Rankin Inlet (Dec 10/03) - The traditional Inuit skill of ulu making came alive for a group of Rankin Inlet youth this past month.

A total of five youth took part in the three-day course taught by elder Tony Manernaluk.

The course was sponsored by the Makkuktut Sangiktilirput Youth (Youth Getting Stronger) program through the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre.

The centre's assistant youth co-ordinator, Tommy Makkigak, also took part in the course, which was held in the Hunters and Trappers Organization building.

The five youth who took part in the course were Romeo Naukatsik, Tim Papak, Brian Angidlik, Samson Amarudjuak and Calvin Pauloosie.

Pulaarvik's youth co-ordinator, Noah Tiktak, says the group learned how to use a chisel-type tool to construct an ulu from a regular handsaw and steel rods.

Each ulu had its own hardwood handle.

"Most of the youth made two and what they choose to do with their ulus was up to them." says Tiktak.

"They could keep them if they wanted or they could present them as a gift, maybe to their mothers, aunts or grandmothers."

Tiktak says the Youth Getting Stronger program also held another land camp this past week, from Dec. 4 - 7.

The youth spent their time on the land focused on hunting and fishing in an attempt to harvest enough country food to stage an elder's feast before Christmas.

Committee efforts

Tiktak says he's looking forward to the possibility of more teamwork between the Makkuktut Sangiktilirput Youth program and the local Justice Committee on future camps.

He says Justice Committee members have always been strong supporters of the youth program.

The Justice Committee often allows the youth program use of its two snowmobiles and two ATVs for the land program.

"That's the only reason we're able to take so many youth out to our camps.

"In fact, the Justice Committee purchased the material for the buildings at our camp so the youth and elders involved with our program could construct the cabins.

"The Justice Committee has always been very good in supporting our program."