Jillian Dickens
Northern News Services

Resolute (Oct 03/05) - Resolute students can't seem to get enough knowledge from their elders.

"Students are already coming up to us and asking when the elders are going to come in and sew with us or teach us new cooking skills," said outreach co-ordinator Tracey MacMillan.

Core studies like mathematics, science and history are just the tip of the learning iceberg for students at Qarmartalik school in Resolute.

Thanks to their cultural outreach program, which incorporates skills only elders and artisans can truly provide, students are learning to sew parkas, cook traditional Inuit cuisine, throat sing like their ancestors, and carve beautiful pieces of art.

Grade 10 student Sylvia Kalluk, 15, says the program is her favourite part of school.

So far she has learned how to sew dolls (complete with miniature parkas and seal-skin kamiks) and make bannock (although she hasn't memorized the measurements yet). She is learning to throat sing.

Kalluk looks forward to sharing her new skills with her family in the future.

"When I get older I can sew and cook for myself and my family," she said.

Her favourite part of the Outreach program is being with the elders.

"I enjoy spending time with the elders and getting to know them," said Kalluk.

Recognizing this program as essential, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association recently contributed $10,300 to enhance it even further.

The program has been in full-effect since last year.

The money will help students enjoy the benefits on a more regular basis.

"The cost of materials in the North can be expensive, so all money will go towards supplies for the activities," said MacMillan. "In the past the program was more intermittent and now it is becoming more steady."

Qarmartalik principal Brian Manning says ongoing promotion of the Inuit Qaujimajatugangit principals is a priority at the school, and all donations toward enhancing those principles are widely accepted.

"We are grateful and appreciative," said Manning.