga kanilunga utukananin kinguvaptinilu kamagivlugit tamakuat ilihaurit ilihautimanga uvanga; tavra atauhik unitchikikangatiguut Billym.

Kitchigvingmi angutit Kitichigvik nakugihugat Daym kitungangilu atauchimuhuting agliutipkaktuat Billy Maggielu kingisniilutik ignigutinilu William tailspin Forestlu Linlylu Colinlu Jameslu tamanalu Johnlu.

Kitchigvingmi agnat Billylu paniutinilu agliutipkaktuat kitchigvingmi haumingminlu talikpinlu Billy. Mary, Marsha , Sarah Rogers Maggie Laura Peterson Day tamanalu Dianne Day hivuni.

Day inimi: (L to r) Mandy Day, p atricia k aglik, s arah k aglik, a ngela rogerslu, Dianne Day.

Home is where her heart is...

words by Agnes Komiya and Zoe Ho

Agnes Rose Ann Komiya moved 6569 kilometers from the small community of Paulatuk, Northwest Territories (Canada) to the dense metropolis of Tokyo, Japan two years ago. She has come back to Paulatuk to visit her family this winter. Tusaayaksat spoke with her to learn what it was like to move from a hamlet of about 400 people to a city with a population of 12.7 million.

Shizuka, a little girl Agnes made friends with.

Agnes and husband Yuchiro at a salon in Tokyo.

Agnes' family at home in Paulatuk.

How do you feel to be back in Paulatuk?

When I first got home I was so happy to see my parents (George and Moriya k rengnektak), brothers, sisters and family waiting for me at the airport. It was good to see my home again. It has been so long (two years) since I had left. We are having so much fun, going out camping and enjoying each other’s company, especially my parents…they sure missed me a lot and I missed them too.

We couldn’t stop laughing when we went camping the very next day after I arrived. We saw white foxes and red foxes and wolverine. I took lots of photos of myself with my parents! I don’t miss Japan right now, I’ve missed my family so much.

How did you meet your husband yuchiro Komiya?

Why did you decide to get married?

I met Yuichiro when he first came to Paulatuk. He likes to travel, and he thought seeing the North would be an adventure. He was staying at Gilbert and Lottie Thrasher’s place. I fell in love with him then and we have been together ever since. h e proposed to me when I was 17 going on 18. I love him so much, with all my heart, and we enjoy being together, going out camping, having fun, and enjoying life together. When he is not with me, I feel like a part of me is missing. h e makes me smile every time I look at him, and he makes me laugh if I feel down.

What was it like, traveling so far to Japan? Was it your first time?

I was about 18 years old when I first went to Japan. When I first came home, people wanted to know what life in Japan was like. How’s the food, and the culture, did I make any friends, start work, and what kind of work I did. It was a good experience for me. I got to adjust to everything in Japan slowly. The culture is good, they have summer festivals, with fireworks. Their fireworks are so big and beautiful, they light up the whole town. We celebrated the festival with my friends. I wore a kimono (traditional Japanese costume). We went to one of their hair salons, and I had a hair cut. It was cool, and we went to a restaurant after.

How did you adjust to life in Japan?

I am getting along well with my new family there ( yuchiro’s family). It’s great when we go and visit them, sometimes on weekends when yuichiro has free time from work. We stay at their place for a night or two, going on walks, riding around…one weekend we went to stay with them, and there were lots of friends who wanted to meet me, especially a little girl (see picture). When I first met her, she was really shy, but we got to know each other, and she couldn’t stop crying when we left the next morning. s he’s so cute! It’s lots of fun, and everything’s good with my new family.

I am enjoying life here, making new friends…I go with them to restaurants, to the movies, bowling…it was cool, I took lots of pictures! The food is great. We eat Japanese food everyday. s ometimes we go to Chinese restaurants with friends too. I am starting to learn the language slowly. I understand it a little. I have a Japanese phrase book and I know some words

I worked for a while in a tall building called ‘Art Hotel’. It was pretty hard for the first few weeks, and later it started to get easier. I got up really early in the mornings to get ready for work around 8:00am. We worked from 10:00am to 3:30pm. It was good but not easy, we had to clean 20 rooms in one day. I had someone helping me with cleaning all the rooms before we were done for the day. The pay was good, 9 dollars an hour. I worked there for 6 months before I quit.

Do u feel homesick often? What are your plans for the near future?

s ometimes, I feel a little home sick. I miss home, I miss my parents, brothers, sisters, family and friends… but mostly I try to stay busy. I am home alone mostly when yuichiro is at work. I take nice long walks around the river. I am turning 21 on December 27th. yuchiro misses the n orth. h e misses camping out on the land with my family, and he misses everybody there too.

We are thinking of going back to p aulatuk next year. We hope to get things ready slowly. h e’s getting his immigrant visa for Canada, and we have to go through some interviews. If and when everything’s settled, we plan on getting a house in p aulatuk and having a few kids of our own. We are hoping to go back to p aulatuk a s a p, this time we’re moving for good.

All photos courtesy of Agnes Komiya

Moose Kerr’s Remarkable Ambassadors Moose Kerr’s Remarkable Ambassadors

Best friends, Elizabeth Maria Illasiak and prairie Dawn Edwards, are making a difference in Moose kerr s chool in a klavik one visitor at a time.

When Elizabeth heard that the school was looking for students that wanted to be ambassadors, she knew she would be perfect for the job. She ran to find Prairie Dawn to tell her about the exciting opportunity in their school. “ s he always wants me to do everything with her. Ever since I moved here in 1999, we’ve just done everything together,” said prairie Dawn. after a little persuading, the two friends rushed to the office and submitted their names for the position. When they found out that they were both going to be the school ambassadors, the best friends could not have been any happier. “We usually work one at a time, but sometimes if we are both here then we work together. o ne of us will prepare lunch and the other will welcome them. We like to make sure that people are comfortable. It's great to work with a friend,” said Elizabeth.

a s part of their job, they give the visitors a grand tour of the school. There is a lot of history contained in the walls of Moose kerr. from the paintings in the foyer to the displays of traditional dress, the girls can talk about it all. “Even though there has not been enough time to give them as much formal training as I would like, the girls are doing an excellent job. They seem to know everything already,” said Velma Ilasiak, the principal of Moose kerr s chool. “They are great girls and they’ve really been a great help.”

The partnership extends far beyond the walls of the school for the two girls. Elizabeth and prairie Dawn are both in grade 10 and

they both plan on graduating in 2011. “I think school will get more challenging, but it is keeping me busy. I want to graduate on time,” said Elizabeth. a fter high school, they are both interested in pursuing careers on the land. prairie Dawn would like to be a biologist, and Elizabeth isn’t quite sure which field she wants to go in just yet, but she is sure she will surrounded by wilderness. “Maybe something with p arks Canada, or something on the rigs… I’m not quite sure but I want to be on the land,” said Elizabeth.

