Brianna Wolki

I am one of the Public Outreach Education Officers for TNNP. I help plan and implement outreach programs, such as school presentations and outreach booths, to educate the community about what Parks Canada does throughout the summer season. One of the programs we hold every two years is our Culture Camp within the park at Uyarsivik Lake, where we host fun and educational activities that integrate traditional knowledge and skills. uu calving grounds within the park. The Park protects both the caribou and fish, which are vital food sources we rely on as part of our traditional diet. Our ancestors were resourceful and resilient in everything they did to survive and pass down their cultural heritage to the next generation. They left their footprints behind and we cherish every footprint with pride. Within the park, there is evidence of old campsites and rock caches. Each cultural site tells a story. These untouched sites help us to form a picture of those who came before us and how they once lived in the area. These findings also help to define who we are and where we come from.

My fondest memory in the park is teaching our youth how to fillet fish at the 2021 Culture Camp. It was some of the participants’ first time catching a fish. The excitement on their faces was memorable. My dad taught me how to fillet a fish when I was younger, and I still follow his technique precisely today.

The coolest thing I have seen in the park was the Bald Eagle that came to visit us a couple of times. Stephanie, the current TNNP Manager, mentioned that they are not common in our park. Another thing that caught my eye was all of the pretty flowers that I learned the names of.

Although we did not have the opportunity to fly out to La Roncière Falls, this location in the park is my favourite. On our way back to Paulatuuq, the pilots brought us sightseeing over the Falls. I caught a short glimpse of the waterfall on camera. It looked amazing!

Into The Future

The

establishment

Of The Park

brings a sense of security knowing a part of our Inuvialuit Lands are protected. It also brings a sense of equality knowing we as Inuvialuit have a voice and equal rights in the management of the park as does the Government of Canada. Having the opportunity to listen to and relive the stories of our ancestors through our Cultural Hosts’ storytelling made Tuktut Nogait meaningful. I have a passion for learning about where I come from. I enjoy listening to stories, especially those told by our Elders which instills moral and cultural values. I also got to immerse myself with nature and reconnect with the traditional way of life I was raised with.

Tuktut Nogait National Park is special because the Tuktut Nogait Agreement protects the Bluenose-West caribou herd and their

If the rate of COVID-19 lowers across Canada, I would like to see Parks Canada spreading awareness of our park nationally to attract visitors from out of the territory to paddle the pristine Hornaday River. I would also suggest that parks Canada hold a Culture Camp annually, which would allow more residents to experience this opportunity. I would also suggest that the TNNP Management Board include a stopover at La Roncière Falls for each Culture Camp trip. This would enhance everyone’s experience and increase the park’s popularity.

I would also like to see shower heads installed in the shower stall and the water pump system built into the kitchen cabin. This would make cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene more convenient. More things I would like to see in the park are deep freezers to preserve our meats and being allowed a pet dog(s) in the park. This would save having to waste food that thaws too quick and fish from spoiling in the sun.

TUKTUT NURRAIT TANMAAQTARVIKTIGUN

UQALIAQSAQ NAITTUARAALUK

TUKTUT NOGAIT IN ONE WORD