Veryl Gruben

Amaruqpaliurniq The Art Of Amaruq

2020 was definitely different with COVID-19. Tere was no choice but to adjust and make the best out of it. I don't travel out of territory very often, but like anything else, just because we can't do it freely, I want to travel. Crazy!

I spend a lot of time at home sewing, diamond painting, and pursuing other hobbies. My favorite hobby is sewing; I like to sew all sorts of things, such as parkas, atikłuit, mitts, masks, and so on. I learned to sew Delta Braid in high school from my late aunt Winnie Cockney. My late mother-in-law Persis Gruben taught me to make parkas, caribou/wolf/canvas/ leather kammik, wolf mitts, and she even had the patience to teach me to make an amaruq. My Ma taught me to bead and embroider, but I enjoy sewing with fur and the sewing machine.

In the early 80s, we lived out at our camp most of the time. One year, my husband and brotherin-law got over 20 wolves, so Persis and I were busy making mitts complete with mitt strings. To change things up, Persis thought I should learn something new, so she asked if I wanted to learn to make an amaruq since I could make myself a parka in a day. I was eager to learn!

First, we flushed and tanned the hide and then the lessons began. Te amaruq is made with many, many small pieces of the long mid- back or neck fur of the wolf and sewn onto doubled canvas. Tis is a very long process as we have to cut and sew the small pieces together, then steadily make adjustments until all the fur is matched up perfectly. Te pieces are about a half-inch, just like little squares. For the back of the amaruq, we use fur from the belly part of the wolf. Persis’ amaruq pattern fit so perfectly over the itirvik (fur around the face). I have made only three amaqqut in my life. Sadly to say, I sold them, but I am happy to share a picture of the amaruq Persis taught and made for me as I have kept it all these years—it had such long beautiful fur!

I am so happy I had good mentors such as my parents and in-laws. My parents raised all 11 of us by trapping. I remember we didn’t like the smell of fur drying, but my dad would say that we were smelling money!

My parents made sure I got my education. I am the oldest in the family and was always told to finish school and get a good job—and especially not to live of welfare. I used to think they were strict, but I am forever grateful for what they taught me. I started living with my in-laws after I graduated from high school; they spent a lot of time at their outpost camp Nallok, where they taught me so much. Tey told me many stories and talked to me a lot about life. I learnt so much about our land, how to survive and not to waste, to make a good home for my family, and to keep teaching our way of life. I really respect the land and wildlife and love the peaceful enjoyment it brings.