Their love of the outdoors is obvious if you ask them about their favorite things to do. “We like to go out on the land with our families, winter and summer! I love to go to Shingle Point and go fishing and hunting,” said Elizabeth. “And almost every year we have a bonfire,” added prairie Dawn. “It’s where we hang out with all of our friends cause practically everyone goes there.” Last summer the girls didn’t get out to s hingle point as much as they would have like to. Instead they went on a two-week trip with o utward Bound down the h orton r iver and it was the most amazing trip they’ve ever been on. The trip wasn’t all white water rafting and fun, the girls also learnt different life skills and coping mechanisms “We learnt a lot of life skills like how to deal with problems and how to handle it positively,” said prairie Dawn. “a nd we also learnt how to be a leader and keep people motivated,” added Elizabeth. “I can’t wait for another trip like that,” said prairie Dawn, ”It won’t be next summer because I will be in r ankin Inlet, but hopefully there will be another one soon.”

s o, next time you visit Moose kerr s chool, say hello to the remarkable ambassadors Elizabeth and prairie Dawn. They will definitely make your stay at the school a friendly one.

words and photo by Maia Lepage

A historic breakthrough for Tuktoyaktuk

December the 22nd, 2008 is what Tuktoyaktuk mayor Merven Gruben calls “a bit of a historic day for Tuk.” The sound of a shovel hitting the ground had never been so sweet for those present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the all-weather road to gravel source 177, located 22km southeast of Tuktoyaktuk, and along the proposed Tuktoyaktuk to Inuvik highway.

“o n December the 3rd we signed off on a Memorandum of u nderstanding (M ou ) between the h amlet of Tuktoyaktuk and the G n WT h ighways,” said Gruben. The M ou was signed by Tuktoyaktuk Deputy Mayor Lena kotokak on behalf of the Mayor, alongside town councilors who had helped to achieve this memorandum.

“I have been on h amlet Council since being elected in 1996 and this has always been a priority of mine, and many others before me, I really feel very proud to be the Mayor at this very exciting time,” Gruben said.

Gruben stresses that the all weather road to source 177 is not the same as an all weather road to Inuvik, even though he now believes it will also happen in the near future.

“The best part is that many of our Inuvialuit people will be employed for a few years [to work on the road], and what better time than now, with all the turmoil in the economy and the world. This project is to take no more than two years, starting in february 2009,” said Gruben.

The people of Tuktoyaktuk , as well as dignitaries from G n WT and the Inuvialuit region, the hamlet and community corporation of Tuktoyaktuk witnessed the signing of the official agreement, and participated in the ground breaking ceremony and a community feast.

“We had premier floyd roland and ML a robert McLeod, as well as Michael McLeod the Minister of Transportation, to sign the deal along with me,” said Gruben. “ from the region we had n ellie Cournoyea, our I rC Chair, and robert Gruben, our Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation (TCC) Chair, and Jackie Jacobson, our local ML a a nd of course most of the community of Tuk was there!”

The Tuk mayor credits many others for making this deal come through. “This is a great Christmas present for Tuk. a ll these years of talking and meetings have finally paid off. This could not have happened without support from other leaders in our community, like our ML a Jackie Jacobson and our TCC Chair robert Gruben, and all our board and council members, and especially the people of Tuktoyaktuk who always stressed to us to keep pushing till we get our all weather road, and n ellie Cournoyea, I rC Chair, who was always there to help us keep the pressure on. a nd a big thanks to Chris Larocque for kindly bringing the gold shovels to do the honors!”

Debbie Raddi photo

Merven Gruben photos

Photo below Councillors who supported the signing of the MOU, from left: Jean Gruben, Deputy Mayor Lena Kotokak, Georgina Jacobson-Masazumi, Maureen Gruben and Annie Felix.

Above The signatories with a beautiful harpoon made by one of Tuk’s carvers, Joe Nasogaluak. It will be showcased at the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife.

Below A photo of the signing ceremony. (L-R) TCC Chair Robert Gruben, Merven Gruben, transport minister Michael McLeod, Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson.

Volleyball journals Paulatuk

Overall our weekend

Words and photos by Coaches

“Itis so rewarding to see the success of our senior students. Last year at this time, we didn’t have enough senior girls in attendance to make one team. o ur two teams this year demonstrate the fantastic turn around,” said stephanie k inney, co-coach of a ngik s chool’s s enior h igh Volleyball Team.

a ngik s chool is using sports to keep students in school. s ince acquiring a physical Education teacher last year, attendance has increased greatly. We are noticing even more improvements this year. We had the best attendance in the Beaufort Delta for s eptember 2008, quite an achievement compared to us being worst last year. a s soon as we heard a volleyball tournament will take place in Inuvik, we began practicing at the school.

o ur goal was to have both a boys and girls team. We had many students come out to the practices, but not enough boys to make a team. fortunately though, we had enough girls to make two senior high teams – an a team and B team.

for six weeks, we practised, four nights a week, and we ran two to three fundraising events per week. We held cribbage nights and movie nights at the school. We also did hockey pools and the DE a gave us proceeds from two bingos. The Beaufort Delta s ahtu recreation a ssociation also generously donated $2000 dollars. In total we raised just under $10,000. The I rC also gave us a deal on our chartered flights to and from Inuvik.

The day before the tournament, a ngik s chool held its first ever pep rally, to pump up the teams and our student body. The whole school cheered for our two teams as each player ran into the gym to the song “Eye of the Tiger,” wearing their uniforms. Both teams then played games against a teacher’s team and a team of community members. It was an energetic start to kick off our tournament.

We arrived in Inuvik with just enough time to buy some court sneakers for all of our players (we had raised some extra cash for this). We were pretty proud to be out on the court with our a ngik uniforms, complete with new knee pads and sneakers. We felt good and looked even better!

Our first game on Friday afternoon would prove to be the toughest. o ur a team played against a group of women that won the division championship. o ne of our key players sprained her ankle during the very first play of the game. That was a tough blow to the team. The girls continued to play hard but their opponents proved to be a very good team and we lost in two sets. The B team also lost their first game on Friday in a very close match-up with the shss junior girls. The girls were encouraged to watch the other games being played. These were a real eye opener as to how good aggressive volleyball is played. “It was great getting out to play against different players, because we know how everyone here [in p aulatuk] plays,” said teammate stephanie Illasiak.

s aturday proved to be a much more successful day. o ur a team played the junior boys – and they had never played better. The girls were diving all over, spiking sharply over the net and with a terrific serving percentage. They ended up losing the match in extra points, but left the court brimming with pride. They knew they had played the best they could. “My favourite part was just playing volleyball,” said Georgina Wolki, who also played volleyball in Inuvik’s swimming pool for three hours.

