New programs cover books to kamiks
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Jan 31/01) - Two programs are under way in Rankin Inlet and both have a broad range of appeal.
The Community Learning Centre is co-sponsoring the programs, which focus on bringing families together for a little quality time and preserving traditional skills.
Cecelia Ayaruak has organized a family reading circle every Wednesday evening at the John Ayaruaq library at Maani Ulujuk middle school (MUI).
Ayaruak said parents can bring their children to the library for a bit of reading, get involved with some crafts, and, on special nights, enjoy games, prizes and other events.
"It's an evening out of quality time for any family to take advantage of," said Ayaruak.
The Rankin centre borrowed the idea from the reading circle evenings held in Coral Harbour.
Community adult educator Bob Spensley says he hopes the program goes as well in Rankin as it does in Coral.
"I like the idea we're sharing literacy ideas around the region," said Spensley.
"That can only help improve the level of literacy, learning and self-esteem across Kivalliq."
The learning centre is also involved with a new kamik making program, which is an off-shoot of the successful Reclaiming our Sinew program sponsored by MUI and the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA).
Spensley said the KIA's Bernadette Dean and Lucy Makkigak worked hard to find funding and deserve all the credit for the program.
He said many women in the hamlet who work during the day were interested in taking the Reclaiming our Sinew program.
The new kamik program will allow those people to learn some of the same skills being taught in the sinew program.
The program runs weeknights from 6-10 p.m. at the learning centre.
Spensley says program participants must either bring their own skins or buy the high-quality skins the course has available.
"The learning centre is donating free space and encouraging participation in the program because it's the right thing to do.
"We're always happy to work together with the KIA or any other organization to promote learning and self-esteem in our region."
