Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, February 5, 2007

HOLMAN - The community of Ulukhaktok has a long and terrible history with residential schools.

Joanne Ogina, who is the new co-ordinator of Ulukhaktok's Aboriginal Healing Foundation, said her own sister was taken to several schools and was isolated from her family.

"We did not see her for months at a time," she said, adding they could not even speak to her via telephone.

And still today, Ogina said, the schools' effects are felt in the community.

This is why the Aboriginal Healing Foundation sponsors programs ranging from workshops to discussion groups, which promote traditional culture and art.

"We help the community in a way which is creative," she said.

One example is the Inuinnaqtun Radio Show, which broadcasts in traditional language.

Ogina said contests are often held on the show, to see if callers can say a few sentences in Inuinnaqtun on a chosen theme.

"We even had people sing Christmas carols in Inuinnaqtun," she said with a laugh.

Ogina said it is important to encourage people to continue to actively speak Inuinnaqtun, otherwise it could disappear easily.

"If my parents hadn't taught me my language, I wouldn't know a word of it," she said.

Another program, similar to a sewing circle, serves as a discussion and support group, Ogina said.

The Ladies' Afternoon happens every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and is billed as "a time to share knowledge, advice and socialize free of distractions of home."

Ogina said the program helps keep traditional arts alive, and said the community art shop also offers printmaking classes three times a week, with supervisors Elsie Klengenberg and Susie Malgokak.

While the women have their afternoons, Ulukhaktok's male population also have Men's Night.

Ogina said the program allows men to socialize and work on community-minded projects.

For example, she said the group recently used Helen Kalvak school's workshop to build two wooden wheelchair-accessible sleds.

The sleds will allow easy transport for elders when there is an activity in town, said Ogina. Elders can be pulled behind snowmobiles, at low speed.

Since the Aboriginal Healing Foundation exists to help deal with the legacy of residential schools, Ogina said, it recently began hosting a weekly support group for former students.

The sessions are confidential and a counsellor is always present to help people express their feelings.

"It's a place to share stories, ideas and advice," she said, adding the meetings have attracted several people so far every week.

As Ulukhaktok continues to reclaim its traditional culture through programs, as well as explore its own legacy with residential schools, Ogina said the Healing Foundation's activities are deeply symbolic.

The granddaughter of Helen Kalvak, for whom the community's school is named, Ogina said her goal is to help create a sense of history and belonging, which helps make the community a happier place.

She said with that in mind even something like a family skate can be connected to residential school healing.

It brings families together, she said, after so many were torn apart.