Later on s aturday, the B team played very well, winning their morning match and later a playoff match. Their serving percentage was better than ever, and their bumping control had really improved greatly.

Justin Kinney & Stephanie Kinney

in Inuvik was fantastic... but the divisional win was of course the icing on the cake.

Team B took first place in their division on Sunday morning and the six girls could not have been more proud. They were thrilled with their win against the hard fighting SHSS junior girls. The team was very impressed with the level of play of the junior girls despite their young ages. “I enjoyed working as a team and having fun,” said Lauren ruben.

shss was nice enough to allow us to stay in their library over the weekend, and boy did it become home. Mats were laid out for beds, and a TV & DVD player were brought in as well. We had magazines to read on the couches, and space in the centre of the room for our pregame warm-ups.

Our weekend was also accented nicely with some fine dining at the Eskimo Inn restaurant (Caribou Café, I believe) and our principal Jessica s chmidt treated the team to a delicious s unday dinner at Tominoes restaruant in the Mackenzie h otel (where we stayed at on s unday night.) There we watched movies and played pictionary. after a little more shopping time on Monday morning we made our way back to Paulatuk in the afternoon, exhausted but very satisfied with our trip.

o verall our weekend in Inuvik was fantastic. shss proved to be very gracious and accommodating hosts. The tournament itself was very well organized and the team’s exposure to high caliber volleyball broadened their perspectives on competitive sport. The recreation Centre pool, delicious food (including banana splits) and shopping were all highlights, but the divisional win was of course the icing on the cake.

We would like to thank everyone in p aulatuk for their support, all of those individuals and organizations that supported us financially, and we need to give a big thank you to a ngik s chool’s p hysical Education teacher, Dene McDonald, for practicing with us each day and working tirelessly to organize the trip.

“The joy on the girls' faces after they won the division championship made all of our efforts worth it. They were so proud,” said coach stephanie k inney.

We also had access to the kitchen so we made pizzas on s aturday night and used the chalkboard for a game of hangman while we ate. Downtime over the weekend was used primarily for recreational activities. “It was nice getting out of town and seeing some old friends,” said Vanessa a nikina. The girls tried to squeeze in some shopping at the n orthern store as well.

In their leisure hours, the girls wanted to play volleyball more than they wanted to watch DVDs. a s soon as the gym was emptied each night around 10:30 the girls took advantage and played until 12:00. They couldn’t get enough. “It was great having the gym to ourselves to practice at night,” said team member Lauren ruben.

The girls took full advantage of the access to facilities that they just did not have in p aulatuk. The team also rented out the pool on s unday afternoon. Most players were in the pool playing volleyball.

Bad Rep…or Mis-Rep?

InuvI k’s youth SPE ak UP aBOUT BEINg STErEOTYPEd in this issue’s writing contest. It takes courage and trust to share their perspectives. We hope you will respect where they are coming from, and use this to begin conversations with our young people, who yearn to do good, and to be understood. The winners of this contest are JaSmINE BrEWSTE r, mElaNIE BlakE, C HrISTINa ESaU aNd rEBECC a rOBErTSON. WE alSO HE ard SOmE grE aT THOUgHTS ON THIS TOPIC FrOm T YE arEY, TrISTa arEY, PadEN lENNIE, NaTaSHa FraNCIS, lESlEY VIllENEUVE, kYlE BENJamIN, BrENT l arOCqUE, dYlaN rITIaS, C HElSEY JaCOBSON, BrENT k aglIk, alICIa mCr aE, aNd alICE THraSHEr! people here often describe our youth as unreliable, untruthful, and uncaring. This is because they only look at what happens on the streets. If they actually took the time to notice all the other youth that are making a better future for themselves, they wouldn’t say that aLL youth have a “Bad rep”.

WE ARE DOING GOOD

I’m one of the youth, and I am out there making a better future for myself. As I’ve been told, I am a role model, I keep myself busy, I am a youth worker at the youth centre, I am very interested in school, and I am determined to graduate on time.

Life in Inuvik may not be easy for some, so they turn to alcohol and drugs. I personally don’t think that drinking and doing drugs will help heal any wounds, but I do know that talking to others helps ease the pain.

stereotypes are something I do not approve of. some youth in Inuvik are being stereotyped for acts that they completely disagree with. Just because we don’t make headlines for best student in school or best skateboarder or best basketball player throughout the year doesn’t mean we make wrong choices in life. and, if some residents of Inuvik recognize only the bad stuff, other youth who are trying to make a difference aren’t even being seen and respected for what they have done and who they have become. But this will not be me.

Trista Arey

WE ARE DOING GOOD

out my

WE ARE DOING GOOD

I’m optimistic and tend to “look on the bright side” in situations. It frustrates me when people tend to focus on a teenager’s mistakes.

There are many positives that I think out weigh the negatives. almost all of us love sports and have no problems participating in them. at the church I attend, we have a youth group that a lot of teenagers go to. samuel hearne secondary school has a great student Leadership Council and responsible role models. a lot of teens here are very talented with the fine arts and most of the teens have jobs.

Chelsey Jacobson

WINTER

and I’m barely late for school every morning and afternoon. More people should give the youth more of a chance because no kid in this community is a bad influence or a “bad kid”. There are good youth in this community that are doing good things for the school, volunteering there or just around town where help is needed. Tye

WE ARE DOING GOOD

There are many respectful youth, they go school, and they help by volunteering. kids and youth go to the youth Center and get involved with the center's programs. They also honour their culture by attending drum dances, and learning their language. In this community there are many young residents who are role models. They respect both themselves and others around them.

Alice Thrasher

Arey

Brent Larocque

What most people don’t know about me is, I go to school everyday, I help out around my house, I help

family...

I know that I am 'stereotyped' as a good kid because I am a role model, an excellent student, and an athlete.

WE WANT TO ENGAGE

We can’t blame all youth, because I know there are some youth trying to better their community. We have youth out there, who want to be role models for the younger generations. Maybe if there were more to do in the community, to keep the youth busy, then they won’t be thinking of doing drugs, drinking, vandalizing or breaking and entering.

I think if there were more things to do around here it would be a whole different story.

Melanie Blake

WE WANT TO ENGAGE

Parents and staff of SHSS should start working together, to focus on the youth and really hear what the youth are asking for. They should be helping them work towards their goals…even if the goal is as simple as helping them learn to manage their behaviour and attitude while they are attending school.

Natasha Francis

WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?

WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?

I just keep myself out of trouble, but I think some people think I have a bad rep because I stay out all night.

Inuvik is so much bigger than the other towns around it, so I would say that is more that could happen, including crime. Also I think that some youth are trying to copy older people around the community by doing what they see, hear, and most likely, think.

