Erin Fletcher
Northern News Services

Paulatuk (Apr 05/04) - Eight Paulatuk elders hope a new book about their lives will serve as an inspiration for future generations.

The Paulatuuq Oral History Project: Inuvialuit Elders Share Their Stories is a 340-page limited edition book full of interview transcripts by Cathy Cockney, William Hurst and Lena Ruben and historical photos sponsored by Parks Canada and the Tuktut Nogait National Park Management Board. Most of the photos and interviews focused on the 1930s to 1960s, when Paulatuk was first being settled.

The book, which took two years to create, was revealed to the community, April 1, at the Angik school gym.

More than 100 people gathered to see the ceremony and partake in the community feast.

Edward Ruben, a former DEW line employee and father of 16, was one of the eight elders interviewed for the book. He spoke on behalf of the elders during the opening ceremonies.

He feels the book may encourage the younger generations to learn from the past.

"You can't find everything easy in this world," said Edward, 86.

"In the summer we used our legs to walk. We didn't have nylon stuff or clothes. We had to find everything from the land."

"We have to try to make everyone understand (about our lives). We will try hard to make you listen."

Mary Evik Ruben, 79, said she was happy to see her interview in print and hopes her contribution will be a legacy for the future.

"We want this generation to look at the way we used to live," said Mary.

"When I tell them stories, they don't believe it."

The elders' wishes may come true. Kids were already pouring over the books pointing out people they knew in the old photos.

Eleven-year-old Ashley Ruben is the granddaughter of Edward.

"It's cool," she said of the book, as she pointed out a photo of her Dadak and Nanuk walking down a beach hand-in-hand years earlier.

"The elders have influenced my life and lifestyle," said John Max Muffa Kudlak, who served as the master of ceremonies.

"Thank you for sharing your life stories."

The 500 books were distributed around Paulatuk. Copies will also be given to every school in the region and every library.

Besides the eight elders, Father Leonce Dehurtevent, a Catholic missionary who lived in the community for more than 40 years, was also interviewed. His transcript was published in 2002 under a separate title, Paulatuuq Oral History Project: Transcripts of an Interview with Father Leonce Dehurtevent.

A third book is already in the works. Parks Canada hopes to include more elders in a second edition to be published in the next few years.