Baker Lake (Jun 07/06) - Nine adult students in Baker Lake have become authors.

"The Sound of Songs: Stories by Baker Lake Writers" was launched at an evening ceremony on May 30. Close to 50 people were in attendance at the community hall. Some of the students read their contributions aloud.

Helen Oman's composition focused on her walks to school each weekday, a time when she was able to reflect on her life.

"That's my way of finding myself, I guess," she said in an interview.

She said it's "interesting" to be published for the first time.

"It's a good experience, something different, I guess," she said.

Sally Tookoome was hopeful that others would enjoy the body of work.

"If people are going to be buying them, maybe (I'm) proud of it, I guess," she said.

Tookoome recounted the tale of how her grandfather accidentally shot himself in the leg while on the land. Despite the odds, he survived and adapted despite losing a limb, she said.

Doreen Kenalogak wrote about volleyball, one of her favourite pastimes.

Other contributors are Freda Kudloo, Janice Qiyuk, Dick Alooq, David Nanauq and Diane Scottie.

Diane Griedger, a PhD student in language and literacy through the University of Manitoba's education program, was the one who initiated the 42-page book, which is written in Inuktitut and English. Griedger's goal was to spur creative writing, achieve publication and empower Inuit adult learners.

She plans to return to Baker Lake in the fall to interview the authors about how the project has changed their sense of themselves.

The themes centred around the authors' childhood memories, thoughts on who they are, and traditional songs. Elders Winnie Owingayak and Thomas Qaqimat acted as advisors, explaining the meaning of traditional Inuit chants and having the students create their own compositions.

Nunavut Arctic College helped co-ordinate the project and holds the copyright for the book. Adult educator Alexis Utatnaq said the elders would like to see more of these types of endeavours because it facilitates literacy and the passing down of tradition.

Two hundred copies of "The Sound of Songs" have been printed with funding from the University of Manitoba.

They are selling for $10 per copy.