Kyle Benjamin

what we really think of... BEING STEREOTYPED

youth in Inuvik get a bad reputation partly from people who gossip, who are just looking for the bad rather than the good. They’re looking for “juicy” information they can gossip about to their friends.

I know that if I didn’t have the guidance, understanding, support and discipline I had growing up, that I would be a jailbird right now. But I’m not; I’m on my way to graduating and going to post secondary school. It’s not that hard, any child can do it if they have the support they need. Most people don’t know that it takes a whole community to raise a child. a s for people doing bad things, I’ve asked them, are you just trying to show off so that you can look cool in front of your friends? But maybe that’s what they need so reality can hit them in the face. Going to jail for a while will remind them this is what will happen, they will be all alone, maybe even for life, without the people whom they think they are impressing. We need to start a youth committee or something where kids can organize events that they enjoy doing.

WE are the future leaders. Help us become smart and knowledgeable with new life experiences, so the new thing to gossip about will be, “Helping the youth out”.

Christina Esau

People don’t realize that it’s not always youth who vandalize or/and break into places, it is also adults who are under the influence.

Paden Lennie

I think behind every crime there’s a story as to why the child/youth did what they did. They could be facing problems, without anyone trying to understand or help them, or to guide them towards help.

what we really think of

Although I do agree that when a crime is committed the guilty should be held responsible, I also find that the problem with crimes involving the youth in Inuvik cannot be blamed on that individual. Living in a small community like Inuvik gives a sense of protection and comfort. This feeling of safety and protection cannot be used as an excuse that justifies parents allowing their children out at all hours unsupervised. We are lucky enough to live in such a safe community, but it is not acceptable as an excuse for the poor supervision of the youth in Inuvik. I do strongly believe that if youth supervision is increased, that the crime rate in Inuvik will decrease. Stereotyping is a factor that we all live with. The labels greatly control how we are perceived, and sometimes influence how we portray ourselves. The people who have been disrespecting property, themselves, and others are not doing it because of their age. It is the personality and context of each individual that determines the decisions that they make, and how they take responsibility for it. I am fortunate to have come from a good home, to have friends and family that have been there for me. That have taught me morals, and they respect me enough to trust that I can make smart decisions.

crime done in our

and does not help in resolving it. The news of youth involved in crime has been troubling the people living in our community, and should not be forgotten, but we also must not forget the good our youth are doing. as a youth of the community in Inuvik I would like to remind that many of us have been working hard in school, are involved in extra curricular activities, work, and have volunteered in our community. We love our families and friends, we smile and laugh and we respect the people around us. and though we make mistakes we are taught to take responsibility, and we need the people of our community to help us and guide us. yes, the crime in our community must be dealt with, but we can not forget the good that is also done by youth. stereotypes cannot be put on the youth of this community; it does not resolve the problems that Inuvik is facing.

cannot

JasmineBrewster

I’m sure many adults made the same bad decisions when they were young. some, I’m also sure, are still making mistakes but you don’t see that getting published. What about the good decisions youth make? how is it that the youth are always focused on negatively rather than positively? Why does this editorial bias seem to exist? Where are the articles highlighting how to help our youth and people? It’s easy enough to point fingers at the youth, but is it as easy to try to understand, respect, or help them?

BEING STEREOTYPED

Rebecca Robertson

If you hang out at the youth centre, you will most definitely be stereotyped because that is where a lot of the youth hang out. But not all the kids who go to the youth Center to hang out are bad. some youth who go might smoke, sell drugs, run liquor or even be looking for someone to bully, but MoSTotheryouthwhogo therearestaffoftheyouth centre,ordoingcommunity servicehours,orjusttryingto be a role model. adults in this town keep wondering why the youth of Inuvik have no respect for their community, when it is the parents who raise children and make them what they are today.

DylanRitias

The people in my life: teachers, family, friends, neighbors have contributed to my context; they have helped mold my personality.

If I was subjected to a negative environment then my reactions to situations would definitely change. I might not respect rules as much as I do now. Stereotypes

be made on youth involving the

community,

Tusaayaksat held an Inuvik youth Center Art Contest, the topic was:

“What is your favourite thing about Winter?”

1st Richard Stewart, age 10

2nd Lauren Cockney, age 11

3rd Neta Allen, age 12

Lauren Cockney

Lauren Cockney

Career Help at the Ready

Words by Dana Francey photos by Peggy Jay

Ifyou are looking for help finding a career, visit the career centre at the Inuvialuit regional Corporation (I rC). The centre offers a one-stop information centre aimed at helping clients pursue post-secondary education, and find the right career. The Career centre recently participated in Career Week on Thursday, n ovember 7th, by holding a career fair in the front lobby of the IDC building.

Sharon Rogers, career development officer at IRC, coordinated the career fair. s he said the purpose and goal of the fair was “to let people know what careers are available and who to contact if you’re interested.”

p articipants from Canadian h elicopters, n orterra, a kita Drilling and n orthern industrial sales joined I rC and offered information for those curious about careers within the Inuvialuit Corporate Group. Together these companies set up information booths and stood by ready to answer questions from eager visitors. Each company also brought unique gifts for door prizes. The prizes included a 30 min helicopter ride, a nice a kita winter jacket, travel survival kits, coffee travel mugs, giant flashlights and even an Apple ipod!

representatives answered questions about present and potential opportunities, post-secondary academic entrance requirements, as well as apprenticeship training. a Career fair is an excellent way to explore prospective career choices with companies. “There are a lot of jobs out there,” said s haron, “a nd if you’re interested, you can speak to the managers or human resources right there. They are there to help you. They are resources for people to use. We also have the career centre here, and online resources. We can assist you if you come in. I rC has a lot of information.”

Sharon wants to offer beneficiaries a sense of direction towards a career they will enjoy. “ s electing a career involves many steps,” she explains. “ first, a self-assessment narrows down the search, allowing you to get to know yourself better. o nce you know your values, you can find your learning style and whether you are an introvert or extrovert. k nowing yourself can lead you into the right career path. “ At the Career centre, you can find self-assessment tools available for you to use independently, or have assistance from our staff. If you start an assessment but are unable to complete it, you can access it from home online.

a job is something you do; and a career is something you live. “It’s important to have a career,” said s haron, “ you will more likely stay in your career, and enjoy it. It makes a big difference when you like what you do.”

n ot only can the career centre help you select a career, but you can also find a huge selection of information on post-secondary education. Current education calendars are available along with information and applications for student financial assistance. If you need help applying or finding the right program, our staff can assist you. The centre is equipped with a fax machine and computers for clients.

