Letter From the Manager

Aar̂igaa!

I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to work in Northern media. We have the best jobs in the North, showcasing the Inuvialuit across Canada. It makes me happy to see the great accomplishments and achievements being met by people young and old all across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

I get to speak with youth in our communities and it blows me away how they are reaching out to learn more about their culture. Northern games, Arctic sports, under any name these activities are integral to our people. Not just as a way to spend time together and play, but to keep active and healthy.

I’m good at the muskox push but aside from that, I won’t be setting any records in the one-foot or two-foot high kick in my lifetime.

Talking with students who are learning more about their families and the way life used to be in the Arctic is something special to see. The learning fairs at the local schools are a much-needed outlet for youth to connect to a life they never knew. One girl seemed dedicated to making her own iglu after researching the benefits and functionality of the design for her project. She could learn something from others in the community who are also keen on building traditional structures like iglus on the Mackenzie Delta outside of Inuvik.

Every year I hear more and more about language programs starting up and gaining popularity across our region. I want to make it a journey of mine to learn more of the language, so at least I can confidently reply when someone waves hello and drops a “Qanuq Iqpit” on me.

“Nakuur̂unga,” I usually reply questionably.

Language is only one of the aspects of our traditions I want to learn with my daughter. I also want to start drum dancing, so hopefully by the next time this magazine comes out I put some effort into learning these awesome activities. I remember growing up here in Inuvik taking Mrs. Albert’s Inuvialuktun classes. Counting, learning words and playing Northern games. So many good memories from those classes. Napatchaq tournaments. I still owe those kids some Pogs for losing so bad. It wasn’t my fault the tip of that nail was so sharp. Someone was good with the dremel I guess.

Thank you to everyone who works to keep our culture alive in any shape. If you speak the language, or just raise your eyebrows when you agree with something. Eh! But seriously, it takes a lot of effort to keep these things going and I see a lot of people putting in hard work to continue our way of life from long ago.

Please show your appreciation to those people around us who are wearing our clothing, continuing to live healthy lives and promoting our culture. Without those hunters, dancers, stitchers and athletes, the old ways stay memories. We can all keep them relevant by taking part once in a while. Sing with your family, learn a new word this week! If we all put in a bit of effort, everyone benefits!

Take care, everyone. See you online.

QUYANAINNI,

Dez Loreen Manager, Inuvialuit Communications Society