Tusaayaksat Spring 2015

TUSAAYAKSAT MAGAZINE / SPRING 2015 / $5

BEAUTY OF THE LAND

STORIES THAT NEED TO BE HEARD

COMMEMORATIVE IRC CUP POSTER

IMAGES BY INUVIALUIT PHOTOGRAPHERS IN PAULATUK, SACHS HARBOUR AND ULUKHAKTOK

IN THE CAGE WITH MMA FIGHTER JAMES WILLIAMS THE STORY OF QIMIVINIARJUK LIVING HISTORY WITH STEVE COCKNEY SR. JOURNEY TO BABY ISLAND

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ON THE COVER: Earl Esau, son of Peter and Shirley Esau, is captured untangling fishing nets in Sachs Harbour by friend and photographer Trevor Lucas. For more images from Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok, check out our on-the-land photo feature beginning on page 14.

Published quarterly by ICS at Box 1704, 292 Mackenzie Rd, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, X0E 0T0.

Contact us at +1 867 777 2320 or tusaayaksat.magazine@gmail.com PUBLISHER Inuvialuit Communications Society EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nathalie Heiberg-Harrison DESIGNER Marten Sims

TUSAAYAKSAT MEANS “STORIES AND VOICES THAT NEED TO BE HEARD.” WE CELEBRATE THE INUVIALUIT PEOPLE, CULTURE AND HERITAGE.

OUR MISSION:

TO EMPOWER, CELEBRATE, COMMUNICATE, HEAL AND BOND. TO BRING YOU THE BEST COVERAGE OF OUR NEWS, VIBRANT CULTURE AND PERSPECTIVES.

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL TEAM WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Nathalie Heiberg-Harrison COPY EDITORS Tony Devlin, Tom McLeod, Jerri Thrasher, Roseanne Rogers INUVIALUKTUN TRANSLATOR Lillian Elias CONTRIBUTORS Paul Crowley, Dan Slavik, Dez Loreen, Kynwill Gordon-Ruben, Terrance Allen, Jerri Thrasher, Trevor Lucas, Adam Kudlak, Emily Rutherford, Ippiksaut Friesen, Angela Voudrach, Tamara Gordon, Charles Arnold PHOTOGRAPHERS Floyd L. Davidson, Roberta Adam, Herbert Allen, Keegan Greenland, Krista Cudmore, Bruce Noksana, Jeremy Mosher, Jerri Thrasher, Trevor Lucas, Adam Kudlak, Shayla Snowshoe, Ippiksaut Friesen, Tamara Gordon, Tessa Macintosh

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BEAUTIFUL IMAGES FROM LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

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JAMES WILLIAMS’ JOURNEY FROM NORTHERN GAMES TO MMA FIGHTER

News 2 INUVIALUIT CARVER CELEBRATED IN EUROPE 3 MAPPING RISKS OF OFFSHORE ACTIVITIES 4 CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON FIBRE OPTIC LINK 5 CLEAN CAMPS CLEAN COASTS IN ULUKHAKTOK

SPECIAL THANKS TO Beverly Amos and the Inuvialuit Cultural Resource Centre, Renee Theoret and the Inuvik Youth Centre’s Arctic Ninja Photography Program, Ashley Brasfield and Students on Ice, the Kipling Gallery, Wilma and Donny Hendrick, Kyle Kuptana and the Northern Games Society, the National Film Board of Canada, John Stuart Jr., Ed Hartley and the staff of Moose Kerr School, Megan McCaffery, Patrick Gauley-Gale, Colin Pybus and the staff of East Three Secondary School, Debbie Gordon-Ruben, Erica Joe, and all of our amazing contributors and subjects from across the ISR! BUSINESS OFFICE Inuvialuit Communications Society BOARD OF DIRECTORS: PRESIDENT, INUVIK Lucy Kuptana VICE PRESIDENT, SACHS HARBOUR Donna Keogak AKLAVIK DIRECTOR Colin Gordon UKLUKHAKTOK DIRECTOR Joseph Haluksit TREASURER, TUKTOYAKTUK DIRECTOR Debbie Raddi PAULATUK DIRECTOR Millie Thrasher

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EAST 3 STUDENT TAMARA GORDON TAKES US ON A JOURNEY

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COMMEMORATIVE POSTER

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LEARN HOW TO SWING IT!

Special Features 6 INUVIK & BEYOND 12 CRAZYWATER REVIEW 14 BEAUTY OF THE LAND 28 LIFE IN THE CAGE 32 GROWING UP INUVIK BY EAST 3 STUDENT EMILY RUTHERFORD 34 JOURNEY TO BABY ISLAND WITH EAST 3 STUDENT TAMARA GORDON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & MANAGING EDITOR Tony Devlin OFFICE MANAGER Roseanne Rogers FINANCE OFFICER Cheryl Williams SUBSCRIPTIONS E-mail subscription inquiries to tusaayaksat.magazine@gmail.com or phone +1 867 777 2320 FUNDING MADE POSSIBLE BY Inuvialuit Regional Corporation GNWT (Education, Culture and Employment) GET SOCIAL Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS PUT TO THE TEST

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LEARN ABOUT FORGIVENESS WHILE LEARNING INUVIALUKTUN

FILMMAKER DENNIS ALLEN REVEALS DEEP INSIGHTS ABOUT ADDICTION

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WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT PIPES WOULD HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY?

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STEVE “GULUK” COCKNEY SR. TAKES US THROUGH HIS EARLY DAYS

PRACTICE YOUR INUVIALUKTUN AND SINGING SKILLS WITH GREAT GAMES!

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Special Events IRC CUP COMMEMORATIVE POSTER

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Northern Games Series SWING KICK NORTHERN AND DENE GAMES SUMMIT

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Inuvialuit Youth INUVIK THROUGH THEIR EYES

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Inuvialuktun Story QIMIVINIARJUK: A BLIND BOY

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Elder Story LIVING HISTORY WITH STEVE COCKNEY SR.

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Film ‘CRAZYWATER’ WITH DENNIS ALLEN

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Language games SIGN-ALONG GAME

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Culture Feature A LOOK BACK TO A GLOBAL CONNECTION

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Inuvialuit Youth STANDING UP FOR THEIR FUTURE

MEET THE AWESOME YOUTH WHO ARE PREPARING TO TAKE THE LEAD

TUSAAYAKSAT UPINRAKRAMI TUSAAYAKSAT IN THE SPRING QANUQ ITPIT! HELLO! We hope you enjoyed our last issue of Tusaayaksat, a special issue commemorating the ICC General Assembly in Inuvik. Under the call of “Ukiuqtaqtumi Hivuniptingnun, One Arctic, One Future,” the meetings culminated in the adoption of the Kitigaaryuit Declaration, which lays a path for Arctic unity over the next four years.

That path, as you will see in the pages of this magazine, can lead in many directions. In our first issue to kick off 2015, you will see that Inuvialuit are not letting up, but instead charging ahead. Across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and beyond, they are using the foundation laid at the ICC General Assembly to soar to new heights.

Not only does this issue feature amazing stories of perseverance and celebration, it also features more Inuvialuit contributors than ever.

Writers Dez Loreen, Angela Voudrach and Tamara Gordon contributed stories, while Jerri Thrasher, Trevor Lucas and Adam Kudlak demonstrate their passion for the land through the lenses of their cameras. Countless others sent us photos, art and writing from all corners of the Arctic. Quyanainni!

It has been an honour to help share your stories, hopes, dreams and achievements, but ultimately, it is you, our readers, who are best equipped to tell these stories. If you’re out on the land, honouring your past or carving a path for your future, don’t forget to bring your camera along and document the living history of the Inuvialuit people.

Finally, thank you for letting me into your homes, your camps, your celebrations and your lives. Thank you for sending me home with a notebook full of stories, a full heart and a full stomach. It has been a privilege to travel the ISR and have the responsibility to tell your stories. I look forward to what this year has in store for us all.

QUYANAINNI THANK YOU, Nathalie Heiberg-Harrison Editor-in-Chief

Photo: Daniel Dabrowski

News from around the ISR and beyond

Photo: Daniel Dabrowski

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Inuvialuit carver celebrated in Europe The work of acclaimed Inuvialuit carver Abraham Anghik Ruben was showcased in Europe earlier this year.

The exhibition examined the theme of migration, in particular the relationship between the Inuit and the Vikings.

Photo: Daniel Dabrowski

“As a story teller I have sought to bring life to these ancient voices from a time when these

Ruben’s work has previously been on display at galleries and museums across North America,

including Vancouver, Toronto, Chicago, New York and at the esteemed Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. It is currently on display at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife until April 2016.

For more information, visit pwnhc.ca

Photo: Daniel Dabrowski

The theme of the show, Ruben’s first ever solo exhibition in Europe, was “Moving Forward: Breaking Through.” It was on display in collaboration with the Kipling Gallery of Toronto.

two northern peoples held reverence for the land and for all things therein that provided sustenance and survival,” Ruben said of his recent work.

Photo: Sara Ruffolo

Nineteen of his unique carvings were on display at the Cerny Museum in Bern, Switzerland between Nov. 27 and Feb. 28.

Mapping the risks of offshore activities in the Beaufort Sea

Using the land, caring for the land The waters and coastline of the Beaufort Sea are a life-sustaining force for Inuvialuit communities. Inuvialuit have shown great leadership in conservation through developing parks and Marine Protected Areas, and sustainably managing harvests such as seal, polar bear and beluga that have sustained communities for centuries. However, with increased interests in development and shipping through the Arctic, there is a real threat of both small scale and large oil spills in the open and ice-filled waters of the Beaufort.

The consequences of such a spill to Inuvialuit communities and the wildlife these communities need to thrive would undoubtedly be disastrous.

An interactive modeling tool from WWFCanada shows the possible impacts of an oil spill on Inuvialuit communities

By Paul Crowley, VP Arctic for WWF-Canada

As Frank Pokiak, co-chair of the Inuvialuit Game Council, said in July, 2014: “By better understanding how oil spills travel and affect these regions, this will allow Inuvialuit to better prepare for development in our region in a safe manner, and how to prepare to avoid the risks to the water, marine species, and wildlife that have sustained our communities for generations.”

The Canadian icebreaker ship Louis St. Laurent, breaking through the sea ice of the Beaufort Sea.

The Project - Oil Spill Trajectory Modeling in the Beaufort Sea

This drawing, done by a student at Angik School in Paulatuk during an early visit, reads: “The Ocean is Important to me and my family because we need healthy animals in the ocean to eat.”

Example of how oil could disperse 90 days after a shallow blowout at 32 metres depth, approximately 175 km northwest of Tuktoyaktuk.

This is a visual representation from arcticspills.wwf.ca of a worst-case scenario spill rate of 30,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Photo: Dan Slavik, WWF-Canada

To complete this project, WWF-Canada partnered with RPS Applied Science Associates, Inc. (RPS ASA), a world leader in modelling the transport, fate, and biological effects of oil and chemical pollutants in marine and freshwater environments. To design the scenarios, WWF also sought feedback from the Inuvialuit Game Council, and from a steering committee of Canada’s leaders in oceanography and oil spill modelling. Twentytwo scenarios of varying sizes and spill

© Paul Nicklen/National Geographic Stock / WWF-Canada

sources were mapped in all, including mostprobable and worst-case scenarios. For each scenario, we considered information that was based on existing and proposed development and current industry practices.

To view the results, visit: arcticspills.wwf.ca

What Would Happen if an Oil Spill Occurred in the Beaufort?

Overall, our research found that under normal conditions in the Beaufort Sea, oil would likely be carried west of the spill site by ocean currents, which is generally good news for NWT communities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The impacts would be felt much more acutely along the shores of the North Slope of Alaska. However, depending on the time of year and weather conditions at the time of the spill, there is still the possibility that oil could spread eastward into the Amundsen Gulf, and end up on the shores of Inuvialuit communities.

Community Tour In August 2014, WWF’s Dan Slavik toured the ISR communities to present the findings of our research. He wrote several stories for WWF, detailing the concerns of Inuvialuit residents.

Here are a few excerpts of his journey:

Paulatuk Under certain environmental conditions, an oil spill from either shipping or oil and gas exploration could damage the nearby protected areas—ecologically rich places valuable to both wildlife and local residents, an essential part of Canada’s national identity, and the real treasures of the Arctic. It could soil the shoreline of important bird areas where a range of bird species seek refuge during the summer. Furthermore, these regions are extremely remote, with challenging environmental conditions and sensitive habitats, which would make any cleanups particularly challenging.

Provided the importance of the ocean and coasts to current and future generations of Inuvialuit, the potential risk of an oil spill—minor or major—must be understood and mitigated to ensure that industrial development in the region does not sacrifice the traditional livelihoods, sustenance and culture of Northern communities.

