Children's author visits Kivalliq communities
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Nov 22/00) - At first glance, a southern author telling a tale of the inukshuk to Kivalliq kids might seem a bit odd.
That is, until one sees the benefits the kids get from the encounter.
Canadian children's author Mary Wallace was in three Kivalliq hamlets last week promoting Canadian Children's Book Week.
The author made stops in Arviat, Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet.
The tour was sponsored by the Canadian Children's Book Centre and she also participated in the Nunavut Literacy Council's Family Literacy Workshop at Rankin's Adult Learning Centre.
A teacher in St. Thomas, Ont., Wallace had her students draw pictures and write messages to Nunavut kids using the symbol of her latest book, The Inukshuk Book.
"I've been showing the kids how relevant a book is in communicating knowledge to children everywhere," says Wallace.
"I showed the kids my book and all the messages the southern children sent.
"I've asked the kids here to do the same and return the message."
Wallace says the main message she hopes Kivalliq kids get from her visit is understanding the power a book can possess.
"A book can send a message to many people over a long period of time.
"It shows kids another way of communicating, gathering knowledge and making friends -- whether they write or read a book."
Wallace says larger groups with many different ages produce a wide range of activities and abilities when it comes to interaction.
While some kids are interested in drawing, some in reading and writing, and some in hearing the story and asking questions -- all share a common bond.
"In every community, the kids enjoyed seeing that children in southern Ontario are fascinated with the inukshuk and the way of life here.
"Northern kids may take their lifestyle for granted and, when they see the interest from other people, it makes them think again about how valuable their own culture is."
