Sewing up future skills
Tusarvik students selected for annual parka-making program
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
NAUJAAT
A group of male and female students at Tusarvik School spent a week learning how to make their own parkas in Naujaat this past month.
Jennifer Tungilik shows off her new parka at Tusarvik School in Naujaat. - photos courtesy of Julia MacPherson
Lydia Haqpi works on the fur trim for her jacket during a special parkamaking program at Tusarvik School in Naujaat. |
Taking part in what has now become an annual program were Ida Kridluar, Madeline Kringuk, Lydia Haqpi, Shelly Iguptak, Kenneth Katokra, Eric Katokra, Cathy Katokra, Jennifer Tungilik, Tiffany Putulik and Rosalie Ijjangiaq.
Tusarvik vice-principal Julia MacPherson said the special parkamaking program has been held at the school for the past six years.
She said the course is scheduled to take place during the time Tusarvik's teachers are also learning new skills as part of their own annual professional-development week.
"We select 10 students to make a jacket for themselves based on their overall showing during the school year," said MacPherson.
"We choose students who have good attendance, are respectful, and who do their work.
"The students are selected and agreed upon between our high school teachers and school administration.
"Our district education authority members support this initiative because it does help reward students who are respectful and attend school regularly."
Tusarvik School is well-known across the Kivalliq region for its emphasis on Inuit culture and traditional learning throughout the school year.
Traditional skills play a large role in everyday life in the community of Naujaat, and the parka-making program helps the students develop a skillset they can rely upon during their entire lifetime.
MacPherson said the program also teaches them how to work together.
She said it helps give them sewing skills they will be able to use for themselves, their friends and family members throughout their lives.
"The students come to school the whole week from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. to work with local sewers from the community.
"The sewers help them with their pattern, design and construction, but the students do the majority of the sewing and assembly.
"It's a very positive learning experience for these students."