Have you completed your career research, finished your postsecondary education; are you looking for work? Well, the career centre also has an up-to-date job board! a ll the jobs are sorted by field and there is a specific one for Inuvik and the region. The career centre is set up to help clients become successful and selfsufficient. Part of this includes clients coming into the centre and filling out applications and preparing their own cover letters so they can improve their skills and increase confidence. If they face any challenges, there are plenty of resources available as well as staff to help guide them and provide advice. finding work and opportunities is a team effort.

Inuvialuit in surrounding communities can also benefit from the career centre. There are employment officers in each community who are available to help clients looking for information. Making a career choice is never easy and can seem almost overwhelming. I rC understands this and has made resources available to help overcome some of these challenges. We want to help you participate meaningfully in the workforce. s o visit your local career centre, and check out our career fair next time we have one! We will be ready for you!

The Career Centre wants to work with people and make accessing information a little easier, since the centre is only open during business hours.

Most people believe that a career and a job are the same thing; however, that is a misconception.

2009 marks 25th anniversary

Words

by Pat Dunn Photos by Parks Canada

In1984,

Canada and the Inuvialuit signed the Inuvialuit final a greement (Western a rctic Claim). This marked an important milestone for our country as it was the first comprehensive land claim agreement north of 60. It also marked an important milestone for p arks Canada. In article 12 of the a greement, Canada agreed to establish a new national park in the n orthern yukon within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This became Ivvavik National Park, the first national park to be established in Canada as a result of a settled land claim.

2009 will be the 25th anniversary of the signing of the I fa and so it is also Ivvavik’s 25th birthday. Ivvavik was the first national park in Canada to be co-operatively managed by an a boriginal group and p arks Canada. s ince then, p arks Canada has managed and coordinated activities in Ivvavik in accordance with advice and recommendations from Inuvialuit organizations. a klavik is the community nearest to and most closely linked to Ivvavik n ational p ark. p arks Canada works particularly closely with a klavik organizations, businesses and individuals for all work taking place in Ivvavik n ational p ark.

s ince Ivvavik n ational p ark was established, many other national parks have been established following the settlement of land claims: aulavik and Tuktut n ogait national parks in the n WT; and all of the n unavut national parks (Quttinirpaaq, auyuittuq, s irmilik, u kkusiksalik). o ther national parks with co-operative management and advisory boards include k luane n ational p ark and k luane n ational p ark reserve in the yukon, and Gwaii h aanas n ational p ark reserve and h aida h eritage s ite in BC.

Ivvavik and other northern national parks help protect wildlife populations and wildlife habitat and protect cultural resources including many archaeological sites. National parks also help to tell the many stories of the people, wildlife and land connected to the park down through the ages.

We hope all Canadians have the opportunity to enjoy learning more about the beauty and rich stories of this area through the window of Ivvavik n ational p ark and the other national parks of the Western a rctic. In 2009, p arks Canada will be celebrating Ivvavik’s 25 years of working to protect a rich and beautiful landscape and to help Canadians learn to understand and appreciate it: that’s worth celebrating!

An archaeologist shows artefacts to students of Moose Kerr school, Aklavik, on their annual camp at Sheep Creek in 2005.

Gerry Kisoun/Parks Canada

Pat Dunn/Parks Canada

Community Relations Officer Gerry Kisoun points out features to students on an annual youth camp.

Eric Kendi, Aklavik, at Youth Art Camp in 2004

of Ivvavik National Park

In 2006, students joined national parks staff for a raft trip along the Firth River with the Canada Games torch.

sampling of Ivvavik National Park experiences!

(L) Dustin Edwards at Youth Art Camp. (R) Painting Sheep Creek Airstrip by Maryanne Wettlaufer.

(Melinda Gillis/Parks Canada)

Lillian Loponen

Penny Chase hiking

VS.

Nutrition and Tradition

Words and photos by Maia Lepage

To ingest the same amount of calories as the microwavable turkey dinner on a diet of traditional food you could eat 1 lb of caribou, 1 big fillet of whitefish, 1 serving of stew, 3 oz of rabbit, and drink as much tea as you could handle.

“Ifind it a little more challenging to get my hands on traditional foods,” said Jennifer Cockney, an employee of Healthy Foods North, “It's not in the stores as much anymore, so it's more of a process to get it. You have to go on a fishing trip or you have to have a skidoo, it is a bit of a challenge.”

In a world of convenience, the grocery store is a haven of sugary treats and quick dinner options. You can have an entire turkey dinner cooked and completed with a dessert in less than 10 minutes, thanks to the invention of microwavable dinners. What we don’t always realize is that with convenience comes consequence.

One microwavable turkey dinner contains 130% of the recommended saturated fat intake and 225% of your recommended sodium intake. Over the span of an entire day, the recommended calorie intake for a full grown adult is approximately 2,000 calories, and just one microwaveable turkey dinner contains 1,450 calories. According to the new northern food guide, the majority of calories should come from more traditional foods.

To ingest the same amount of calories as the microwavable turkey dinner on a diet of traditional food you could eat 1 lb of caribou, 1 big fillet of whitefish, 1 serving of stew, 3 oz of rabbit, and drink as much tea as you could handle.

The difference is astounding. With obesity quickly becoming the number one killer among Canadians, it's time to take a look at what we are putting in our bodies. Healthy Foods North has been working with the Inuit and Inuvialuit communities to take a closer look at dietary habits and the changes that have occurred over the past decades. One of the more noticeable changes is the switch from a traditional diet consisting of fish and meat from the land to a diet of mostly store bought food. There are several factors that have led to the change in diet, but convenience is one of the main reasons.

Although traditional food is better for you, not all store bought foods are bad for you. In their research, Healthy Foods North has found that too often the foods that we are replacing traditional foods with are primarily processed.

VS.

5 main objectives of Healthy Foods North:

Improve diet by maintaining or increasing traditional food consumption

Increase fruit and vegetable consumption

Decrease consumption of high fat and high sugar foods

Increase physical activity through traditional activities and community based programs

Provide nutrition education accessible to all community members.

While it is often less expensive than fresh foods, processed foods frequently contain harmful amounts of sugars and fats.

Over time, a diet that consists of these foods could lead to severe health problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Traditionally, all parts of the animals, fish and plants were eaten, but these days it is rare for the younger generation to eat anything other than the meat. Fish heads were traditionally eaten for calcium, and caribou stomachs were consumed for vitamin A. If that does not sound like your cup of tea, then fresh store bought fruits and vegetables are great sources of the same vitamins and essential nutrients.

People also used to spend more time out on the land hunting, trapping, fishing and doing basic, everyday chores, like fetching water and wood. They used to be much more active than most people are today, so they had to consume more to keep themselves healthy and active.

