Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Jun 30/99) - Born and raised on the land in Pelly Bay more than three-quarters of a century ago, Rankin Inlet's Mariano Aupilardjuk has become one of the most well-known and widely respected elders in all of Nunavut.

Aupilardjuk standing at the front of a classroom and lecturing on Inuit culture, legends and traditions has become a common sight these days, as has his graceful and moving stylings during a traditional drum dance to mark many a special occasion or open numerous events across the Keewatin.

The insightful elder first started passing on Inuit values to young students in Repulse Bay. He would teach the kids hunting skills, and take them out on the land and teach them to survive.

Even the adults in the community would get involved at that time, he says.

"I remember growing up as a child, there were so many good things about living out on the land and surviving," he recalled.

"Nowadays you see a lot of young people trying to learn these skills, but many mistakes are made. I want to see our traditions and skills preserved and that's why I'm so involved with teaching."

Aupilardjuk has a way of bringing the past to life when he speaks. His words instantly fill one's mind with an endless string of random images -- some of survival, some of celebration, some of legend and all of a valuable past which must be preserved.

"There is a definite difference between teaching children and teaching young people," says Aupilardjuk. "I enjoy teaching the children more because they really want to learn and are very interested in what I have to say. I tell them stories and other stuff and they really believe it.

"It's harder with youth, older kids, because they have their own values. You can talk to them, but they tend not to believe a lot of what I say because they have their own perspective."

Aupilardjuk says Inuktitut and traditional skills should be taught to children at a young age, when they want to learn. With this approach, he believes many of our future generations will have strong traditional skills and be able to speak fluent Inuktitut.

He says the formation of the elder councils will also help preserve the old ways.

"The elder councils will really benefit Nunavut. You already see a lot of activity in Arviat and Baker Lake and the young people are starting to notice these things and get involved with more traditional skills and activities.

"I see many of these activities because I'm invited to open many celebrations with a drum dance. I write my own songs, but, for me, to write a song in Inuktitut, it really has to come from within and takes time. I have to have my own time and space to write well, but it's something I think I will always love to do."