Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

Inuvik ( Mar 03/00) - Gwich'in elders and families from around the region gathered at Ingamo Hall in Inuvik last Saturday to celebrate the publication of a book on family history.

Jijuu, Who Are My Grandparents, Where Are They From? is described as a genealogical history of the Teetl'it Gwich'in of Fort McPherson that grew out of work begun by the Gwich'in Enrolment Board.

"The book was ready last year but has only been made available now because of the copyright," said board chair Barb Crawford.

"The Beaufort Delta Education Council gave us a good chunk of money to get the book published, so they're going to be getting copies they can put in the schools."

Project co-ordinator Sharon Snowshoe began consulting with elders around the region in 1997. Her interviews were also videotaped as a way to help preserve Gwich'in history.

Elders who contributed to the project and attended Saturday's festivities included Jane Charlie from Fort McPherson, Annie Norbert and Noel Andre from Tsiigehtchic, Mary Kendi from Aklavik, Lydia Thomas from Old Crow and Inuvik's Catherine Mitchell and Bertha Allen.

Special recognition was reserved for Sarah Simon, and the book is dedicated to her because of her contribution to history. The title of the book comes from the questions so many people have asked Simon over the years.

"She was born in Fort McPherson and is 99 now and knows everything," said Simon's sister, Catherine Mitchell.

"She did lots in her life and tried hard to go to school and always told us about our family and relatives we always wanted to know."

Gwich'in Tribal Council president Richard Nerysoo presented the elders with certificates of recognition on behalf of NWT commissioner Dan Marion.

Following a traditional feast, a series of guests spoke about the importance of recording the past and the impact the book will have on future generations.

"May the production of Jijuu, Who Are My Grandparents? Where Are They From? help close the gap between our generations and we become family again," read the inscription on a plaque presented to Simon by the Beaufort Delta Board of Education. The plaque will hang in McPherson's Chief Julius school.

Simon expressed her appreciation for the honours bestowed upon her and happiness over the book's publication. Impaired by lack of a hearing aid, she kept her speech short and joked over not being able to elaborate more fully.

"Ever since I can remember I used to translator for my people," she said, "and now I need an interpreter."

Those in attendance assured Simon her words have been clearly heard.

"This book is going to be a Bible for me," said Bertha Allen. "It's a history book on ourselves to be read by all people who want to know more about the Gwich'in Nation."