Tuktoyaktuk The construction of an all-season road connecting Tuktoyaktuk to the Dempster Highway (and hence completing the first all-season road to the Arctic Ocean) foreshadows the possible opportunity in the region—and as many mentioned in the meeting, jobs in the community are needed!

However, many others in the meeting had serious concerns about oil spills that could accompany increased development.

The presentation of this project to local community members and leaders was welcomed as it provided information on what an oil spill might look like, what areas of the coastline and waters may be affected, and what animals may be impacted.

At the end of the day, the communities will have to decide if the risk of development in the Arctic is worth the reward.

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Construction begins on fibre optic link Construction on the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Link broke ground in January with a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Nellie Cournoyea and other local leaders.

Construction is currently taking place in the Deh Cho, the Tulita District, the K’ahsho Got’ine and the Gwich’in Settlement Area. The fibre optic line will eventually run through the Inuvialuit Settlement Region to Tuktoyaktuk.

time, with the rest of the world,” said Minister Michael Miltenberger in a statement to the Legislative Assembly. In addition, it will meet the needs of the current expansion at the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility.

The purpose of the development is to provide a high-speed fibre optic communications

“This project will enable our government to improve our programs and services, particularly in the areas of education and health; and allow many more our residents and businesses to join the 21st century and communicate in real

link to communities along the Mackenzie Valley, replacing the lower-capacity and costly microwave communications systems currently serving these communities.

To date, over 180 km of cable have been installed, employing more than 40 local residents in the process.

Chevron puts plans on hold Chevron Canada submitted a letter to the National Energy Board (NEB) in December announcing its plans to withdraw from drilling in the Beaufort Sea. The company, which bid over $100 million to explore a parcel 250 km north-west of Tuktoyaktuk, said its plans to drill will be put on hold indefinitely because of the level of economic uncertainty in the industry.

Imperial Oil and BP remain a part of the NEB’s regulatory process.

Annie B. a Wise Woman Annie B. Gordon of Aklavik was presented with one of five Wise Women Awards by the Status of Women Council of the NWT in March.

The Status of Women Council has been distributing this award to outstanding women in the five regions of the NWT every year since 1992. Wise Women recipients are role models who demonstrate wisdom, perseverance and dedication while standing up for women, children and families in our communities. They strive to make the North a better place to live, work and raise a family.

The other winners included Pertice Moffitt of Yellowknife, Judy Lafferty of Fort Good Hope, Maggie Sikyea of Fort Smith and Caroline Bonnetrouge of Fort Providence.

Petroleum Show cancelled The Inuvik Petroleum Show has been cancelled for 2015 and will be rebranded in 2016 as the Arctic Energy and Emerging Technologies Conference.

By repositioning the annual conference, the Town of Inuvik said they will be able to better serve delegates and local taxpayers by producing a conference and tradeshow that reflects the current needs of industry.

The first Inuvik Petroleum Show was held in 2000. Its original purpose was to bring together industry, businesses and communities that would be involved in the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline. The goal was to build capacity of local people and businesses as well as establish relationships between stakeholders that would be necessary throughout the duration of the project.

The first annual Arctic Energy and Emerging Technologies Conference and tradeshow will be held June 13 to 16, 2016.

MLAs visit Inuvik-Tuk Highway Members of the Legislative Assembly and other regional leaders surveyed progress on the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway in March.

“We’re very pleased with the contractor’s progress to date as well as their commitment to local employment, training, safety and quality under difficult conditions,” said Minister Tom Beaulieu.

As of March 1, 2015, 602 people were employed to operate and maintain the heavy equipment and support vehicles, supply and operate the work camps, and manage all aspects of the project from engineering and design, to monitoring the construction area for signs of wildlife.

Over 70 per cent of the workforce was made up of residents from the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and other NWT communities. “It’s really something to celebrate,” said Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and MLA for Nunakput Jackie Jacobson.

The highway is scheduled to be completed in 2017.

Minimum wage increased to $12.50 The hourly minimum wage in the Northwest Territories is set to increase to $12.50 from $10 June 1. The rise will give the NWT one of the highest minimum wages in the country.

Clean Camps, Clean Coasts in Ulukhaktok

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or the last two years, Hunters and Trappers Committees (HTC) in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region have been taking part in WWF-Canada’s Clean Camps, Clean Coasts events, which aim to remove litter from hunting camps and coastal areas.

Workers clean up Victoria Island’s Kuuk River camp

In February, the Olokhaktomiut HTC wrapped up their clean-up of the Kuuk River in Prince Albert Sound, about 100 miles west of Ulukhaktok on Victoria Island.

By Paul Crowley, VP Arctic for WWF-Canada with input from the Olokhaktomiut HTC

Inuvialuk Carla Fraser was one of 1,372 artists and activists to have their beadwork showcased at the Walking With Our Sisters exhibit in Yellowknife.

The exhibit, held at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, ran from Jan. 9 to 24.

Walking With Our Sisters, an international touring art memorial, features 1,808 pairs of moccasin tops in honour and memory of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered. While Indigenous women make up only four percent of women in Canada, they represent 25 per cent of murdered and missing women. The moccasin uppers represent their unfinished lives.

The project acknowledges the on-going grieving process of the families and friends of the missing and murdered women and raises public awareness of this issue.

The installation is traveling to 32 communities in Canada and the United States before the final installation in September 2019. Yellowknife was the ninth community on the tour.

Starting last summer, three boats carrying six workers travelled to Kuuk River to clean up waste, specifically the large number of discarded fuel barrels cached in the area. A total of 220 barrels were recovered and picked up in February by 10 snowmobiles equipped with sleds. The pick-up took four days in total, as workers battled bad weather and equipment issues on the return journey.

The barrels are now waiting for the ice to melt so a barge can pick them up and take them for disposal at a facility in Yellowknife, likely in August or September.

All photos: Tessa Macintosh

Walking With Our Sisters

Photo: Olokhaktomiut Hunters and Trappers Committee

A Clean Camps, Clean Coasts worker loads discarded fuel barrels onto a sled for transport to Yellowknife, where they will be properly disposed.

Kuuk River has two cabins for use by those who travel throughout the year for subsistence harvesting of caribou and musk-ox. The camp is also used as a rest-stop for those traveling to other camps farther afield.

Photo: Roberta Adam

INUVIK & BEYOND

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Merissa Ipana at Ingamo Hall for the 50th anniversary celebrations of Johnny and Mary Allen

Nya Maring at the East Three Elementary School Heritage Fair

From Barrow, Alaska to Nuuk, Greenland, Inuvialuit are seizing upon opportunities to travel and share their rich culture abroad. In Inuvik, many more are taking part in activities that showcase their rich and vibrant traditions at home. Aarigaa!

“During spring me and my family love to travel to Husky Lakes,” photographer Roberta Adam explains. “We like to fish and enjoy the scenery. It’s a lot of fun to travel out on the land. You never know what to expect out there.”

Youth Turkey Shoot participants in Aklavik

Photo: Martin Lipman Students on Ice 2014 travelling from Kuujjuaq, QuĂŠbec to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on an ice-strengthened expedition vessel. Participants included Charlotte Irish, Davonna Kasook, Karen Benoit, Melody Teddy and Corey Esau

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

Muria McDonald at the East Three Elementary School Heritage Fair

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

Photo: Roberta Adam

Telly Stefure-Banksland at the East Three Elementary School Heritage Fair

Kivgiq 2015 in Barrow, Alaska

Evy Wilson at Kivgiq 2015 in Barrow, Alaska

Kivgiq 2015 in Barrow, Alaska

Pingos and rainbows in Tuktoyaktuk

Photo: Lee Narraway

Amber Lennie-Ipana and Charleigh Blake at the East Three Elementary School Heritage Fair

Destiny Pokiak and Christine Day grab hot chocolate and eskimo donuts at Boot Lake before heading to the Inuvik Sunrise Festival fireworks

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

Dalton McLeod takes part in the Cultural Lunch Program at East Three Secondary School

Students on Ice 2014

Kivgiq 2015 in Barrow, Alaska

Moose Kerr students Daniel Hartley, Jordan Archie, Sheila Hendrick, James Arey-Cardinal, Tessa Arey, Xander Joe and Robert Erigaktoakin celebrate Mad Trapper Week with fun and games at the Peel River

Photo: Martin Lipman

Kylik Kisoun Taylor puts the final touches on an igloo at the Inuvik Sunrise Festival in January

Students on Ice 2014

TedX Aklavik participants Velma Illasiak, Ed Hartley, James Williams, Shayla Snowshoe, Shane Douglas, Jordan Peterson, Leanne Goose, Inga Gardlund and Bobbi-Jo Greenland-Morgan

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

50th anniversary celebrations for Johnny and Mary Allen at Ingamo Hall

The Cultural Lunch Program at East Three Secondary School

FOXY participants Kennidi Prince, Nora Amos, Roslyn Rogers, Jaylene Ruben, Lauren Ross and Kaleigh Greenland

The reindeer herd from the air

Photo: Herbert Allen

Cousins Willow and Danielle Allen

Kivgiq 2015 in Barrow, Alaska Photo: Keegan Greenland

Students on Ice 2014

Photo: Martin Lipman

Mangilaluk School basketball players win big in Fort McPherson

Photo: Krista Cudmore

Max Stewart and Lesli Kisoun dancing at the Inuvik Sunrise Festival

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Mayor Floyd Roland prepares to place the final pieces of the igloo he built with Kylik Kisoun Taylor for the Inuvik Sunrise Festival

East Three Elementary School student Keegan Greenland did his Heritage Fair project on the history of the Last Patrol

Adrianna Hendrick and Amber Ipana clowning around at Ingamo Hall

Photo: Bruce Noksana

Justin Rogers at the Inuvik Sunrise Festival old time dance at East Three School

Photo: Lee Narraway

Photo: Lee Narraway

Turkey Shoot at the Sam Arey Curling Club in Aklavik

Eena Kilabuk, Corey Esau and Dennis Kavanna, Students on Ice 2014

Kivgiq 2015 in Barrow, Alaska

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

Corey Esau, Students on Ice 2014

Bruce Noksana with his catch outside of Tuktoyaktuk

The Inuvik Sunrise Festival bonfire

Alexia Baldwin and Dena Lennie at the The East Three Elementary School Heritage Fair

Inuvik Drummers and Dancers performing at Kivgiq in Barrow, Alaska

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

Photo: Martin Lipman

Edward Kogiak and his son Zayden perform at Kivgiq in Barrow, Alaska

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

Students on Ice 2014 Sisters Starr, Trinity and Francine Elanik grab slushies after school in Aklavik

Prairie Dawn Edwards slides with students at the Peel River as part of Mad Trapper Week at Moose Kerr School

Elder Turkey Shoot winners in Aklavik

A young dancer at Kivgiq in Barrow, Alaska. Kivgiq, the Messenger Feast, is a North Slope Borough celebration. Traditionally hosted to mark a good whaling season, it was revived in the 1980s as a semi-annual community event and now features drum dancers from across the Arctic.

Adult Turkey Shoot winners in Aklavik

Photo: Ippiksaut Friesen

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

Sarah Ahngasak Eckley greeting old friends at Kivgiq in Barrow, Alaska

Photo: Jeremy Mosher

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Crazywater words by Review Dez Loreen E

ssentially, Crazywater is a documentary about alcoholism.

This makes it both very easy and very difficult to talk about. On the one hand, we all have experience with alcohol, but, like director Dennis Allen says in this film, there is such a stigma when it comes to alcohol and the Aboriginal community. I have worked with Allen on film features and TV programming in the past, and know the kind of work he puts in and the dedication he has for his art. This documentary film is a shining example of his skill when it comes to telling a story.

Elders in Aklavik

Northern Games in Inuvik

Allen’s story is a personal one, and it is told very well in this film. The National Film Board of Canada did good by their viewers by producing this feature.

Alcoholism, a powerful subject, is taken head on by someone who has survived it. The stories of the people featured in the film, the mother and daughter, the father and the young man who couldn’t shake the bottle, these all felt too real to me. I have people in my life who go through the same motions and fight those same demons.

FOXY participants at East Three Secondary School

I give all the credit to Allen for telling a story that has often been hidden by those who can’t face the truth. When it comes down to it, there are many of us who need help when it comes to addictions. Drugs, alcohol and gambling all affect those we know and love.

I hope this film shows people that by talking to each other and facing these addictions, we can become a healthier community by returning to our Aboriginal traditions.

Photo; Floyd L. Davidson

The Inuvik Sunrise Festival opening ceremonies

Kivgiq 2015 in Barrow, Alaska

I couldn’t write this without reflecting on what was the most impactful moment of an interview I have ever seen, when Allen speaks about his own father’s death. I can only imagine the amount of relief that he feels for being able to share that with his audience.