Recent studies done in Ottawa suggest that even though the northern population has grown, the annual harvest

of traditional food per hunter declined from an average of 2083 kg/yr in the 1960’s, to an average 707 kg/yr in the 1990’s, and has dropped even lower today. There is only 1/3 the amount of traditional food that is being brought in to the communities.

Healthy foods North held a feast at the Inuvik Youth Center November 21, 2008. The turnout was amazing, and everyone was able to have a filling bowl of chili or fish chowder. Both dishes were a major success, and of course they were both full of healthy ingredients! “This is the best chowder I have had in years!” said a happy patron, as he came up for seconds and thirds, “I thought the chili was excellent, but I could eat this chowder everyday for the rest of my life!”

“It's definitely not too late to have a traditional diet. We still have access to the animals and if people want to eat them…where there is a will, there is a way,” said Jennifer Cockney. There are so many things that we can do to keep ourselves healthy and a steady diet of nutritious food is the first step to a happy and healthy life. Ignore those pesky calls from Colonel Saunders or Mr. Hershey and let them know that you have chosen tradition over convenience.

As Told to me by Elders and Hunters…

Carol

Arey wrote in as a beneficiary, to share her personal feelings about how our relationship with food is changing.

summer has come and gone. I was blessed to be able to spend a bit of time on our beautiful land. I thought about how we should all take the time to enjoy what we have now, because things are changing so fast.

I would like to share what I have been told by our elders and hunters. I believe what they say is important, because they are the first to see how things are changing around us.

Migration routes are changing for animals, especially caribou. We are being told that the porcupine herd is declining. o ur elders believe changes need to happen in terms of how we source our food, “not only in terms of caribou hunting, but with every animal and fish species we have ever lived on.”

I’ve heard them say, “When they[migration routes] change…caribou going to go… where there is food right?…[some people] say we don’t spend enough time out on the land anymore and we don’t know [what is happening with the caribou]… we always will be observant people and most importantly, conservationists… we cannot just quit hunting, it will hurt the herd and hurt our traditional practices…we also have to go back to traditional hunting. We are spoiled these days, we don’t pack [carry our traveling loads manually], we use machines to make it easier… no wonder we have so many younger people who are out of shape today…”

This year, on the West side, we have harvested part of the a laskan Central (aC) herd that followed the porcupine herd this year. This is not the first time but it is significant because there are more in the AC herd, they are bigger in size too. These changes in our food supply are important to observe. We are keeping in contact with our relatives in a laska to track and share this information regularly.

Water levels are rising in the coast, because the pack ice is melting drastically; but it is not too visible during summer. The banks of our rivers and creeks are eroding, making water levels seemingly shallow when they have actually risen.

years ago, our rivers were narrow and deeper. n ow they are getting wider and shallower. We feel the effects when traveling with boats in the rivers and when heading to the coast. It also affects wildlife habitats. polar Bears are on the land a lot longer and they have become more visible in areas they have not frequented before. Walruses are seen closer to shore, seals are going up river following fish.

h ow do we know if this is going to deplete the animals’ populations in the future? or will they adjust as they always have over centuries? Due to the cost of living and petroleum, it has been so much harder to go out on the land. We are forced to buy foods from the stores that have many additives, some healthy, some unhealthy. h ealthier foods are costly, sometimes to the point of being prohibitive. These changes are upon us, whether we like it or not, and we have to adjust like all animals in nature to survive. a s in years past we need to continue to help each other. We have to respect life and each other like we used to. Take time to listen to our elders and hunters, you will learn something every day. Thank you for listening.

Quyanuqpaq

Anastasia Cockney shows off her veggies at the Healthy Foods North Feast at the Inuvik Youth Center Christina Thrasher serves up some healthy Chili.

Proudly contributing to the economy and people of Canada’s north

Words

by Val McDowall Photos courtesy of NorTerra Inc.

norTerra Inc. is a private, investment-focused management and holding company headquartered in Edmonton, a lberta that has been in operation since 1985. It is equally owned by two a boriginal development corporations –the Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC) and n unasi Corporation.

IDC and n unasi are aboriginal birthright development corporations, whose mandates are to maximize profits, develop economic opportunities and create training and employment opportunities for beneficiaries. IDC and Nunasi invest for the collective and beneficial interest of approximately 30,000 registered Inuvialuit and Inuit beneficiaries. IDC and Nunasi have never used land claims money to acquire or operate any of the companies in the n orTerra group. Each company is a privately owned, tax-paying corporation.

n orTerra and its subsidiary companies comprise the n orTerra Group of Companies. a s a collective group of interrelated companies providing complementary products and services, it is well equipped (both in economic scale and scope of service delivery) to meet the needs of northern people and industry.

Currently, five subsidiary companies comprise the NorTerra Group of Companies operating in northern, western and eastern Canada, and the United States. These companies are:

Braden Burry Expediting

The largest logistics company in Northern Canada: global expediting, freight and cargo handling and supply chain management – www.bbex.com

Canadian North Canada’s foremost northern jet airline: providing cargo, charter and passenger services to the North – www.canadiannorth.com

Northern Industrial Sales

A chain of industrial supply stores: serving the logging, forestry, oil, gas and mining industries as well as individuals in Northern British Columbia and Alberta – www.northernindustrialsales.ca

Northern Transportation Company Limited

A major provider of marine transportation: handling freight and cargo across Canada, Alaska and the Arctic – www.ntcl.com

Weldco-Beales Manufacturing

Canada’s largest supplier of heavy equipment: custom design and manufacturing of specialized heavy equipment attachments and telescopic truck mounted cranes for the construction, resource, forestry, mining and road maintenance industries – www.weldco-beales.com

Each company brings strengths that are complementary to one another making the n orTerra Group of Companies a large corporate entity providing a broad suite of reciprocal products and services. n orTerra brings together the skills and resources of these companies to leverage the strength of the entire enterprise. This not only benefits its customers, but also its beneficiaries – the Inuit and Inuvialuit – and the northern economy.

NorTerra’s mandate is to develop a diversified portfolio of profitable operating businesses for the purpose of creating wealth as well as employment and training opportunities for the Inuvialuit and Inuit. The company’s sound business practices and principles have allowed it to expand operations throughout all regions of Canada providing a diversified suite of services, with 2007 annual revenues of $394 million.

“ for as long as there has been commercial activity in the arctic region, it involved southern companies coming in, making money and taking money out”, says Carmen Loberg, president and CEo of n orTerra Inc.

In 2006, n orTerra Inc was ranked by the financial post as the 584th largest company in Canada—68 places higher than the previous year.

