Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Monday, April 23, 2007

KIMMURUT - Marysa Kolola can't contain her enthusiasm to sing.

A member of the St. Paul's church choir, the Kimmirut elder not only performs at the parish most Sundays, she often finds herself warbling hymns around her home.

St. Paul's, established in 1909, has a long history, and Bible songs could be heard within its walls for many of those years. Kolola was captivated by the sounds of the choir as a young woman and joined their ranks at age 19.

The singers don white gowns with red trim. Sometimes they're accompanied by a pianist. They sing in Inuktitut - Kolola, a unilingual Inuktitut speaker who was raised in Kimmirut, recounts her background through translation by her granddaughter, Rita.

Kolola admits that she was quite shy and reserved when she started singing in front of others, but not any more, she said.

Many of the vocalists are long-time choir members. They are Leah Aqpik, Simat Onalik, Akeego Killiktee, Itee Temela, Annie Ikkidluak, Maliktoo Lyta, Peepee Arlooktoo and Josephie Padluq. They are directed by Simeonie Aqpik, and they have a vast repertoire of hymns committed to memory.

Kolola is also a member of the auxiliary women's group in the community. They gather to sew, pray and sing songs of praise.

"She enjoys singing," Rita said of her grandmother.