North Paule

June 15, 2010

Another exciting day.  Frank finished the timeline history of Arviat.  In the afternoon, Silas joined us and we talked about problem-solving.  For the first time in my life the “knot of hands” activity completely failed…Twice.  I’ve got to rethink my group skills seriously.  I say goodbye to workshop participants.  Some of them I’ll see again in August, but I am sad to leave Martha and Silas. Here’s a picture taken at the end of the day.

June 14, 2010

After a week-end full of events (attending a birthday party and food-of-the-land feast, co-babysitting 5-month old little Alexia with Vikki, watching drum dancing by Silas and great throat singing by two young women and, finally, a trip to Martha and Gordie Main’s cabin), the second week of the workshop started by Frank presenting a summary of Nunavut and Arviat history (up to the 1950’s).  Then Emil gave us pointers about interviewing elders.  In the afternoon, Eric led us to a visit of the media centre and John Main talked about the art of interviewing.  While we covered interviewing before, this presentation was not at all repetitive.  John covered points we had not touched before, like the importance of posture, attitude and of showing emotions.  All were very engaged; students and elder practiced interviewing.  We then viewed some interview examples that were filmed when John Main worked for the CBC.  Overall, a great success!

June 10, 2010

This morning, Martha Otokala brought us a wonderful picture of herself with a book that contained a portrait of her mother giving birth near Ennaida Lake.  We had a great conversation on the need to ask for permission before taking and publishing pictures or testimonies. 

On a different note, Joe Gibbons told me that there was a polar bear that roamed in Arviat last week.  It was an old bear that was obvioulsy very tired.  It was shot by the conservation officer which prompted it to leave the village.  I am glad to report that the bear did not die.  It was HUGE and still beautiful, even though it has lost its canines and had many scars from past encounters in the wild and with people.

Nanisiviq Arviat History Project: Day 1

Today was my first day in the Nanisiviq workshop.  April a was great social media instructor.  I created a tumblr site and linked it to my facebook. A great achievement for me.  I also helped M. O., an elder, and we created a great tumblr site for her.  Now, if only we can find a way for her to write in Inuktitut. Tonight, I will make copies of the photos of the huge polar bear that visited Arviat last week.  Stay connected and visit tomorrow.  These pictures are incredible.