Crafting Culture and Care

Words by Catherine Kuptana

MY NAME IS CATHERINE KUPTANA.

I am from Sachs Harbour, NT (also known as Ikahuk). I've lived here most of my life and attended high school in Inuvik. I also lived in Whitehorse for several years. I met a lot of unforgettable friends and great teachers during that time.

The greatest mentor in my life was my father, Roger Kuptana, who still to this day reminds me of all the things he has taught me, even if he is in another world. He has taught me how to hunt, fish and travel on the land. My parents owned a small bed and breakfast here in Sachs, which led our family to take tourists out sightseeing and camping. It is very important for an individual to have mentors in life, to guide you and teach you.

At the moment I work for the Sachs Harbour Development Corporation as the hotel manager at the PolarGrizz Hotel. I have two young children, Sarah and Roger, who are just as eager to go out hunting, fishing and camping. Having my two children is like having two little best friends!

I learned how to crochet from YouTube tutorials. I started off with odd wools and yarns. Then once I got brave enough, I started using qiviuq. It is the inner wool found in muskox. It's like the down found in a goose, to keep them warm. It's one of the most expensive and luxurious of wools. The muskox shed this each spring, it is very soft and delicate once spun, and you can mix it with silk, merino and other fibers. 100% qiviuq is the most delicate but the warmest of the blends. I also learnt how to sew from my mother and was inspired by her. She was taught by numerous ladies in Sachs, and because she knits with qiviuq, that is how I was introduced. I like sewing because it's a big part of my culture. Fur is green; it goes back to the earth (it's biodegradable)!

For those interesting in crocheting: pick up or find some yarn and a hook, they say to start off with bulky yarn and bigger hooks. That way, you can see your work if you make a mistake and can identify it and fix it. When I first started off with qiviuq I thought I had to use a smaller hook size. It would have taken me months to finish a scarf! I double my yarn so I'm able to use at least a 5mm hook size instead of a 3mm one. Crocheting is fun if you have the patience for it and if you're willing to learn how to do it.

My advice for youth: Always follow your heart and make sure to finish school because education is important!