Chesterfield Inlet (Aug 23/06) - Valerie Ipkarnerk of Chesterfield Inlet was quite impressed when she first saw some of the dolls being made in preparation for the planned Kivalliq Inuit Doll Festival and Exhibit in Rankin Inlet.

So much so, in fact, when she heard a doll workshop was coming to Chester, she couldn't wait to give it a try.

Valerie Ipkarnerk of Chesterfield Inlet and her son, Qimmialuk, display the first traditional doll Valerie ever made at a local workshop earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Helen AbenReynen

After attending the workshop earlier this month, she said it was a lot of fun to learn how to make a doll from the more-experienced sewers.

"Seeing the beautiful dolls the other ladies made really got me interested in making my own," said Valerie.

"When I decided to get involved, I thought it would be very difficult to make my own doll.

"But, once I finished my first doll, I realized it hadn't been all that hard.

"It was a lot easier than I thought it would be."

In addition to Valerie, the workshop was attended by Megan Ipkarnerk, Qimmialuk (Qimm) Ipkarnerk, Ulu (Justin) Kadjuk, Cassie Niviatsiak, Jennifer Pauloosie, Christine Pauloosie and Michelle Amarok.

Valerie said a number of youth came out to a similar event held in Chester about two months ago.

She said a lot more youth would have attended this month's workshop if the weather hadn't been so nice.

"Everybody wants to go out on the land and enjoy the summer weather while they have the chance.

"If a similar event were to be held here in the fall, a lot more ladies and youth would participate."

Valerie said it's nice to see young adults and youth spending quality time with the elders and improving their traditional sewing skills.

She said she'd like to see more of those types of gatherings in the community.

And, she also said if the Kivalliq Inuit Doll Festival and Exhibit is a success, a market could be created in the south for the dolls.

"I'm sure collectors would be interested in the traditional dolls if they had the chance to see them.

"My six-year-old son (Qimmialuk) was interested enough to come to the workshop and he really had fun making the doll's face.

"I'd like to continue making dolls in my spare time.

"They're a lot of fun to make and I enjoy the time with the other ladies, elders and youth."