By watching Crazywater, I learned about the benefits Aboriginal culture has on people who are battling addiction. The subjects in the film, by taking part in ceremonies, dancing and other cultural rituals, find a peace they did not previously have. It might sound cliche, but I believe we can find out a lot about ourselves and how to cope with the ups and downs of life by rediscovering our ancestry. I wish anyone the best in reaching back into their own history and finding out more about themselves.

Watching Crazywater was hard for me, even the second time around.

Personally, having gone from a lifestyle of partying to a settled down, loving life with a wife and daughter, I can easily say I don’t miss the bottle. Hearing the stories from the subjects in the film about going off to drink at such young ages, or doing hard drugs, made me feel blessed that I didn’t get washed up with all that. Luckily, I had a support system and loving family to help me straighten up. While I’m not out of the woods yet, I am dealing with it. I know my limit and, most of the time, I can stay within it.

After watching Allen’s documentary, Crazywater, I feel for the people who haven’t broken that cycle. The denial, the dishonesty, the suffering. All I can do is keep myself out of that pit that I have been in for far too long, and to try and help others as well.

Addictions won’t ever been eradicated completely, but with the right support, we can have more happy endings.

Crazywater, with its honest portrayal of alcoholism, proves just that.

To read a Q&A with Crazywater director Dennis Allen, go to page 60.

Place of Man You may see this place as drunks and stoners, and people who may look like loners.

I understand what you see.

I’ll tell you the truth, come walk with me.

You see, a lot happens on weekends and weekdays.

It’s all the drugs and alcohol, the cops say, but when you live it and feel it you may think different, ‘cause you witness it all, ‘cause sometimes you were in it.

And when you see as a tourist does, it could blind your eyes of what was the cause.

So before you judge our people with the things you say, re-think.

You never know what happened on this day.

It could have been violent or could have been a loss, or it could have been a layoff letter from the boss.

All of these can trigger an action they can regret, and leave a memory they’ll never forget.

But from all this can come out good, and show a tourist a native can succeed as they should.

So I hope your mind changes when our walk ends, ‘cause you may end up with a new friend.

If not, you know our story, and in the end you wouldn’t worry, ‘cause where you are and where you stand is a location called ‘Place of Man.’

by Terrance Allen

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BEAUTY OF THE LAND IMAGES BY INUVIALUIT PHOTOGRAPHERS IN PAULATUK, SACHS HARBOUR AND ULUKHAKTOK

PAULATUK

WORDS AND IMAGES BY BY JERRI THRASHER

One of the creeks you have to cross on your way to Fred Matthews for akpik (cloudberry) picking.

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Siksiks (ground squirrels) having an argument.

Ethan Ruben picking akpiks (cloudberries). After, he ate them all.

Shirley Esau making friends on her early morning

Akpik (cloudberry) picking in Fred Matthews.

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Ethan Ruben casting once more before bedtime.

Tina Esau cleaning berries.

My beautiful mother scanning the land for bears before bed at Fred Matthews.

On our way back home.

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Earl Esau in Sachs Harbour.

SACHS HARBOUR

IMAGES BY TREVOR LUCAS

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Shelby and Mariah Lucas enjoying their time out on the land.

John Lucas Sr. hunting Arctic wolf in Sachs Harbour.

Scenes outside Duckhawk Bluffs on Banks Island.

Doreen Carpenter showing off her Arctic char dryfish.

Donna Keogak, Kierstyn Lucas and Samantha Lucas around the fire.

A seal surfaces in Sachs Harbour.

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The muskox of Banks Island.

Ryan Lucas with Arctic char outside his parents’ house in Sachs Harbour.

A rough-legged hawk chick at Fish Lakes.

Ryan Lucas skinning a seal.

Camp at Masik Pass.

Steven Lucas poses proudly with his muskox.

Trevor Lucas shows off his catch.

Common Ringed Plover.

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My daughter Daisy Alonak saying, “OMG! Can we get one!” as she saw a beluga whale for the first time.

This is one of my favourite photos - of a nattik (seal) looking up inside the ainek (crack in the ocean ice), checking to see if it is safe to come up.

My brother Gibson Kudlak when we went back to a childhood camp, reminiscing about our life growing up.

Ulukhaktok elder Allen Joss retrieves a nattik (seal) at the open water at the mouth of King’s Bay.

Our ATVs sitting on ice so clear it looks like we were floating on water.

WORDS + IMAGES BY ADAM KUDLAK

ULUKHAKTOK Katie Inuktalik, Carmella Klengenberg, my sister Emily Kudlak and Mona Kuneyuna. That night each woman harpooned a seal through the ice.

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Life in the cage James Williams’ journey from Northern Games ambassador to MMA fighter Words by Dez Loreen / Photos by Shayla Snowshoe

James Williams is no stranger to athletics. Since he was a young boy, he was shown the traditions of the Northern Games from his uncle Donald Kuptana. Then throughout high school, Williams was always on the ice, eventually playing Junior A hockey for different teams across Canada. the first time, and within his first few sessions he already knew he wanted more.

NWT talent on the card, and it would be a great start for Williams’ amateur MMA career.

He was six months into jiu-jitsu training when a friend convinced him to give the combat sport (popularized in Canada by Georges St-Pierre) a try.

Then, almost immediately, an opportunity for a fight came up. He was given the Christmas holidays to decide if he would take his first fight with only four months notice.

That December Williams stepped into the ‘Just Fitness’ MMA gym in Yellowknife for

A super card was being made for Yellowknife, where he grew up. There was already some

It was a lot to think about.

Even though Williams had a background in jiu-jitsu, being in a real fight would be much different. When competing in jiu-jitsu, there is no striking, only throws and holds.

Williams knew he would need to increase his ability in the cage if he wanted to succeed.

But it wasn’t until 2012 that Williams found his true calling – in the middle of a cage as a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.

In early 2013, his coach started him in boxing and kickboxing to round out his skill-set.

Arming him with punches, kicks and knee attacks would strengthen his stand-up fighting. More emphasis was put on his jiu-jitsu training as well, so he would be comfortable on the ground or in any situation in a real fight.

Whenever I watch that video of my first fight, I think ‘Oh man, that was fun, that all my friends and family were there.’”

30

In the months leading up to his first amateur MMA bout, Williams says he looked to his coaches and trainers for their advice on how to prepare.

“Before my first fight, I didn’t know what to think, but my coaches were ready to help me,” said Williams.

He lost weight in the weeks leading to the fight. There were sleepless nights and days where all he would think about was his opponent. But despite the lack of sleep, Williams said his body was ready.

“I would wake up energized from three to four hours of sleep,” he said.

He was warned about the

adrenaline rush when the fight begins and the inevitable crash once the first round is over.

Williams said that when you sit down in your corner after the first round of fighting, all your body wants to do is rest.

Controlling your body and using the adrenaline properly is key to making it through a fight. Williams said he kept himself in check during his first fight and wanted to avoid overstressing himself.

“It was an awesome feeling. I knew to keep my composure, keep calm,” he said.

The emotion in that arena in April 2013 was intense. That night people came from all over to see a few local fighters representing the NWT go head to head with fighters from across Canada.

That night the ringside was packed full of friends, family and MMA fans all wanting to see a real spectacle in the cage.

When it was Williams’ time to enter the arena, he walked past his parents, sister, packs of friends, screaming fans and his entire hockey team who came out to support him.

Williams remembers standing in his corner of the cage before the fight, listening to the sound of his family cheering behind him.

“I could hear the whole crowd,” he said.

“Whenever I watch that video of my first fight, I think ‘Oh man, that was fun, that all my friends and family were there.’”

He won his first MMA fight that night when the doctor stopped his opponent from starting the second round. Williams

described the entire experience as ‘unreal.’

Just as soon as he was cleaned up after his fight, he was surrounded by friends and family.

With his first win under his belt, it was time to keep the momentum going. The mantra his coaches told him was that nobody gets better by taking time off.

Now, Williams trains six days a week, taking Sunday as a rest day. But even that involves some activity, so he is always working his body.

“It’s a full-time job,” he said.

During the summer, Williams works as a parks enforcement officer for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

It’s shift work, which means working for days on end from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. He says it can make it challenging to fit training into his daily schedule.

When he is off he can train in the evenings, but when he is working during the summer months he needs to switch his training to the morning.

Persistence and hard work are key to his success.

Aside from training for his fights, Williams is also an ambassador for arctic sports.

In March 2015 he toured across the NWT with Aboriginal Sports Circle, putting on workshops and demonstrations of a wide variety of northern games. Williams said he is proud to be a part of the new generation of athletes who are passing on these traditions.

“We were taught by so many people, like Abel, Edward, Junior, Gerry. They passed it

on to us, and it feels great to be passing it on now,” said Williams.

Back in Yellowknife, Williams trains with the rest of the members of team Warrior Strong, led by John Stanley.

Stanley has been coaching professional and amateur MMA fighters for the past 19 years.

There are currently 10 fighters on the team, all training to become top-level fighters. They train for 12 hours a week in boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They also have five conditioning sessions a week, and on top of all that they weight train as well.

“It is a time consuming and demanding sport,” said Stanley.

Williams has some advice for anyone looking to start training in MMA. He said eating healthy and making good decisions are key to being strong and fit.

“Find time to be with your supporters, friends, family, because they are the ones helping you,” he said.

Williams is the first NWT born fighter to challenge for a title.

Now, looking forward to his next challenges, Williams says he knows how to approach his fights.

“It’s just another fight, another chance to go harder than before,” he said.

Since April 2013, Williams has fought as an amateur five times, earning a record of two wins, three losses and no draws.

His first professional MMA fight is scheduled for May 2015 in Yellowknife.

32

Growing up Inuvik Words by Emily Rutherford

“The moment, and the intensity of the drumbeat, really resonated with the spirit of the dances ... I loved moving to the beat of the drums, feeling the music flowing through me while going through the same motions that were started by Inuvialuit hundreds of years ago.�

I

’m sure some people giggled to themselves when they saw a skinny little white girl wearing mukluks and a fur-lined purple parki as she walked to school. That image is a bit unexpected, isn’t it? But that’s just it. There probably weren’t many thoughts like that because the Inuvialuit of Inuvik are very open with their culture and love sharing and introducing it to new people. I know this by experience, having first moved to Inuvik when I was just two years old.

being in Inuvik, I’ve tried different kinds of traditional food – caribou, dry fish, even muktuk! My favourite is caribou.

I’ve had caribou cooked at home, as well as at community feasts. I tried muktuk at a friend’s house. There are so many methods of preserving food up north. Dry fish and dry meat were, and still are, very common food sources and a popular preserving tactic. One thing I’d like to try while I’m in the north is pemmican. Pemmican is a mixture of berries, dry meat and fat which stays preserved up to 30 months! I’m looking forward to trying it.

My first experience with Inuvialuit culture was probably drum dancing at the Midnight Sun Recreation Centre. Another memory I have is of making ice-fishing sticks in I remember putting on my beautiful purple parki with Grade 6. We shaped our sticks and then were shown how arctic fox fur trim and walking over from Sir Alexander to shape the bone and nail to make a hook. Later that year, Mackenzie School. I loved learning the different dances, my dad took me out jiggling and we caught lots of coney, and whenever we would dance I would ask to do “scraping loch and jackfish. It was really interesting learning how skin”. I also really enjoyed watching the professionals to fish through that hole in the ice, not being able to see if drum dance – those who learned it growing up in the you would end up going home with fish or not. I imagined Delta. I thought the moment, and the intensity of the what it would have been like to sit there, knowing that drumbeat, really resonated whatever you brought home “Being out there between the willows with the spirit of the dances. would be your family’s meal and the trees, the wind grazing my that day. One thing I also It took some time to learn all the choreography, and we cheeks in the crisp cold, I imagined learned from jiggling is that always had someone standing depending on where you hold what it would have been like in front of us showing us what your hook you will most likely travelling for days and days on my to do. I loved moving to the catch different fish. Coney beat of the drums, feeling way home from a hunt, or to a small swim closer to the top of the the music flowing through water under the ice, so if you community to get supplies.” me while going through the hold your hook higher, that’s same motions that were started by Inuvialuit hundreds of what you’ll catch. But if you hold your hook low, close to years ago. The significance of the dances was something the bottom, you’ll most likely catch a loch because they that really stuck out to me, how each one had a different are bottom feeders. meaning and purpose. I thought it would have been a very imaginative and fun way to keep warm in the frigid winters I look around this town and see so much rich and vibrant of the Arctic. culture on display. I see it in the beautiful clothing, such as fur mitts, warm fur mukluks made from a variety of skins, I moved away again, but then returned in Grade 3 to live parkis trimmed with fox, wolf, rabbit, or the occasional with my dad because of his business in Inuvik. Everyone wolverine fur. I see the activities like drum dancing that was just as welcoming as the first time. When I was seven keep the culture alive so well, and watch the passion and years old I went on a dogsled for the first time. Being out teamwork of the Northern Games. Inuvialuit culture is like there between the willows and the trees, the wind grazing nothing else and needs to be shared with as many people my cheeks in the crisp cold, I imagined what it would have as possible – visitors, newcomers, everyone. Technology been like travelling for days and days on my way home has had a huge impact on young people today, and we need from a hunt, or to a small community to get supplies. It to work even harder to keep the culture alive for future was at the Arctic Chalet, and probably not exactly the generations. I think Inuvialuit culture is beautiful, diverse way that the Inuvialuit used to dogsled with their skin and friendly. It should be preserved so that people from sled bags or the carcasses of animals they had harvested, foreign places can experience it as wonderfully as so many but the feeling, and imagining how it would have been to people, including myself, have in the past. If everyone that travel everywhere this way, really made an impact on me. were to visit the north left with one memory of the unique It is impossible to talk about Inuvialuit pride and culture experiences they had with the culture, it would be kept without talking about traditional foods. Over the years alive in their hearts and the culture would never die.

