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TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY
A number of students learned to build iglus at Netsilik School in Taloyoak late last month, a skill they could use as a protection from the elements if they ever get lost on the land.

Netsilik School Language Specialist Kevin Eetoolook, left, along with students Jessica Karoo and Mimi Tucktoo enjoy the warmth of the big iglu in Taloyoak late last month. - photo courtesy of Kevin Eetoolook

The group of 15 students from grades 7 to 12 learned the art of iglu-building during a week-long career and technology course last last month. For the first couple of days, students observed and assisted elders David Nanook and Nauyuk Ugyuk during the construction of three interconnected iglus. To earn their course credit, the students then had to build their own iglu.

Netsilik School Inuktitut Language Specialist Kevin Eetoolook said the students built an overnight iglu as opposed to a family-size one.

"If you are traveling quite a distance from your community and you have to overnight due to bad weather or because of long distance, then you'll build an iglu just enough for one of two people," he said. "They learned which type of snow to use, they learned how to cut blocks and they learned how to assemble iglu."

He added the students and elders worked daily from 9 a.m. until noon. If the students ever get stranded out on the land, they now have the resources to build a shelter for survival, said Eetoolook.

"We had a great time gaining experience building iglu," he said.

One of the students braving the cold to learn how to build an iglu was Grade 9 student Bradley Neeveacheak.

The 16-year-old said the whole experience was fun but cutting bigger blocks for the bottom of the iglu was a little difficult.

"We learned a lot of stuff about building iglus and learned how to make a single one for being outside, if you're lost," he said. "It was fun making the blocks and covering it with snow."

He said by the next day the iglu would be frozen solid.

Neeveacheak said he could make his own iglu in the future, something he added is important for him so when he gets older, he can pass on the skill to young people.

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