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Life and literacy

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (Oct 04/00) - The past is about to come alive and help improve literacy throughout Kivalliq.

Baker Lake elder Simon Tookoome received a great deal of attention earlier this year when he co-authored The Shaman's Nephew.

Tookoome's embarks on a book tour this month that will take him to schools in the seven hamlets.

Chris Purse of Kivalliq School Services says his department is hoping Tookoome will be able to generate more reading interest among the region's youth.

"We really think this type of initiative and interaction between Mr. Tookoome and the students will produce some positive results," says Purse.

"Mr. Tookoome has autographed a large number of the books destined for the schools. Each school will be receiving two sets of books."

The Shaman's Nephew is Tookoome's own story.

He was one of the last Inuit to live in a settlement, and the book is a bridge between past and present ways of Inuit life.

Tookoome says he's looking forward to promoting his book in each community.

He says the tour also gives him the opportunity to promote Inuit culture, so future generations can learn from his experiences.

Tookoome also delivers a message of tolerance and understanding in his book.

"Before I moved to a community, I did not want anything to do with Qablunaaq as they did not know my language and culture and I did not know theirs," says Tookoome.

"As more Qablunaaq moved into Baker lake, I started to meet them and they were very friendly. That was when my life changed."

As time passed, Tookoome says he began to realize Inuit and Qablunaaq should live together in harmony.

He says that's one message he's looking forward to delivering as he travels to Kivalliq communities -- and maybe beyond -- talking to youth, adults and elders.