The n orTerra Group of Companies is poised for dynamic growth as world demand for the natural resources of the Canadian a rctic continues to accelerate. Carmen Loberg looks forward to a thriving future in the n orth with a corporation focused on building a better life for the local people. “ p art of our mindset that is different from s outhern suppliers is that our infrastructure companies are not just concerned with our own profits,” says Loberg. “NorTerra looks for ways that our businesses can assist the development of resources to help companies prosper and to benefit the Inuvialuit and the Inuit people.”

a s n orTerra Inc. grows, it will build shareholder value with each step ensuring traditional Inuvialuit and Inuit values are part of the corporate culture throughout the n orTerra Group of Companies.

“Inthe early days, the money went into the fur trade system and into the coffers of the Hudson Bay Company and it followed right through to other industries. Things have changed. The mindset from NorTerra’s shareholders is that we need to become active in the work that’s here. We must become active participants in the northern, national and global economies.”

Photo top Journeyman Welder, Sam Poles hard at work on the Weldco-Beales Manufacturing shop floor.

NorTerra Human Resources & Career Development

n orTerra provides equal and meaningful opportunities for beneficiaries and employees and is proud of its talented and diverse workforce.

In 2007, the n orTerra group’s workforce during peak season was 1185 including 116 beneficiaries. The NorTerra workforce has grown significantly over the last few years as operations have expanded.

o perational diversity and geographical locations offer a myriad of career opportunities. n orTerra provides long term employment and career development opportunities for beneficiaries from across Nunavut and Inuvialuit communities.

n orTerra is committed to working with youth to create an awareness of the many types of careers available. The company’s youth strategy supports and develops essential skills and experience by offering: on-the-job training, job shadowing, summer student employment, apprenticeships, operational experience, post secondary educational tours.

Jenna Keogak, Braden-Burry Expediting Jenna

enjoys meeting lots of people in her job and of course the flight benefits of working within the NorTerra Group of Companies.

Jenna keogak, BBE provides her fellow expediters in Inuvik with administration support and data entry into their LM s system. s he generates the cargo manifests and updates the system while the expediters support the oil and gas explorers in the I sr .

Jenna has worked with BBE for two years during which time it was acquired by n orTerra Inc.

previously, Jenna worked as a Clerk and then moved into the Expediting Office. She really enjoys dealing with the demands of the different customers she encounters.

Jenna thoroughly enjoys reading and describes herself as being ‘easily amused’!

Gordon Norberg, NTCL

Gordon has worked within the n orTerra Group of Companies for 10 years now. He started as Traffic Co-ordinator for NTCL and is now the Manager of n orthern Community relations where he has been for approximately the last four years.

Gordon describes himself as an “a mbassador” and/or liaison between nTCL and the ownership communities. This involves attending trade shows, conferences and aGMs of various ownership organizations and responding to requests for donations from various groups.

In short, he show cases nTCL to their ownership and brings any concerns from the ownership back to nTCL. Business development is also a key part of his role – wherever he sees or hears of opportunities, he will bring these to the attention of nTCL management.

Gordon was approached to take on his current role since he had worked extensively across the n orth and had many contacts. Gordon still enjoys getting out to the communities, explaining what nTCL does, why they do it and how they do it. h e enjoys the exposure to other industries through trade shows, conferences and other such events.

Gordon likes the fact that the beneficiaries own the NorTerra Group of Companies and also that he and other beneficiaries are rewarded on how well the group does each year.

h is position allows him to travel to the ownership communities which in turn allows him to stay in touch with many friends and family. h e says, “It is important that we have someone who knows the

communities and the people of the regions we service and can bring the message in both directions. This role allows me to do that.”

Gordon has a few words to share with readers in the northern communities and to students in particular: “ stay in school, and develop a stick to it attitude - you will not get far without your education.”

In his spare time, Gordon enjoys boating, carpentry, gardening and crosswords puzzle solving.

s omething not a lot of people know about Gordon: h e obtained his pilot’s license and was one of the first Inuks to learn to farm!

Jenna Keogak, BBE supports her fellow Expediters from her Inuvik office.

Gordon Norberg is a vital link between NTCL and the northern communities.

Set goal S , S trive for them and anything iS poSSible!

Jordin Tootoo & Northern Youth

nh L n ash VILLE p r EDaTor player, Jordin Tootoo is the official spokesperson for the n orTerra Group of Companies and n unasi Corporation. h e is a positive role model for all n ortherners by encouraging them to stay in school, complete their education and build on their careers.

Jordin’s sense of community is admirable as he actively partners with n orTerra in connecting with youth living in the n orth.

h e conducts personal tours with n orTerra representatives throughout northern communities in n unavut and the n orth West Territories showcasing the career opportunities available from the n orTerra Group of Companies.

h is positive influence for youth and message of personal achievement is something that n orTerra values and wishes to continue supporting in the future.

If you are interested in finding out more about employment and career development opportunities within the NorTerra Group of Companies, you can contact Wanda Norwegian by telephoning 867.669.4048 or e-mail your resume to wjn@norterra.com

t he inuvialuit CommuniC ation S So Ciety: Same g oal S , new d ire C tion

Words by Maia Lepage

Photos ICS archive

inlate 1983, the Inuvialuit Communications Society (ICS) first opened its doors. The goal was to strengthen, preserve, and enhance the cultural and social identity of the Inuvialuit. IC s provides a medium for the exchange of ideas that promote a better understanding of the culture, identity, language mythology, social patterns and presentations that give meaning to being Inuvialuit in the Western a rctic. 25 years later, the goals of IC s remain the same, and we are constantly evolving and growing, developing new strategies to stay true to our mandate.

In November 1983, ICS printed Inuvialuit, the first uniquely Inuvialuit publication. It was one of the first newspapers that focused exclusively on Inuvialuit news and culture. o ver the last 25 years, Inuvialuit has evolved into Tusaayaksat, the magazine you are reading today. During this quarter of a century, this publication has gone through many stages of change, and some difficult phases. At first, readers were concerned when it was to change from newspaper format, into magazine format. Looking back, although the road was not always smooth, but change has proved to be positive and effective for IC s and the Inuvialuit.

at IC s , we are once again embarking on a series of changes that will revolutionize how Inuvialuit are viewed by the rest of the world. s ociety today is evolving at a frantic rate. Information is being shared at extraordinary speeds, especially if you have an internet connection.

a ny one can download videos in minutes and see images from the other side of the globe. keeping up with the times is more important than ever for companies like IC s . “ you have to move with the times or else you’ll just be left behind and eventually, you’ll have to close your doors. That is something I choose not to let happen to IC s ,” said Topsy Cockney, executive director of the Inuvialuit Communications s ociety.

“IC s sits in a good place because we already have a broadcaster for our shows. We do not have to go out there and sell it, because it is already sold. ap Tn wants our programs, we just have to modernize what we are giving them. ap Tn is moving up to be one of the top broadcasters in Canada. When you become top broadcaster, programming has to be improved.”