34

JOURNEY TO BABY ISLAND WORDS AND PHOTOS BY TAMARA GORDON

I

t’s been two years since I’ve been out on the land. I am more than excited to go to Baby Island. All of my family is slowly getting ready and I’m getting more excited by the minute.

camp for teenagers. We all carry our bags to our camp, first walking through the thick sand, then the rocks.

We settle in and clean up our camp, considering our family hasn’t been here for a couple of years.

“We just seen a herd of whales crossing the ocean,” Jack calls out on the radio.

I haven’t gone on this trip for what seems like a long time. It feels good to get out of town and enjoy this

“Roger that,” Aces says.

month spending time with family. I think of all the

We rush our packs to the boat and quickly pick the

memories I had when I was younger, how much fun I

strongest men to help with the job. It is a very difficult

had. They are all flooding back to me. I’m happy I made

job to do considering the whales can weigh up to 3,300

the decision to go.

pounds. It is the men’s job to get the whales, and the

After so much preparation, we are finally ready to go

women’s job to cut it up.

spend the month at Baby Island. We jump on the boat,

I make my way up the hill and see the spot I used to

sit down and make ourselves comfortable, knowing it

always go. I sit on the little hill and take in the view.

will be a long five- or six-hour-long boat ride. We sit

I have a perfect view of the ocean and see the boat

tight and the journey to Baby Island begins.

taking off. I can’t believe I forgot how beautiful the

On our way we see a moose! We stopped the boat to take a few photos. It is one big moose! All I can think about is eating the meat, but we continue our journey.

We make it to Baby Island after several hours. There are already a lot of people here, and I am happy to see new faces. There are four camps in total: the Angasuk family, the Ipana family, the Gordon family and an older

view is! I take a good look at the ocean and see white things swimming up and down in the water. “Are those the whales?” I think to myself. They have to be!

I run back down the hill to grab my grandpa’s binoculars, sit in the sand and watch the whales. It looks like there are millions! I spot my uncle’s boat and it looks like my brother has the harpoon in his hands. If he kills this whale it will be his first kill. On

THROUGH THE BINOCULARS I SPOT MY UNCLE’S BOAT AND IT LOOKS LIKE MY BROTHER HAS THE HARPOON IN HIS HANDS. IF HE KILLS THIS WHALE IT WILL BE HIS FIRST KILL.”

the left of him there’s my uncle with the gun, and he shoots. It looks like he missed. He shoots again and the whale slows down. Aces takes aim and shoots for

“Pull!” Jack calls out.

Everyone pulls as hard as they can, but they make little progress.

the whale right in the skull. The whale looks weak and they quickly chase it down until it’s dead. Once it has

“Pull!” Jack calls out again.

stopped it floats on top of the water, and they quickly

Little by little they drag the whale onto the Island. Once

tie the whale up on the boat. The boat tips a little and

it reaches shore everyone is sweating and looking tired.

the men make their way to the other side of the boat so

My uncle comes along with a measuring tape to size up

they can equal out the weight a little. The boat slowly

the whale. It spans 12 feet from nose to tail. My aunty

makes its way back to the Island.

Esther starts cutting the head off and tosses it to the

“They caught one, everyone! They caught one!” I yell out.

side. As she does, seagulls fly around her like crazy. My nannuk, my mom, Esther and my aunty Meredith all

All of the families make their way down to the bank, ready to help out. As the boat reaches the bank, they

start cutting up the whale with their sharp ulus. I pay close attention so I can help them one day.

release the whale off the boat and toss the rope onto the island. Everyone grabs hold and it’s like they’re playing tug-of-war with the whale.

They start in the chest of the whale, making square-like shapes from the whale’s blubber. They then rinse it in

36

THE SMELL OF FRESH HOMEMADE DONUTS MAKES MY MOUTH WATER. MY AUNTY’S ESKIMO DONUTS ARE MY FAVOURITE.”

the ocean and place it on a big piece of plywood. Once they’re done they make their way to the working table and clean off the excess blubber from the whale. Then they hang it up on a homemade rack, row by row. They clean up the mess they made cutting up the whale and place it in a big pale. There’s quite a bit of scraps and the seagulls look hungry. The women make their way to the shore and start throwing scraps to the seagulls. I grab a piece myself, throwing it high in the air.

Our hands are thick with muktuk, so we wash them in cold, soapy water. The ocean is pretty dirty from the open whale and my mom insists we don’t swim today.

We make our way into the cabin and the smell of fresh homemade donuts makes my mouth water. My aunty’s eskimo donuts are my favourite. Beside her is a big pot of soup for our big family. My nanuk asks me to set up the table, which means arrange tablemats on the floor for the younger ones. I put out bowls and spoons.

Supper is almost ready. Yum! Caribou soup and donuts.

I cannot ask for a better supper.

We need to leave the muktuk hanging on the racks for a couple days, until we can work with it again. As soon as the muktuk has been hung up long enough, we grab the squared pieces and place them into pails so they don’t spoil. Spoiled muktuk can be very dangerous, so it’s important to ask your elders if it’s good to eat.

If you’ve had it for too long, it’s time to throw it out.

Keeping it frozen is a good way to keep it fresh. When it’s time to eat the muktuk, peel off the whale skin, trim the fat to your liking and cut it up into small pieces. I recommend eating muktuk with HP sauce and salt.

IRC CUP 2015

COMMEMORATIVE TEAM POSTER

Malena Selects

Hustlers Hockey Club

Aklavik Knights

Ned’s Heroes

LJ’s Sabres

Tuk Bulldogs

IRC CUP 2015 COMMEMORATIVE TEAM POSTER

1. Aklavik Outlaws 2. Northwind 3. Malena Selects

A-DIVISION

1. LJ’s Sabres 2. Tuk Bulldogs 3. Ned’s Heroes

B-DIVISION

FINAL STANDINGS

Bar-C Uugyuks

Old Dogs

Northwind

Aklavik Outlaws Northwind Malena Selects Hustlers Hockey Club

A-DIVISION TEAMS

PCM Pros

Aklavik Outlaws

Tuk Siglit

PCM Pros Tuk Siglit Aklavik Knights Ned’s Heroes

B-DIVISION TEAMS

Old Dogs LJ’s Sabres Tuk Bulldogs Bar-C Uugyuks Paulatuk Storm (stormed in)

The 2015 IRC Cup was a huge success, thanks in no small part to Wilma Hendrick, Donny Hendrick and the countless volunteers who help to organize the event year after year. quyanainni to all the sponsors, fundraisers, players and fans who make the “Stanley Cup of the North” such an incredible event

to attend. And congratulations to the Aklavik Outlaws and LJ’s Sabres who battled Northwind and Tuk Bulldogs to take home first place trophies this year. We’ll see you next year at the 28th annual IRC Cup!

us

Fo c on t

ge

ar

et

th

NORTHERN GAMES AND PROPER TECHNIQUES

Swing Kick

Words by No r photos by Na thern Games Society thalie Heiber g-Harrison

part 4 NORTHERN GAMES SERIES

do try this at home

Swing feet up

Rock hips forward

Kyle Kuptana demonstrates the Swing Kick

HISTORY

The swing kick is a game of agility. It develops an individual’s strength, quickness and body control. The objective of the game is to position your body in between your arms while sitting on the floor, and then balance on your hands with a belt looped around your knees and neck.

Swinging your body back and forth like a pendulum, you aim to hit a seal target with both your feet and then land softly back on the floor. This game helped hunters develop good balance and core body strength.

1.

To start, the participant sits on the floor with both knees bent, positioned together, and their feet flat on the floor. A belt is looped around both knees and placed around the neck. Their head should be approximately 3’’, or a fist-length, from their knees.

3.

The participant starts to rock back and forth to hit the seal target with both feet.

2.

The participant lifts themselves off the floor, balancing their body so they have a good centre of balance with legs stretched out, feet together and toes pointed forward.

4.

The final upward swing to hit the target.

6.

Seal target hit, participant rotates feet back to the ground.

5.

Once the participant has hit the seal target they will maintain balance with only their hands touching the floor.

7.

To finish, the participant touches their feet, and then their entire body, back to the ground.

