Baker Lake (May 05/04) - Funding approval will decide whether a highly successful cultural program at Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school in Baker Lake continues next year.

Course instructor Irene Kaluraq said the purpose behind the program is to provide students with absolutely no land skills the opportunity to develop them through hands-on participation.

Kaluraq said she has only allowed junior high students to take part in the program so far.

She said she will be sending out senior high students before the end of the school year, if time permits.

"Before the weather got too warm, the students were taught by the elders to build iglus and shelters on the land," said Kaluraq.

"That included being shown how to use a tarp or caribou skins for the top half of the shelter.

"They've also been taught how to skin and butcher caribou and fillet fish."

Kaluraq said every trip she's sent the students out on so far this year has been successful.

There's even a plan in place to prevent Mother Nature from doing too much damage to the program when in a foul mood.

"If the weather isn't very co-operative, the students stay in town to work on snow knives and ice chisels, or, if a snowmobile breaks down, they help the instructor work on the machine.

"The girls are taught how to prepare caribou skins and then make the clothing."

To date, Kaluraq's program has been responsible for 32 students gaining valuable traditional knowledge on the land.

As an added bonus, two teachers new to the North have also been able to enjoy the experience.

Kaluraq said she's already applied for funding for the next school year, and can only hope for the best while waiting for approval.

"Without funding, we won't be able to offer such an extensive, positive learning opportunity.

"The students who participate in this program benefit by hearing the language, learning traditional skills and developing stronger relationships with the elders of our community."