The Arctic is swiftly becoming known as “the last frontier”. With new hit tv shows like “The Ice Road Truckers” emerging from the north, the world’s interest in our corner of the world is growing. ICS, and its subsidiary company Qauminiq, are looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of the north by producing new and exciting programs that showcase the Arctic’s best, and bring new opportunities to the Inuvialuit people.

“There are many ideas out there of what we might be able to do. We are really excited about creating a website to showcase ourselves. We’ve applied for a grant to develop a website and we have started to work on it with some students

.I.T. We have 25 years of footage, and the website will give us a forum to show it to the world.” With the touch of a button, anyone will be able to access a range of topics that IC s will be offering. k ids in Germany can watch clips on how a whaling camp in rctic works, or students in africa can learn about hunting and trapping on the vast tundra. “a website will open new and exciting doors for and we are proud to be able to share our knowledge with the world,” said Cockney.

’s energies will be focused on these new and exciting changes. o lder format television programs by IC s will slowly be cycled out of the airwaves. Tamapta and s uaangan, two television series which have been popular with our audience, over the years, will be replaced by shows of different formats.

s per the agreement with ap Tn , these shows will be aired in reruns for the next two to three years, but no new episodes will be produced. “Magazine style programs are becoming outdated,” said Cockney. “We are looking for something that everyone will want to watch.” a lthough they may not be on ap Tn for too much longer, both shows will still be available on the IC s website.

“ for many years, the programs that have been coming out of the north have been basic… same look… same style… there hasn’t been a lot of variety. IC s is moving towards improving the quality of our shows so that they are interesting for everyone, not just the people featured in the shows,” said Cockney.

“We have to look at what appeals to a larger audience. Entertainment genres that are in demand globally are drama, animation, and game shows,” said Cockney.

“o ne of the options we are looking at would be co-producing a soap opera with n orthern n ative Broadcasters yukon (nn By ). There is a big demand for that right now, and the Western a rctic has a lot of unique things to offer. nn By is in the same situation as IC s . I think we have both arrived at the point where we would like to move forward into higher quality productions. Many might not have the knowledge of the dynamics of media production, of the time and the money that it takes. Television is a very expensive medium to produce. Co-production is then going to help us create modern programs that everyone will enjoy.”

Bringing productions such as this new drama series to the n orth would also bring a lot more opportunities for people of the n orth.

IC s has also aquired current technology to become a state of the art production facility. “We now have the ability to shoot shows in high definition. We may not be working on Tamapta and Suaangan anymore, but our new direction will bring so many opportunities and top quality shows. With so many improvements and modernizations, it is important to look to the future with an optimistic mind. If you want people to keep watching, it can’t stay the same, it has to be improved,” said Cockney.

o ver the last 25 years, IC s has had the pleasure of working on materials that are of interest to the Inuvialuit. We have travelled around the Territories meeting some incredible people and seeing some amazing places. We are extremely fortunate and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our viewers and readers. Without your support, we would not have the opportunities we do, and we would not be able to produce the shows or stories that you have come to love. Quyanaq!

“We did not have the resources initially to encourage more Inuvialuit to get into the media. So over time, the talent pool ran dry and now we are facing challenges in finding people to produce our shows, or to work on our magazine. With our upgrading, we are hoping that it will create a spark and get more Inuvialuit interested in the media. Maybe some people might pursue a career in the media, whether it be as an actor, writer, or film maker.”

e arly day S at i CS

The original ICS crew: Trainer Tom Allen, Debbie Gordon-Ruben, Renie Arey, Willie Stephansson, Ann Kasook, Walter Goose, Topsy Cockney, Stan Ruben, Sandra Elias, and trainer Abe Douglas.

Topsy Cockney was one of ICS’s first trainee recruits. She is today the executive director of ICS.

Willie Stephansson recording sound in a tent during the late 80s.

Renie Arey. also trained in the first cohort at ICS, became an award winning producer at the Tokyo Video festival. She has also been a translator for the Tamapta program till recently.

Stan Ruben and Sandra Elias team up to capture a story on the land.

Tommy Smith as cameraperson for ICS during a social event.

Tusaayaksat, the magazine in your hands right now, was first published in 1983. It used to be in newspaper format, and was called “Inuvialuit”.

Alice Selamio practicing her photojournalism.

over the last 25 years, ICS has had the pleasure of working on materials that are of interest to the Inuvialuit. Without your support, we would not have the opportunities we do, and we would not be able to produce the shows or stories that you have come to love.

Capturing hi S tory

going forward

Quyanaq from the iCS board and staff:

Front row (L-R) Donna Keogak BOD from Sachs Harbour, Millie Thrasher BOD from Paulatuk, Margaret Carpenter Alternate from Sachs Harbour, Debbie Raddi Alternate from Tuktoyaktuk, Sarah Rogers BOD from Inuvik and Delores Harley Alternate from Inuvik.

Second row (L-R) Foster Arey President from Aklavik, Andy Thrasher Alternate from Paulatuk, administrator Naudia Lennie and executive director Topsy Cockney, Jerome Gordon Alternate from Aklavik, Matthew Kuptana (replaced Joseph Kitekudlak Sr.) Ulukhaktok representive.

A Canadian aboriginal village in Korea

spring fresh Investment & Development Inc., and the government of the county of Cheongsong, s outh korea, are bringing to the world a Canadian inspired alpine village destination similar to the natural settings and amenities of Banff and Jasper, a lberta.

“a s they say, what’s a little Canada way over there, without aboriginal input and an aboriginal village,” said Tuktoyaktuk mayor Merven Gruben, who was invited to s outh korea to meet and consult with the project partners and high officials of the country. Leaders from other first nations groups were also invited.

“They wanted us to go over and help out with the design and layout of the village,” said Gruben, “We even talked about building igloos inside freezers and charging people to sleep in them," said Merven.

"They even wanted dog teams and sled rides. There are also some Indian bands from a lberta coming along but overall they are really interested in the Inuvialuit way of life.”

During his visit to the city of about 14 million people, Gruben had a chance to experience unique korean culture. h e enjoyed the weather, dance performances and meeting the other first nations leaders as well as the Canadian ambassador to korea.

“I think this is a really good opportunity for our people and the territory as a whole, this will also in the long run create employment opportunities outside of Canada for our young people,” he said.

words by Zoe Ho photos by Merven Gruben

Beautiful dancers performing at the welcome supper in Cheongsong.

At the Canadian Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. (L-R) Chief Walter Janvier of the Cold Lake First Nations in Alberta, Ambassador Lipman, Merven Gruben and Gerald Cunningham, the President of the Metis Association in Alberta.

At a park in Cheongsong with Cam Willier and interpreters Ivy and Suzy, close to the proposed Aboriginal Village theme park.

Sightseeing in Korea: traditional theme park.