Northern and Dene Games Summit 2015 photos by Nathalie Heiberg Harrison

Laughing Games

Blanket Toss

Animal muk

One hand reach

12 & Under Boys

Community

15 & Under Boys

Community

Keegan Arey

Aklavik

John Joseph Stewart

Aklavik

Isaiah Kailek

Aklavik

Erwin Papik

Aklavik

Edward Kay

Aklavik

Tyler Sittichinli

Aklavik

Anthony Kay

Aklavik

Philip Elanik

Aklavik

Connor Arey

Alkavik

Lloyd Prodromidis

Ft. McPherson

Joel Arey-Cardinal

Aklavik

John Francis

Ft. McPherson

Jayden Archie

Aklavik

Frazer Andre

Ft. McPherson

Bilal Mohammed

Inuvik

Trent Villebrun

Ft. McPherson

Marshal Brown

Inuvik

James Wolki

Paulatuk

Xavier Hansen

Inuvik

Jorgan Ruben

Paulatuk

Phoenix Mcnabb Lennie

Inuvik

Darius Andre

Tsiigehtchic

Keegan Greenland

Inuvik

Dale Blake

Tsiigehtchic

Colin Mitchener

Inuvik

Patrick Kaye

Tsiigehtchic

Junior Arey

Inuvik

Frank Elias

Tuktoyaktuk

Parker Burns

Inuvik

Jesse Elias

Tuktoyaktuk

Jason Jacobson

Inuvik

Draylen Klengeberg

Tuktoyaktuk

Riley Day

Inuvik

Nathan Kuptana

Tuktoyaktuk

Jason Nasogaluak

Inuvik

Neal Kuptana

Tuktoyaktuk

Sam Skinner

Inuvik

Lance Nogasak

Tuktoyaktuk

Josh Dekwant

Inuvik

Jacob Klengenberg

Ulukhaktok

Shane Bleakney

Inuvik

Nigel Koplomik

Ulukhaktok

Jacob Isreal

Inuvik

Jovian Pokiak

Inuvik

Conroy Alexie

Ft. McPherson

Clyde Elanik

Inuvik

Colton Alexie

Ft. McPherson

Paul O’connor

Inuvik

Morris Blake

Ft. McPherson

Underwood Day

Inuvik

Darby Robert

Ft. McPherson

Jarvis Mitchell

Inuvik

Jack Blake

Ft. McPherson

Kieran Ritias

Inuvik

James Wolki

Paulatuk

Elijah Day

Inuvik

Jorgan Rubn

Paulatuk

Tanner Gillis

Inuvik

Nathan Lennie

Tsiigehtchic

Cameron Wolki

Inuvik

Thomas Norbert

Tsiigehtchic

Quinton Ritias

Inuvik

Aiden Andre

Tsiigehtchic

Derrien Firth

Inuvik

Mavrick Elias

Tuktoyaktuk

Braeden Picek

Inuvik

Blayne Illiasiak

Tuktoyaktuk

Winter Allen

Inuvik

James Keevik

Tuktoyaktuk

Erik Kudlak

Sachs Harbour

Jakob Lafferty

Tuktoyaktuk

Krish Sharma

Inuvik

19 & Under Boys

Community

Shaomek Bernhardt

Inuvik

Arnold Archie

Aklavik

Kai Cardinal

Inuvik

Billy Tyrrell

Aklavik

Jacob Lennie

Inuvik

Dakota Koe

Ft. McPherson

Keegan Greenland

Inuvik

Brayden Neyando

Ft. McPherson

Edward Wolki

Inuvik

Paul Green

Paulatuk

Dalton MacLeod

Inuvik

Austin Inuaslurak

Tuktoyaktuk

Mitchel Inuktalik

Ulukhaktok

Blaine Pingo-Lucas

Tuktoyaktuk

Devon Notaina

Ulukhaktok

Chris Church

Inuvik

Tegan Tuptana

Ulukhaktok

Jozef Semmler

Inuvik

Davey Inglangasuk

Inuvik

Keenan Wolki

Inuvik

Liam Larocque

Inuvik

Johnny Charlie

Inuvik

Joseph Kaye

Inuvik

12 & Under Girls

Community

12 & Under Girls

Community

Kaidynce Storr

Aklavik

Eriel Lugt

Tuktoyaktuk

Petra Arey

Aklavik

Janelle Pokiak

Tuktoyaktuk

Kennedi Greenland

Aklavik

Destiny Pokiak

Inuvik

Alice Erigaktoak

Aklavik

Paris Wainman

Inuvik

Tisha Koe

Aklavik

Lauren Ross

Inuvik

Gloria Whitbread

Aklavik

Lacee Cockney

Inuvik

Clarrissa Elanik

Aklavik

Gabrielle Nogasak

Inuvik

Nancy Papik

Aklavik

Lexis McDonald

Inuvik

Annie Erigaktoak

Aklavik

Isabelle Day

Inuvik

Kianna Goeson

Inuvik

Lekeisha Raymond

Inuvik

Danielle Kelly

Inuvik

Shalayah Raymond

Inuvik

Jazelle Pokiak

Inuvik

Kaydra Nogasak

Tuktoyaktuk

Tiara Nasogaluak

Inuvik

Gracelynn F-S

Inuvik

15 & Under Girls

Community

Alexa Kuptana

Inuvik

Cassandra Paul

Aklavik

Caroline Johnson

Inuvik

Elaine Elanik

Aklavik

Tyanna Bain

Inuvik

Hayven Elanik

Aklavik

Kiersten Rogers

Inuvik

Brooke Buchanan

Ft. McPherson

AndreAnne Gagnon

Inuvik

Jaydee Alexie

Ft. McPherson

Isobel Jellema

Inuvik

Keasha Green

Paulatuk

Alexia Baldwin

Inuvik

Heather Thrasher

Paulatuk

Jocelyn Cole

Inuvik

Blaire Bernhardt

Tuktoyaktuk

Felicia Elanik

Inuvik

Allysa Felix

Tuktoyaktuk

Jasmine Firth

Inuvik

Mahlena Ross-Gruben Tuktoyaktuk

Raghvi Sharma

Inuvik

Makayla Kikoak

Inuvik

Keely Voudrach

Inuvik

Christine Day

Inuvik

Cassandra Collison

Inuvik

Maddysen K.D.

Inuvik

Charleigh Blake

Inuvik

Halayna Cockney

Inuvik

Haili Vittrekwa

Inuvik

Lynsey Krutko

Inuvik

Cassidy Lennie Ipana

Inuvik

Kaleigh Greenland

Inuvik

Libby Day-MacLeod

Inuvik

Caitlin Church

Inuvik

Mataya Gillis

Inuvik

Chris-Lin Hvatum

Inuvik Inuvik

Inuvik

Lesli Kisoun

Kyra McDoanld

Inuvik

Roslyn Rogers

Inuvik

Kaylin Harder

Inuvik

Dakota Joss

Inuvik

Katie Prince

Inuvik

Olivia Inglangasuk

Inuvik

Shinise Vittrekwa

Ft. McPherson

Florence Nasagaluak

Inuvik

Shaeniel Kay

Ft. McPherson

Cheyenne Gully

Sachs Harbour

Sunny Alexie

Ft. McPherson

Jasmine Keogak

Sachs Harbour

Darlene Omingmak

Ft. McPherson

Calysta Kudlak

Sachs Harbour

Janelle Vaneltsi

Ft. McPherson

Casydie Kudlak

Sachs Harbour

Rhianna Firth

Ft. McPherson

Alexis Lucas

Sachs Harbour

Kobe Alexie

Ft. McPherson

Kennidi Dillon

Inuvik

Darby Roberts

Ft. McPherson

Davina Benoit-Cardinal

Tsiigehtchic

19 & Under Girls

Community

Elisa Andre-Mitchell

Tsiigehtchic

Grace Illasiak

Aklavik

Breeanna Lennie

Tsiigehtchic

Joelle Archie

Aklavik

Dayle Cole

Tsiigehtchic

Kendall Archie

Aklavik

Jasmine Gruben

Tuktoyaktuk

Jaylene Kasook

Inuvik

Jessica Gruben

Tuktoyaktuk

Tessa Kendi

Inuvik

Mikayla Jacobson

Tuktoyaktuk

Anna-May Andre

Inuvik

Jewel Keevik

Tuktoyaktuk

Amanda Andre

Inuvik

Carmen Kuptana

Tuktoyaktuk

Karly King Simpson

Inuvik

Cassandra Kuptana

Tuktoyaktuk

Charis Dillon

Inuvik

Nora Amos

Inuvik

Kierra McDonald

One hand reach

hand games Laughing games

46

Inuvik through their eyes Program Participants Felicia Elanik Jason Jacobson Chance Cockney Roslyn Rogers Florence Thrasher Heather Thrasher Eve Taylor Vaughn Taylor Lesli Kisoun Annabel Edwards Brian Kudlak Cherish Dillon Felene Loreen Ronnie Taylor Jaylene Ruben Dre Neyando Delaney Arey Marissa Constantino Angie Edwards Hunter Cockney Destiny Pokiak Jovian Pokiak Peter Francy Derrien Firth

Photography from the Inuvik Youth Centre’s Arctic Ninja Photography Program

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WOR DS B Y A N G E L A V O U D RA C H IM AGES BY I P P I KS A UT F R I E S E N TR AN SLAT I O N B Y L I L L I A N E L IA S

Qimiviniarjuk: A Blind Boy This story of Qimiviniarjuk is an Inuit legend that has been told for hundreds of years. My aunty Anna Pingo loves to tell stories, and I enjoy every one, but this is one of my favourites. I enjoy the lesson it teaches – forgiveness, although it might be harder, is more valuable than revenge.

“Qimiviniarjuk!” Luumaq shouts at her son. “There’s a nannuq outside the iglu! I need you to kill it!”

She puts something into his large hands, getting red and pink on his fingers.

Qimiviniarjuk’s breathing becomes heavy and shallow as sweat falls down his face. A second later, he can feel a harpoon being shoved into his hands by his mother.

“What kind of meat is this? Did I hit Quluk?” he says, feeling panicked. If I hit my dog with the harpoon, Qimiviniarjuk thinks, I would be forever hurt.

“Kill it now!,” she cries as he is pushed toward the growling and groaning of a bear.

Qimiviniarjuk points the harpoon away from his body and jabs at the air for what seems like hours.

He feels his feet sink into the softening snow and mud of spring. After a while, everything is silent except for the stomping of Luumaq’s feet heading toward him.

“You scared it away!” Luumaq says, pushing Qimiviniarjuk back into the shack. “Stay there.”

As hours go by, he waits. The sun hides beneath the horizon and the stars appear. The door of the shack opens and someone enters. He can feel the cold wind against his cheeks, biting his skin.

“Qimiviniarjuk, I brought you something,” the boy’s sister says. Her voice is a quiet whisper and she smells of sweet, fresh meat.

“No, you did not hit Quluk. But you did hit that nanook, the one Luumaq wanted you to kill. She did not want you to know. She hoped instead that you got killed by the nanook, but you killed it,” the girl explained, feeling sad.

Qimiviniarjuk eats the meat as his sister explains how their mother feels about him, how she feels that he is a burden.

“Can you take me to the lake?,” the boy asks.

“Of course,” she says as she takes his hand.

Their fingers are intertwined as they walk through the snow and mud. Twigs get caught on their parkas and mukluks, but they keep going. They stop at the sight of blue waters and green grass with moss-covered trees. Fireweed and lichen cover the ground. They step on a few cranberries and blueberries, turning their mukluks red and purple.

“We’re here,” said the girl, her tiny voice ringing with excitement.

U QALU N G N N I K I H UM A U Ȓ A R NA M IK IL IȒ A NG A A NG E L A V O UD RACH M U M I K TI T A N G A L I L L I A N EL IA S

Qimiviniarjuk: Takpiilaq Angugaiyaaq Ingilahaarnihaq quliaqtuaq una Qimiviniarjuk inupiaguȓuq ilnglaraarnihaq quliararigaat tallimakipiatun ukiuni quliaqhimaȓuq. Atchangma Ana Pingum quliaqtuarinaȓarigaa una, nalaktuanaȓaarugitka iluqaiha, una aglaan nakuarilhaariga. Ilihautȓita quliaqtuam – piigurnakkun, huamalhaarung naqraluaqtuq, akihaqurnimin nakuulhaaqtuq .

“Qmiviniarjuk!” Luumaq haqlautigaa irni. “nanuq hilatiptingnuktuq iglumnuk! Tuqutqugiga ilingnun!’’

“Tuqqȓȓung!” qilamik haqlalaktuq tinuȓaq himaan ugialaȓuamun imngalutuamunlu nanuq tyharnaqtuq.

Qimiviniriarum tuharnaqhiȓuq anirninga uunaqhilirhunilu maqiugaliqhuni kiinangani kataktuq imaaq. Akuqpangani ilitchuriliraa nauligaq aȓgangmini hua uuma aakangata.

Qimiviniarjuk iguutigaa nauligani timiminin ungahikivlugu hilaarȓuinamun nauligaqtuq hivihuuȓuamik qafinitaima ikaarnini, Ihigangni manguȓuat humun ilitchurigaik nirumaagȓuaqtun

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Qimiviniarjuk kneels before the cold water and drinks.

The icy water quenches his thirst, but as he leans for more, the soft voice of a loon sings out, hoping to get the boy’s attention. The call of its voice draws him in and he moves towards the sound.

“Qimiviniarjuk…Qimiviniarjuk…Do you need my help?”

The loon stares into Qimiviniarjuk’s face as it speaks.

“Yes,” replies Qimiviniarjuk. “My mother is terrible. I want to excape her. I want to be away from her, but I need to see. Please, can you help me?”

He begs the loon, hoping that it can help.

“Come in the water and hold on to me. I will help you,” the loon whispers.

The boy does as the loon says and goes under the water. The cold, clear liquid soaks his hair and clothes. His lungs call for oxygen. He can feel the loon taking him deeper and he feels the pressure of the water in his ears. Then, they start to go back up and his legs kick, hoping they can reach the surface. As soon as they do, Qimiviniarjuk’s lungs grasp at the air and he can feel a cool wind against his face.

“Can you see?” the loon asks.

“I can see light,” replies Qimiviniarjuk. Green lights and yellow lights. It’s amazing and much better than black, Qimiviniarjuk thinks.

They go back below the surface, again and again.

The third time they come up, the loon speaks.

“There. Now you can see like a loon.”

Qimiviniarjuk can see the green grass and the moss of the trees. The flowers are different colors and the berries look so delicious. The sun blinds him and the yellow rays hit his face. He sees the birds and the flies dance in the ocean breeze. The flurries of clouds mesmerize him and the clear, blue lake

holds his eyes captive. He can see the lichen on the ground, before the water touches the land.

“Thank you so much. You have helped me a lot,” says Qimiviniarjuk. He sees the loon’s red eyes and stares at his own reflection in the sparkling lake.

“Qimiviniarjuk, I have something to tell you before you leave,” says the loon. “Your mother is the

hunauva apunmun maramunlu manguktuaq upinrakȓami. Aatnugutaarman, hiakȓuipialaktuq tuharnatualuktuak tumiraqtuaq uqumaipalukhuni Luumaagum pihukarninga qaliȓuq upauȓaaraa.

“Iqitchaigin qimaigin!’’ Luumaq uqalaktuq, tinugaa Qimiviniarjuk ilguuȓamingnun tavȓaniituarin’’ Ikaarnini qafini taimma, utaqhirȓuaq. Hiqiniq pulaaqhiȓuq tautungnaiqhuni uvluriat nuiȓut. Upkuaq igluȓangangni upkuiqpalutaqtuq inuk ihiqpaliqhuq.

Qiqi ilitchurigaa uluangmini, kingmaaqhigaa uvinnga.

“Qimiviniarjuk, qaritchuuȓigikpin Tuharnapqauȓaqtuq uqaqahami ihivȓuurȓaqhuni tipigingniqhuq niqipiaqhungnaq, nutaatniqit.

Iliȓiȓuq aȓgakpanganun humik taimma, kaviqhiinaqtuk aȓgangik kavialaatulu.

pihukataqamik kimingnanik paunaranik tumailaavlutik, kamingikta atungangik kaiavlaaqhiruk gugtaarȓiȓglu.

