Kathleen Lippa
Northern News Services

Sanikiluaq (Oct 13/03) - Mina Inuktaluk, 71, is the elder in residence at Nuiyak School in Sanikiluaq, and she loves the work she does.

It doesn't quite feel like work to the energetic elder, who has been an Inuktitut teacher and traditional ways guide for 12 years at the school.

"She likes teaching the traditional ways," said Lucy Sala who interpreted for Inuktaluk at the school last week.

In her classes Inuktaluk tells old stories that still ring true for kids today, and she says she wants all of her students right through to Grade 12 to be able to read and write in Inuktitut.

When she reads to students, they tend to really like the story about Kautjajuk, the mistreated child who grows up to be very strong.

As a child herself, Inuktaluk remembers her parents telling her to be kind to others and to help those in the community who are less fortunate.

Born in Quebec, she had five sisters and two brothers.

Married in 1954, Inuktaluk has two children with her first husband (who has since passed away), and has seven children with her second husband.

When she is not teaching at the school, Inuktaluk likes to clean up around her house, cook traditional food (her favourite is fish), and go berry picking.

Her secret to living a long and happy life is simple:

Don't drink alcohol, she said.