Phillippe Morin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 24, 2007

Sachs Harbour - Beverly Amos is a translator who often works hundreds of miles from her clients.

When someone in Ottawa, Yellowknife or Edmonton needs her Inuvialuktun expertise, they send her an email.

From her home office in Sachs Harbour, she is happy to translate.

"Today it's easy," she said. "I use e-mail and I have my own accounting system on my computer.

"People email me some writing and I switch it to Inuvialuktun. I email it back and send an invoice."

Amos said using the computer is a good example of technology helping people.

"I could move anywhere and still do my work," she said.

While there is plenty of work in translation, Amos said it's rare for people to speak Inuvialuktun.

According to the Inuvialuit Cultural Resource Centre there are lees than 400 fluent speakers left, most of whom are over 50.

"I just wish more people knew the language, I don't have many people to talk to," Amos said.

Speaking to people in Sachs Harbour and beyond, the internet businesswoman, traditional teacher and mother of three had this advice.

"I want to encourage people," she said.

"Even if they know just a little bit of their language - keep it up!"