“Tikittuguk,” arnaiyaaq, nipikihuuȓarhuni quviachaviuȓaqhuni. Qimiviniarjuk hitquqhuni imiqhiȓuq qiqnguȓuamik imarmik. Qiqinguȓuam imam imirukhiungairaa, ilitchurifaaqtuq atlanik, Qaqȓauq tuhaagaa qataihuuȓaqhuni atuqtuaq, angugauȓaq qiviaqhuhaaqlugu. Quaqqami qaipkarariga ilaa ahiin upanagutivligu nipaanun.

Qiniviniarjuk hiitquqhuni imiqtuq qiquȓuamik imirmik.

Iqiniqhuaq hikulialik imaq imiriuqtitkaa ‘atlanik tavȓani ilifaaqtuq, qaqȓaum tuharnapqauȓaqhuni ququlagaa, tautuktiniaqhuni ilitchuripkarniaqhuni, angugauȓamun. Ququlatingata qiviaqtitkaa tunganukhauȓaqtuqtuhaaȓaminun.

Qimiviniarjuk… Qimiviniarjuk.. Ikayuqtiqarukpiit””

“Qanuhiq una niqi? qalungmik piviik?” uqalautigaa, ihumaalu;iqhunga. Nauligarahuilugu qimiraa.

Qimiviniarjuk ihumaȓuq, aninirayaqtunga taimunga.

Qaqȓaum qiniraa Qimiviniarjuk kiinanganun uqalarmi “II” kiugaa Qimivinriajuuum. “Aakaga huinaupiaqtuq.

Aularnihuktunga ilaanin. Ilaaniichungngaiqhunga, aglaan tautuguktunga. nalarnilanga, ikayulavingaa?”

“Nagaa Qaluk aniningitkin. Aglaan nanuqtuatiin, Luumagum ilingnun tuqutqukanga.

Ilitchuripkailik kangatin.

Qaqȓauq apiqȓuraa ingiqȓuqtuq ikayuqhuvluni, ikayuqhupialanahuivluni.

Ihumanga uniuqtuq uuminga ihumagaluaqtuaq ilingnun tuqutqugaluakangatin, aglaan nanuq tuqqutan.’’

Arnaq, quviiqtuq.

Qimiviniarjuk niriȓuq niqipiamik atauȓangata uqauigaa ilitchuripkarniaqlugu aakanga qanuq ihumatigitilaanga, pinailuqutaunivlugu ihumalutautiginivlugu aakanganun.

“Naȓvamuutilavingaa?” angugauȓam apiqȓuraa.

“II ikayulaaviuȓarikpin,” uqalautigaa aȓgangagun tiguvlugu aulautigaa.

Aȓgatik pituktuarȓivlugik pihukataqhamik aputikun marakunlu. Uqpikluuȓat navluqlugik atigingik kamangiklu iłaqhutaqtaqlugit, nutqalaitchuk aglaan pihukataqtuaraqtuk.Nutqalaavlutik tunguyuqtaq imalingmun tunguyuqtaq ivgilu tammaȓa ivȓuniklu napaaqtut avalulgit. Nauȓiat ivrut nunami ittut.

“Qain imarmugin tiguminga imammami.

Ikayuqhiikpin.” Qaqȓaum ihivȓuuȓautigaa.

Angaiyaaq hutqumani qaqȓaum maliktuaraa nakaqtuq immamun. Qiqnguȓuamun, qivliqtuamun imaq nutchani atnuraatuumarmi. Puvangik aniqhaaruliqhuk. Ilitchuriȓuq itȓuamukhiinautimani qaqȓaum hiutingt umiktaliqhuk imiqhutik, Ahiin, utiqhauȓaaqhiȓuk qunmun niuminik aqihaqtuq, uuktuarutigivlugik qalimagaami puivikȓamingnun.

Puipqarumik, Qimiviniarjuk puvangik aniqhaarataqtuq ilitchurigaa qiqi anuri kinangani.

“Tautulaviit” qaqȓaum apiqȓuraa.

“Qaumaniq tautulagiga,’’ uqalautigaa Qimiviniarjuumm. Tunguyutaaq quqtaat nannik tautukikka.Aarigaa tautuyurnaqtut nakuulqaat taalangmin, Qimiviniarjuk ihumaȓuq.

Imurum taanun utilgitchuk,utiqtaqtuk utiqtaqtuk.

Pingayungani puilginamik qaqauȓauq uqalaktuq.

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reason that you are blind. When your father died, she felt upset that you were still alive while he was gone.

She grabbed ukřuq in anger and rubbed it in your eyes while you were sleeping.” The loon spoke as if he was there when it happened and sounded guilty.

Later that day, Qimiviniarjuk brings his sister to the ocean, where they see qilalugat. He ties a rope to his own waist and aims for a qilalugaq with his harpoon. His sister holds the rope and when the qilalugaq stops swimming they take the rope off.

The pair make it seem like it’s a game that they play, and when their mother sees how much fun they are having she decides to join them. Luumaq ties the rope to her waist and Qimiviniarjuk grabs the rope before she hits a qilalugaq. But when Luumaq hits a qilalugaq, Qimiviniarjuk lets go of the rope and watches his mother shriek and struggle to stay on land.

The qilalugaq pulls her into the water and drags her to the depths of the ocean; her tight braids flow behind her and her body sinks.

As she falls lower and lower, her tight braids attach and freeze together, creating a tusk. Her body slowly forms into that of a qirniqtaq.

As time goes on, Luumaq still swims through the ocean. She never finds peace and never moves on.

The grief of her abuse against her son struck her like a tidal wave and never leaves.

Meanwhile, Qimiviniarjuk didn’t felt any better after his trick and never got over the regret of hurting his mother. He knows now that he should have forgiven Luumaq and that revenge is something that no one should resort to, but this lesson came too late. Qimiviniarjuk and Luumaq both live on, carrying their guilt and mistakes with them wherever they go.

“Tavȓa. Qaqȓautun tautulahiȓutin.”

Qimiviniarjuk tautukkia hungaaqtat ivgit matkualu ivȓut napaaqtuni ittuat. Nauȓiat atlangaȓut aglakulangit atlagiit ahiat ahiin qinangit nirihungnaqtut mamqtuarȓiȓut. Hiqinim takpiiligaa quqtaam hiqinirmin kiinanga qivliatitkaa. Tautuktuarai tingmiarȓuit qipilurulu tingmiralaȓuat atrium anuringani. Nuviyaqłukhuni ukpingitchaigaa kaviurnat nuviyat, tunguyuqtaaq naȓvaq iȓangni piilairait naȓvamin. Tautuktuaqlugillu ivȓut nunam qaangani ittuat. Immamun tikitkaluaqtinagu nuna.

“Quyanaqpak. Ikayuqpauȓapiaringma,’’ uqalaktuq Qimiviniarjuk

Tautukka qaȓaum iȓingik kavirȓuaqtun ingminun tauq qiniqlugik iȓangnni qivliqtuami naȓvam imamangan.

“Qmiiviniarjuk,ilingnun kiliktuutiqaqtunga aularaluaqtinak, qaqȓauq uqalaktuq.’’

Aakakpit takpiilipkakangatin.

Iglu – Snow house Nanuq – Polar Bear Qilalugaq – Beluga Whale Qilalugat – more than one Beluga Whale Qirniqtaq – Narwhal Ukruq – Whale oil and blubber

Aapan tuquman uumitchakhuni huuq inuumagaaqpit huli huuq ila tuquva. Uumitchakpailuni uqȓumik nanuktukangik iȓakin hiniktilutin, “Qaqȓaum uqaqami tavȓaniituarȓivluni tainaraman pinirluktuarȓiȓuq. Uvluqpangurman uvluq, Qimiviniarjuum atauȓani taiumuutigaa,Taugiarutivlugu qilaluganik.Akulaamik pituktuq ingminun qitirmigun nalautcharniaqlugu nauligamik qailalugaq, Aatauȓangata tigumigaa akunaaq qilalugaq nalungarman piiqlugu ahiin aklunaaq.

Atauchikun piuȓaaqtuarȓivlutik, aakangakta tautukamigit ilaunagutimmiuq aliahungitchuangnun piuȓaqatiginagutigaik. Luumaq aklunamik pituktuq ingminun qitirmigun Qimiviniarjuk tigugaa aklunaaq qilalugaq pigaluaqtinagu. Luumaum aglaan qilalugaq anaumaung, Qimiviniarjuk pilillugu aklunaaq aakani qiniqtuaraa haqlaalaȓuaq nunamiiniaqhuni.

Qilalugam immamuutigaa itiȓuammuutivlugu ataanun tarium; tugliqpangi puptaȓut timinga nakaqtuq.

Unmukhiinaq tuq immami, pilaqpani atautchimukhuting qiqiqkai tugliqpangi, tuugaapalivluting. Timinga qirniqtanguqhuni hukaihuuȓaqhuni.

Uvluk nungugarmata uvlivluting, Luumaq pufȓaqtuq huli tariumi. Ihumarnaitchuamik paqitchingitchuq aulalaitchuq hivummun. Kavlaliqhuni iliapaginini irnirminik ihumaluliqhuni inuuhia niuliȓuarȓiȓuq qailiqpaktun nutqalaiqhuni.

Tavra ahiin, Qimiviniarjuk ihumalutigingitkaa aakani piyaqhuqtitaqamiung haluqihaarutini ihumalugingitkai hugingitkai.Ilitchuriȓuq pihaaringinilugu piȓakȓraluani Luumaq akihaqturniqaqtuk raungitkaluaqtugut taamna iltchuriȓaririkput,aglaan ilitchuriniq aquvakuuqhuni pianikhimavluni. Qimiviniarjuk Luumaklu inuuyugaaqtuk huli, haagaqataraik ihumaluuti kilukuaqtautiktik atramik humuliqaa.

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Living History Elder Story

48 years of Northern Games with elder Steve “Guluk” Cockney Sr. It might have been because of Steve Cockney Sr.’s traditional lifestyle that he first excelled at Northern Games at the age of 13, or it could have been his natural athleticism, his iron-willed tenacity or his openness to learn something new.

Whatever it was, there’s one thing that he knows for sure: without the games in his life, a huge part of what makes him who he is today would be missing.

“Without Northern Games, I don’t know where I’d be.

Would I still be doing basketball? Volleyball? Yeah, I would be. But I’d never have this great experience of doing the games or teaching them to the next generation. I’d never have that in me,” Steve explains.

“If I got out of the other sporting events, that’d be it. But with Northern Games, after I retired it was in my blood to carry it on, to keep it going.”

Nearly half a century after he was first taught the games, Steve is doing everything he can to make sure the lessons he learned that day get passed on to future generations.

Early life Steve “Guluk” Cockney Sr. was born in 1954 in Napuutolik, near the mouth of the Mackenzie River, to parents Amos and Betty Cockney. Thirteen years later, Edward Lennie

travelled from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk to teach the Northern Games we are all familiar with now to a group of curious youth. At the time, Steve was still living in a log house with his family. Without running water, heating, electricity or even a skidoo, his parents relied on their children to help keep the house running.

“My parents used to make sure that after school, when we got home, we’d saw the logs and get ice for water and they made sure that we did that work,” Steve explains. “I didn’t know it at that time, but it was our exercise.”

So when Edward and a group of boys from Inuvik taught the games of strength, pain resistance and endurance, he took to them easily.

“What him and his boys taught me, it’s in me and it will always be with me as long as I live,” Steve says. “Surviving off the land and doing the games, that’s where a lot of our strength comes from. Edward taught us how connected they are. From then on I just kept doing the games because I enjoyed it.”

Steve remembers taking to the games quickly, and even volunteering to clean up the old community hall at night so that he could practice with his friends. They included Charles Komeak, Peter Norberg, Sammy Gruben, Bobby Gruben, Roy Cockney and Tommy Thrasher, who later competed with him on “Team Tuktoyaktuk” at the 1970 Northern Games in Inuvik.

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From McPherson to Montreal Steve’s involvement in the Northern Games has brought him to all corners of the country. As a competitor he has been to Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Ulukhaktok, Paulatuk, Aklavik, Fort Good Hope and Fort McPherson. As a competitor and coach at the Arctic Winter Games and the Western Eskimo-Indian Olympics, he travelled to the Yukon, Alaska and even as far as Quebec.

“Right off the bat, as soon as I competed, I was winning medals,” Steve says of his early days. “It’s been like that in every competition after that. Winning all the time. If I wasn’t first I was second or third. Never did go home without a medal. It was really something.”

Steve was a natural at the games, and his skill and demeanour made him a leader among his peers.

“As soon as we started competing, my teammates started looking up to me. ‘You gotta do it for us,’ you know, stuff like that. It stuck in my mind that I gotta be the best, I gotta win. And it only came natural to me. It was something that I really encouraged myself to do,” he explains.

One of the highlights of Steve’s career came when he broke the record for the one foot high kick at the Northern Games in Fort McPherson, beating Alaskan Reggie Joule with a best of 8’5.5.

