Rankin Inlet (Mar 15/06) - There's more to making dolls than simply creating toys.

That became clear at the Inuit traditional doll-making workshop in Rankin Inlet earlier this month.

A total of 13 doll makers representing all seven Kivalliq communities took part in the week-long event, believed to be the first of its kind in the region. The women talked a lot about the dolls being a way to bring female elders and youth together, said co-ordinator Helen AbenReynen.

She said as the week went on, youth kept asking to learn how to make the dolls.

"There were a number of variables at work during the week," said AbenReynen.

"The dolls are a way for the elders and youth to connect, as well as show the amazing talent in our region."

The women have high hopes for the dolls, which include having them displayed at the first Kivalliq Doll Festival, on a national exhibition and at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

While talent and desire are falling into place, funding and resources are another matter.

"The women recognized the need to hold a regional workshop every six-to-eight weeks during the coming year," said AbenReynen.

"We need that time to build a solid understanding of where we're going with all this, build a solid Kivalliq vision for the project and properly plan the festival."

The women came together as a group quickly and enjoyed working together.

Among their concerns, however, were a method of being paid for their efforts and the lack of having a skilled instructor.

"We're going to look at a proposal to assist in training the women on how to instruct.

"We also reviewed materials and samples from the International Toy Fair, as well as adding clays, doll-making tools, kits, videos and books to our resource library of traditional Inuit and contemporary knowledge.

"It really does combine past and present."

AbenReynen said more funding and support is needed to grow the project, including volunteers to help with the festival.

"We can't lose sight of the fact it's more than simply making dolls.

"Sometimes, when you create a doll, you also create a voice or a place to put feelings and emotions that you might not have been able to express before."

Elder Leonie Nimmialik sees the dolls as having great potential.

She said the dolls can help youth rediscover Inuit skills and traditions.

"Young girls can learn to sew real traditional clothing by working with the dolls before moving up to bigger things," said Nimmialik.

"Working on the dolls can bring youth and elders together, but it can also bring youth and their parents or grandparents together, as well.

"Today's youth forget their traditional skills and the importance of togetherness.

"Things that help them remember are good."