The good life Memories of Imaryuk, Husky Lakes
Introduction by Albert Elias, Story by Annie Emaghok Imaryuk (Husky Lakes) lies just south
bone hook while my dad built a snow
a few days of fishing we all headed
of the Tuktuuyaqtuuq (Tuktoyaktuk)
house. He made a snow shelter for
for Tuktuuyaqtuuq. The trail was
coastline. It is connected to Liverpool
me to fish in. Being tired I decided
hard packed and the dogs anxious to
Bay by a narrow channel leading out
to lie on my back to relax and as luck
get home. They were at full trot and
to the great Beaufort Sea. Beluga
would have it there was a sudden
galloping at full speed down the hills.
whales are known to make their way
tug and I pulled out a good size trout.
There were other teams travelling
to Imaryuk and get stranded there. A
Fresh fish for supper!
with us so it was fun racing home!
Another time we were at Sauniqtuuq
The land and water has always
with other people and fishing
provided food and shelter for the
was good that Spring day. When I
Inuvialuit. Sometimes it was not
could not pull up the big fish, David
easy, especially during winter but by
Nasogaluak would be there to help.
persevering and working together
My first memory of Imaryuk is of
Once when I was old enough to drive
they overcame challenging times.
travelling there with my parents by
my father’s dog team of seven dogs,
dog team and camping. It was cold
I went with Amos Cockney and his
and windy. I was given the job of
family to Husky Lakes, helping on
jiggling for fish with a hand made
the way. It was fun for me and after
lifeline to the Inuvialuit from the delta and the coast for generations, it is a popular place for hunting, fishing and recreation, nowadays mainly during springtime.
At Reindeer Station. (ICRC photo)
Here is an example of what life can be like many years ago as told by my aunt Annie Emaghok...