“After five years of holding the record, Tony Klengenberg of Tuktoyaktuk went to the height of 8’8,” he says.

Steve and his fellow Northern Games ambassadors were also lucky enough to travel the country to show demonstrations to the public. They appeared on the Peter Gzowski show in Vancouver in the early 1980s alongside famous actors, taught students in communities across Alberta, took in the 1977 Grey Cup in Montreal and volunteered alongside Hawaiian dancers at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

Competition to retirement In 1996, after competing in the Northern Games for nearly three decades, Steve finally retired from competition.

“At that time these younger athletes were like the way I used to be when I was younger, but I couldn’t compete against them,” he says. “They were kicking and I was wishing.”

Steve transitioned to coaching a couple of years later, but says he didn’t immediately feel comfortable in the role.

Eventually, he says he began to relish the opportunity to carry on the legacy of the games.

“To teach the games to the youth, it’s really a treasure, because you’re teaching them and they’re learning. There’s a lot of good athletes that try hard and they try their best, and we can see it in them that they want to go higher and go further,” he says.

The legacy Steve says that not only have the Northern Games taught him about the history and traditions of the Inuvialuit, but also taught him to meet life’s challenges head on.

“The inspiration that Edward and his boys gave to me, and other athletes my age, it inspired us to keep going, to keep pushing it, continue it, carry it on. So I took his word. And to this day it’s something that I like to do. I like teaching.

Now that I’m retired from the games, I like to take his words and carry it on,” Steve explains.

“Edward always says, ‘Keep on the tradition. Keep it going.’ As a coach, we listen to him, we listen to what he’s gotta say. How to do the games. How to do it right. So that’s what I’m doing.

I just want to carry it on. I’d like to make sure that what I was taught it brought down to the younger generation. I can’t help it. It’s in my blood to showcase our games.”

The original Northern Games Committee consisted of Edward Lennie, Billy Day, Reverend Doug Dittrich, Nellie Cournoyea, Richard Hill, Kenneth Peeloolook and Tom Kalinek.

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C azY wA r tE An interview with Inuvialuk filmmaker Dennis Allen

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nuvialuk filmmaker Dennis Allen had his first drink the summer before Grade 7, when a friend of his stole a box of wine from the church. Allen describes that first experience of getting drunk as ‘like magic.’ Although he didn’t know it at the time, that box of stolen wine would lead him on a decades-long path of substance abuse and self-discovery. Now 23 years sober, Allen, best known for his successful career in music, film and television, is addressing the topic head-on in his feature film Crazywater. The documentary, which premiered in Canada at the Available Light Film Festival in Whitehorse in 2014, explores the taboo topic of alcoholism in Aboriginal communities.

Why was it so important to tell this story?

The reason I made this film was because I wanted to help people, especially other men, who find it hard to speak up. I wanted to help them open up, because I always had trouble talking about sensitive issues. I wanted to give people permission to talk about their childhoods, because I know addiction starts at home. It’s such a shameful topic and people don’t want to talk about it. They don’t want to talk about their families. Addiction amongst Aboriginal people is such a big issue, such a huge underlying issue with Aboriginal people everywhere, that I wanted to help break down those doors.

As Aboriginal people we went through a kind of firestorm of social upheaval, starting when people started moving into communities off the land.

They lost their past and they lost their purpose.

People moved into communities to educate their children, or they moved into communities to look for work. Everybody that I grew up with went through that firestorm of social upheaval where alcoholism was rampant. Everybody, with the exception of a few families in the little subdivision that we lived in, were stricken with alcoholism. It affected everybody, but for the most part people don’t understand it. They don’t understand why it happened. And what I wanted to do with my film is I wanted to try and answer some of those questions.

Filmmaker Dennis Allen with Stephen, one of the subjects of his film, from the Métis Nation.

Alcoholics are like a hurricane. They come through your life and they leave a trail of destruction. As much as they love you and you love them, there’s a trail of destruction behind them.”

h iCa u Rr

Photo: Teri Snelgrove

Why did you decide to make Crazywater?

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Photo: Chris Rogers

Producer Selwyn Jacob travels the Mackenzie Delta with Allen while shooting Crazywater for the National Film Board of Canada.

I understand that I can only live my life one day at a time.

I have to live life like I’m playing overtime.”

v o ertiM One of my characters in Crazywater talks about growing up in foster homes and being abused and another character talks about being sexually abused as a child, which led her into her addictions. In my case I grew up in that firestorm, I was born into that firestorm, and I want people to understand that there’s an explanation for what happened to us, and that if they don’t start talking about it and they don’t start trying to decipher it, the addiction will continue.

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in my addiction. She was guiding me towards recovery. That’s when I’d finally had enough – I was beginning to develop health issues – and I was moving into third stage alcoholism. Alcohol is a poison and it attacks your organs, and I was developing bleeding ulcers, and I was beginning to have psychosis during withdrawals, so that’s when I decided that I had to stop.

In February you celebrated 23 years sober.

What was the turning point for you?

You’ve said that quitting is one battle, but that staying sober is a longer, harder battle. What keeps you strong?

I was lucky because I had my mother who saw me going down that road and saw what was happening to me and what I was doing to myself, and she just kept warning me. She said it’s going to get worse and worse and worse, and it did. She was right. I’m just so grateful that she had the patience and the foresight to guide me, even when I was

When I first quit I didn’t really ask for help, and I didn’t really understand that alcoholism was a disease that had to be treated. I just stopped, but the disease carries on and it keeps eating away at you until you start addressing it. It will turn into other addictions. For me, alcohol is just a symptom of my addictive personality. As a result of not

Photo: Teri Snelgrove

I grew up in a firestorm... and I want people to understand that there’s an explanation for what happened to us, and that if they don’t start talking about it and they don’t start trying to decipher it, the addiction will continue.”

Allen with Paula Woodland, one of the subjects of his film, from the Cree Nation

FiR STOR e

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addressing my addiction I became what they call cross-addicted, and I became a chronic pot smoker and a compulsive gambler, and I got into financial ruin. When I realized that that wasn’t working, that was the time I started reaching out to other alcoholics, other people who had successfully recovered from addiction, who were clean and sober, who were living clean and sober lives, and who went on to be what they call happy, joyous and free. Now, I live substance free. I don’t partake in any activities that hurt my spirit anymore.

with my mother and just within our family unit.

Alcoholics are like a hurricane. They come through your life and they leave a trail of destruction. As much as they love you and you love them, there’s a trail of destruction behind them. It was that trail of destruction that my father left. The stress and the anxiety level in our household was accelerated all the time. And I found that, when I had that first drink, it relieved it, and it gave me a euphoric feeling that I otherwise didn’t know about it. It was like an elixir.

In the film you described the first time you drank as ‘like magic.’ Why did it have such an affect on you?

In Crazywater you described life as an alcoholic like a brotherhood – when you had money, you bought the booze, and when you were broke your friends did. How did you separate yourself from that toxic environment?

Photo: Teri Snelgrove

Growing up in Inuvik, at that time, there was a lot of stress in the families because of alcoholism. My father was a heavy drinker and that caused a lot of stress in my family. It would cause a lot of stress

I believe that as Aboriginals, as human beings, the only way we get in touch with our spirit is when our feet are standing in dirt.”

o

ur SPir

At first I just white knuckled it. I just got tired of it. I just got tired of not moving forward. And I realized that if I just stayed there I wouldn’t. You know, I had hopes and dreams and aspirations like anybody else, and I saw people around me achieving their own hopes and dreams and aspirations. I wanted to travel and I wanted to live in other parts of Canada and I wanted to make film and I wanted to, you know, I wanted to live. I knew that if I didn’t start addressing these issues that I wouldn’t grow, and I would just remain in that pack.

One of the subjects in your film said that if you break the cycle of alcoholism with your children, you can break the cycle within a nation.

What do you teach your children about the disease? Is it important for you that they know about your past?

I talk to my kids all the time. For example, when my son was in Grade 2 one of his classmates’ fathers succumb to the cold. When he was drunk he passed out in a snowbank and died. I had to explain to my son what happened, that he was an alcoholic and once he started drinking he couldn’t stop. So my kids now, they understand what alcohol is, how dangerous it can be and so we talk to them about everything. We talk to them about things we weren’t talked to about when we were kids- the nature of the disease and residential schools. I really believe that if you’re open with your children and you’re educating them, then they can make their own choices after that.

How did becoming sober change you as a person?

Well, at first it made me miserable, because I didn’t have my comfort anymore. Life pretty much was unbearable at that point. That’s when I started getting cross-addicted and started using other substances and activities to relieve my stress. But when I became truly clean and sober, that’s when

you really get in touch with your true spirit, your true human spirit, which is a lot of acceptance, humility and willingness and hope. And I really, truly believe that as human beings that’s our intended destiny: to be happy, joyous and free. Free from anger, free from sorrow, free from resentment. The way I achieve that is I have a daily reprieve, and I understand that I can only live my life one day at a time. I have to live life like I’m playing overtime.

Your subjects found strength in returning to their Aboriginal traditions.

Why is it important to get back to your roots on the road to recovery?

I believe that as Aboriginals, as human beings, the only way we get in touch with our spirit is when our feet are standing in dirt. People always say that when they’re going for a walk in nature that they’re feeling connected, and the thing that us native people have is a history. Our culture revolves around the earth and the animals and the water. I know in my case that’s how I grew up. I grew up in the bush, out at Baby Island or muskrat trapping in the springtime, hunting geese in the fall time, hunting caribou and growing up on the river at fish camp. That’s where I grew up and that’s where my spirit is. I really believe that people have to get back to that.

What did you learn from making this film?

I learned that the human spirit is unbreakable. That no matter how far down you’ve been beaten and how badly you’ve been beaten, that we always have the will to live. You can’t explain it. People just have an incredible will to live.

WATCH THE FILM AT WWW.NFB.CA/FILM/ CRAZYWATER

64

English

Learn to sing the song ‘A Muskratting We Will Go’, here in English.

A muskratting we will go -we will, -we will.

A muskratting we will go early in the morning.

Let’s walk to the lake to the lake, to the lake Let’s walk to the lake early in the morning.

We are digging up a push up a push up, a push up We are digging up a push up in the afternoon.

We are placing the trap we are placing it, we are placing it We are placing the trap in the afternoon.

We are skinning the muskrat We are skinning it, we are skinning it We are skinning the muskrat in the evening.

Let’s eat the muskrat Let’s eat it, let’s eat it Let’s eat the muskrat in the evening.

Sing to the tune of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’. lyrics and translation by ICRC.

‘sing-along game’ inuvialuktun language games #4

UUMMARMIUTUN Learn to sing the song ‘Kivgaliarniaqtugut’, here in UUMMARMIUTUN.

Kivgaliarniaqtugut -niaqtugut, -niaqtugut Kivgaliarniaqtugut uvlaatchiami.

Pihuqattaqta narvamun narvamun, narvamun Pihuqattaqta narvamun uvlaatchiami.

Nivaktugut nunautinik nunautinik, nunautinik Nivaktugut nunautinik uvluqtuami.

Naniriaq iligikput iligikput, iligikput Naniriaq iligikput uvluqtuami.

Kivgaluk amiirikput amiirikput, amiirikput Kivgaluk amiirikput UNNUKRAAQTUAMI.

Kivgaluk nirilakput nirilakput, nirilakput Kivgaluk nirilakput UNNUKRAAQTUAMI.

Sing to the tune of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’. lyrics and translation by ICRC.

‘sing-along game’ inuvialuktun language games #4

66

English

Learn to sing the song ‘A Fishing We Will Go’, here in English.

A fishing we will go we will, we will A fishing we will go early in the morning.

Let’s walk to the lake to the lake, to the lake Let’s walk to the lake early in the morning.

We are ice fishing we are, we are We are ice fishing in the afternoon.

We caught a fish we did, we did We caught a fish in the afternoon.

Let’s eat the fish let’s eat it, let’s eat it Let’s eat the fish in the evening.

We are going home we are, we arE We are going home in the evening!

Sing to the tune of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’. lyrics and translation by ICRC.

‘sing-along game’ inuvialuktun language games #4

SIGLITUN

Learn to sing the song ‘Iqalliarniaqtugut’, here in siglitun.

Iqalliarniaqtugut –niaqtugut, -niaqtugut Iqalliarniaqtugut ublaatchiami.

pisukta tatchimun tatchimun, tatchimun pisukta tatchimun ublaatchiami.

Aulatchiyugut –chiyugut, -chiyugut Aulatchiyugut ublupayaami.

Iqaluktugut -luktugut, -luktugut Iqaluktugut ublupayaami.

Iqaluk nirilakput nirilakput, nirilakput Iqaluk nirilakput unnugiami.

Aigaqsiyugut -siyugut, -siyugut Aigaqsiyugut unnugiami!

