culture on camera

in late February, winter hangs onto its last icy breath with a vengeance, threatened by the return of the mighty sun. She reminds us that Spring has not yet arrived. Spirits tend to be low during this time, and motivation scarce. It’s a good time to celebrate! From February 25th to March 2nd, 2011, Ulukhaktok did just that. Culture Week was part of a community development project funded by the IRC, ITI and CanNor. The week long celebration of culture included two community feasts, drum dancing, filmmaking, printmaking and knitting workshops, film screenings, and a community igloo building project.

The idea behind Culture Week was to encourage further participation in the workshops, while providing unique opportunities for filming and learning. With the recent reopening of the arts centre, the opening of the new community centre, culture was happening everywhere in Ulukhaktok. Culture on Camera offered something unique and exciting for eight curious senior students from the Helen Kalvak School, who immersed themselves for six days into the world of filmmaking.

The workshop was designed to teach youth how to document stories and events in their community. It’s part of a larger project in the works, to involve youth and share stories with other communities around the north and around the world through the internet. But first, the skills need to be learned. When put into the hands of these enthusiastic youth, the cameras became

By Lynn Feasey

a tool for artistic expression, creative thinking, storytelling, cultural preservation and a new way of looking at the world and their very own community.

Students were encouraged to go outside with their cameras and their imagination and explore their community. Using their video cameras, some experienced many things for the first time, including a visit to the Ulukhaktok Arts and Crafts Centre where they filmed and interviewed artists and staff. One of the participants, Manuk Watson Kudlak, was particularly interested in making videos around town. “There are valuables in my community. I think its good to get our stories and events on film, because they may not be there one day.” He explained.

Storytelling was a way of life for centuries. It was how people learned. Today, stories are no less important, but the way we tell them has changed. As Inuvialuit filmmaker, Dennis Allen remarked, “Without story, you have nothing. We all have the capacity and intellect to construct a story, but it gets lost in our voice. Film allows us to access that capacity and intellect. It gives the youth a tool to apply to storytelling.” Allen learned how to tell stories from his father. “I just took it a step further to reach a bigger audience.”

To Allen, an accomplished filmmaker, musician and storyteller, it is essential that youth know and learn their own stories. “This will benefit youth by giving them an opportunity to channel their voice other than through orating, which is traumatizing to many youth, for many reasons.” In these changing times, youth remain respectful of their elders, but also need to find their own voice. “We don’t have the social barriers we once had, education is more accessible, social media and new media are modeling the method that youth can relate to”, says Allen.

Allen documented the traditional methods used by the elders in igloo construction, as well as the activities of the young filmmakers. The documentary will highlight the passing down of traditional knowledge, as well as the development of new skills by the youth. Allen was encouraged by the response to the project. “The community saw it’s youth documenting a way of life that is dying. The youth will be now expected to use those skills. At least one of them will take an interest in this medium of storytelling.” he said.

Elliot Malgokak, who nearly missed out on the opportunity, learned that filmmaking is more than just using a camera. “ I had little interest at first, because I’m a physical person, and I like to do physical stuff. But I would like to learn more about filmmaking now.” He also saw the value in telling stories. “ I didn’t know how to preserve our culture before”. Malgokak sees a glimpse of his future “ the workshop was very valuable to me, I can get a job with this. I learned how to make films and edit them.”

While traditional knowledge and storytelling were a central focus of the workshop, content was up to each individual. For students like Kudlak, an aspiring DJmusic became the subject of one of his projects. “What I liked best was the music video Jay and Loren helped me make with the other young film makers of Ulukhaktok and the experience was awesome!”

While there is still a lot to learn, the students showed tremendous dedication and enthusiasm during the workshop. “It would be great if there was a follow up workshop just to brush up on their skills and to enhance them”, said Joanne Ogina, the Hamlet’s Recreation Coordinator.

The community plans to support the development of these skills. “I will be asking the students to record community events, Easter, 2011 High School Grad, Kingalik Jamboree, Canada Day, BJO golf tournament, Christmas events, etcetera.” said Ogina. “From a community perspective, we are proud of these students and the skills they’ve learned.”

The workshop ended with a very special night, celebrating the work of the students with a mini film festival held at the community centre. A screening of the student’s individual projects, along with a 12 minute documentary made by the group, was presented to the community. Mentors Jay Bulckaert and Loren McGinnis prepared special awards for each student, honouring their individual talents. The students were visibly thrilled with their honours, but the real surprise came when the cameras were given to each of the students. The catch? As the ‘keepers of the cameras’, the community can call on these young filmmakers, not only tell new stories, but keep old ones alive.∞