Sing to the tune of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’. lyrics and translation by ICRC.

‘sing-along game’ inuvialuktun language games #4

68

English

Learn to sing the song ‘A Fishing We Will Go’, here in English.

A fishing we will go we will, we will A fishing we will go early in the morning.

Let’s walk to the lake to the lake, to the lake Let’s walk to the lake early in the morning.

We are ice fishing we are, we are We are ice fishing in the afternoon.

We caught a fish we did, we did We caught a fish in the afternoon.

Let’s eat the fish let’s eat it, let’s eat it Let’s eat the fish in the evening.

We are going home we are, we arE We are going home in the evening!

Sing to the tune of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’. lyrics and translation by ICRC.

‘sing-along game’ inuvialuktun language games #4

KANGIRYUARMIUTUN Learn to sing the song ‘Iqalliarniaqtugut’, here in KANGIRYUARMIUTUN.

Iqalliarniaqtugut -niaqtugut, -niaqtugut Iqlliarniaqtugut ublaannuami

Pihukta tattimun tattimun, tattimun Pihukta tattimun ublaannuami.

Aulattiyugut –tiyugut, -tiyugut Aulattiyugut ubluumaat.

Iqaluktugut -luktugut, -luktugut Iqaluktugut ubluumaat.

Iqaluk nirilakput nirilakput, nirilakput Iqaluk nirilakput unnugiami.

Aiyauliqtugut -liqtugut, -liqtugut Aiyauliqtugut unnugiami!

Sing to the tune of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’. lyrics and translation by ICRC.

‘sing-along game’ inuvialuktun language games #4

words by Charles Arnold

70

A LOOK BACK TO A

GLOBAL

CONNECTION W

hen a delegation of Inuvialuit elders, youth and

colonies to feed a growing demand. Tobacco from those

researchers went to Washington, DC in 2009 to

plantations was traded throughout Europe, Russia and Asia.

study Inuvialuit tools, clothing and other items at the

Siberian Yupik brought tobacco to the Bering Strait region,

Smithsonian Institution, among the objects that attracted

and from there it moved along traditional trade networks

their attention were smoking pipes that had been collected

across inland and coastal Alaska. By the early 1800s tobacco

in the 1860s at a trading post on the Anderson River. The

had reached the Mackenzie Region.

pipes aren’t like the ones we are familiar with today, and to learn why we have to look back at how pipes and tobacco were introduced to the Inuvialuit area.

The pipes that were made and used in Siberia and throughout the Western Arctic belong to a type that is thought to have been patterned after Japanese and Chinese

Tobacco is native to the Americas, and was cultivated

opium pipes. They have long, curved stems made from

and used in many parts of Central and North America at

two pieces of wood that are grooved and fitted together

least as early as 2,000 years ago, long before Columbus

lengthwise so that the grooves form a tube. The bowls for

‘discovered’ America. However, it first came into the Western

holding the tobacco usually take the form of a slightly

Arctic through a circuitous route that reached the long

indented platform attached to a hollow post that sits on

way around the globe. Spanish sailors are credited with

top of the pipe stem. These bowls could hold only a few

having introduced tobacco to Europe in the 1500s, and soon

pinches of tobacco, which would have been incredibly scarce

afterwards tobacco plantations sprang up in the American

considering the vast distances over which it travelled. With

Albert Elias (left) and James Pokiak (right) discuss a traditional Inuvialuit tobacco pipe at the Smithsonian Institution, August 2009. (Photo: Kate Hennessy)

A fur trader offers to exchange his European-style pipe for an Inuvialuit pipe, Fort McPherson, 1901. (Photo: Charles W. Mathers)

the arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Company and other traders

OF PARRY ISLAND 1852

in the Western Arctic around 1850 tobacco became easier

DEPOTS OF PROVISIONS

to obtain, and European-style pipes with larger bowls that

REFUGE INLET, PORT LEOPOLD

we are familiar with today began replacing the traditional

& ADMIRALTY INLET IN BARROW STRAITS

Inuvialuit pipes.

The first part of this message refers to three British Navy

It turns out that one of the pipes the Inuvialuit delegation

Ships that travelled through the Bering Strait to the Arctic.

saw at the Smithsonian Institution has a connection to

One of these ships, the Plover, was a support ship that

the 1845 Franklin Expedition, an ill-fated quest to find

stayed on the coast of Alaska from 1850 until 1854, while

a sea route across the top of North America. When the

the Enterprise and Investigator separately ventured further

expedition failed to return to England, a massive search was

east. The Enterprise spent three winters in the Canadian

undertaken for the two Expedition ships and the 134 men

Arctic, but the Investigator was abandoned at Mercy Bay

on board. The Arctic landscape is dotted with stone cairns in

on northern Banks Island after being trapped by the frozen

which searchers left messages for survivors, informing them

sea. The rest of the message, below the date ‘1852’, refers to

where they could find help. Other, more novel ways were

search activities in the eastern Arctic.

also used in attempts to contact members of the missing expedition. Notes were attached to balloons that were released to the winds, and to foxes that were trapped alive and then set free. Messages also were stamped on small metal medallions, known as ‘rescue buttons’, and given to Inuit in the hopes that they would fall into the hands of survivors. We know now that by the time these searches began the members of the Franklin Expedition had perished.

The bowl of the pipe shown here was made from a rescue button. On the underside is a message that was partially obscured when an unknown Inuvialuk made the pipe.

However, by comparing it with intact rescue buttons in museum collections the entire message is evident: GONE N.E. OF PT BARROW INVESTIGATOR – AUGT 1850 ENTERPRISE – AUGT 1851 PLOVER AT PORT CLARENCE 1852 SQUADRON WITH STEAMERS SEARCHING N & W

The rescue button was most likely given to Alaskan Inupiat by the Plover’s men sometime between 1852 and 1854. We will probably never know at what point it was fashioned into a pipe bowl, or how it made its way to Fort Anderson.

These questions aside, the pipe is testimony to the vast native trade networks that linked the Western Canadian Arctic to Siberia and beyond.

The journey of the rescue button, and the pipe it is attached to, did not end at Fort Anderson. Along with other ethnographic objects collected at that trading post it travelled by dog team, voyageur canoe, and finally by train to the Smithsonian institution, ending up little more than a snowball’s throw from Virginia, the home of tobacco plantations where the global trade in tobacco leading to Inuvialuit smoking pipes began.

For more on Inuvialuit history, visit the Inuvialuit History Timeline (www.inuvialuithistory.com) and Inuvialuit Living History (www.inuviauitlivinghistory.ca) websites.

An Inuvialuit tobacco pipe collected at Fort Anderson for the Smithsonian Institution about 1865. The pipe bowl ha been made from a Franklin Search Expedition ‘rescue button’. (National Museum of Natural History/ Smithsonian Institution/MacFarlane Collection E002156)

A view of the message on the underside of the pipe bowl.

72

Standing up for their future The youth delegates of the 42 Directors meeting prepare to take the lead

the youth need to show that we are an equal part of the community and we face such a variety of challenges that may be different to what the previous generation went through.”

“

– Faith Rogers

In February, the 42 Directors of the Inuvialuit Community Corporations met in Inuvik to discuss the current and future programs of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Standing among them were five youth delegates, eager to listen and eager to learn. They attended presentations on topics as diverse as community economic development, devolution and mental health programs, and they contributed to working group sessions on education initiatives, economic priorities

and what a healthy, vibrant and sustainable community means to them. At the end of the three-day meeting, the youth delegates reported back to the 42 directors on what issues were most important to them – and received a standing ovation for their work.

Tusaayakat spoke with the youth leaders from Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk, Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik and Aklavik about why they chose to participate and what they learned from the experience.

74

CJ Haogak

Sachs Harbour graduated high school in 2008 Why did you put your name forward to participate?

It seemed like a good opportunity to leave the community but also a good opportunity to learn something, something that I can reflect on later in life, and it certainly was that.

What did you learn?

Well, now I know what goes on inside those doors. I heard of 42 Directors meetings and wasn’t sure what to expect – what types of questions they asked, who they were and what place they were representing.

Why is it important to have youth delegates at the meeting?

I find it is important to speak up and give youth a voice because there are many youth in the ISR and someone needs to represent them.

We have our own problems and issues, and the youth are the future.

What changes do you hope to see in your home community?

I want there to be a bigger school in Sachs Harbour. If not, I wish to see it going up to Grade 12. Also, I’d like to see our arena up and running with full plumbing, more programs not only for youth but adults as well, like adult night or something.

Faith Rogers Inuvik Grade 11

What was it like participating in the as a youth delegate?

I think that the meeting was very successful. A lot of different topics were covered and I learned so much more about not only our own community, but the surrounding areas as well. The meeting opened my eyes to the challenges that really effect our people of the north.

Why is it important to speak up and give youth a voice?

I think that it’s so important for our youth to speak up and give their opinion because we are the future of the north, and in a few years it’s going to be up to us to preserve our land and culture. We need to show that we are an equal part of the community and we face such a variety of challenges that may be different to what the previous generation went through.

What issue is most important to you?

I think that one of the many issues that we talked about at the 42 Directors meeting that stuck out to me was the lack of interest in our culture from youth. Not a lot of youth are concerned about the fate of our language, or traditional way of life. Something needs to be done in order to get the youth involved again.

How did it feel to get a standing ovation for your presentation?

I was overwhelmed by the feedback that we, the youth delegates, got from the directors. I was confident in our presentation. We had covered a large number of topics and we were very passionate about what we had to say. I think that we did our part well and I am proud to have our thoughts and ideas praised.

Hayden Stuart

Tuktoyaktuk graduated high school in 2014 What was it like to participate as a youth delegate?

I think it was very interesting because I got to see a glimpse of what the communities gathered to speak about. I never got to see that before so I thought it was pretty cool.

What did you learn?

The way the meetings take place and how they operate, the type of subjects they discuss – before this I didn’t have a clue.

Why did you decide to participate?

The youth in this generation are slowly getting to the time where it’s their time to take over, to lead their communities and to take the place of the people who were in that position before them.

What issues are most important to you?

Probably youth confidence, because you never really see confident youth stepping up at meetings where a lot of us might be when we grow older. Also, youth opportunities. We need more opportunities like these, so I think those are the biggest issues.

What changes do you hope to see?

More participatory actions from the youth to get involved in stuff like this and less issues of educational matters like dropping out of high school or elementary school, and also, more confident youth.

Courtney Charlie Aklavik Grade 12

Why did you put your name forward to participate?

I wanted to learn about leadership and how our communities are represented.

How did it go?

It went great. It was an amazing learning experience.

What issues did you bring forward?

Some of the issues that are important to me is the education system is lower than average and it’s hard for graduates to get into colleges. Also, keeping youth away from drugs and alcohol, having more evening youth activities would be good.

What lessons will you take away from this experience?

I learned that if we have concerns in our community we can bring them to our leaders for assistance.

Lauren Green

Paulatuk Graduated high school in 2011 and received her Office Administration Diploma in 2014 What made you decide to participate?

I signed up as a youth representative to participate in the meeting to further understand what the Community Corporations’ mandates were, extend my knowledge in the area of sustaining our communities, and address youth concerns.

Also, from a youth perspective I wanted to provide my input as to what would benefit the youth in their education and job opportunities, finding new ways to encourage students to attend school and graduate.

What was the experience like?

It went really good. The youth and directors contributed a lot of their ideas. Listening to them voice their ideas and concerns makes us realize how much work and effort it will take for them to be taken in affect into the communities. Hard work pays off! There wasn’t a time when a room was silent; a lot of communicating went on within the three days. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of the 42 directors meeting and youth workshop.

Brief history of the 42 Directors meeting courtesy of IRC

The 42 Directors workshop was initiated by the IRC Board of Directors in 1999. Its main goal was to provide the 42 directors with information, policies and business plans of the Inuvialuit Corporate Group. In 1999 the agenda included an overview of directors roles and responsibilities, understanding financial statements, and updates on self-government and natural gas exploration.

In 2006 the IRC Board formalized the 42 Directors meeting and instructed that it meet every three years. The purpose of the meeting was formalized to include updates on social programs, solicit feedback from participants that will be used to guide ongoing social programs, seek specific direction of the self-government negotiations mandate and provide updates on business and infrastructure initiatives.

The 2012 meeting was reformatted based on a working group style meeting. At previous 42 Directors meetings, some directors would speak consistently but many others were not able to vocalize their concerns. The smaller groups allowed for active discussion with a focus on community priorities.

The results of the 2012 meeting included the formation of Project Jewel, a mental health and addictions program, a new shelter policy with the NWT housing corporation, BDHSSA partnerships and joint meetings and the introduction of the Inuvialuktun language app and Master/ Apprentice program.

The latest 42 Directors Meeting was held at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex in Inuvik from Feb. 10 to 12.

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