Lauren Solski
Northern News Services
Published Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Last week, author Michael Kusugak showed students from Nakasuk school in Iqaluit how string games can be fun for youth, adults, and elders. “It’s important to pass on string games,” Kusugak said.

Storyteller Michael Kusugak shows Nakasuk school students how to play string games in Iqaluit during this year’s Alianait! Arts Festival.

The string games workshop, which was part of the Alianait! Arts Festival, took place at the Elders Qammak in Iqaluit. Although the workshop was for students, many teachers and community members took part.

Kusugak, who is from Rankin Inlet, has been playing string games for as long as he can remember. Kusugak tours schools and libraries around the country to spread traditional Inuit games and stories.

Although he can make several string designs, his specialty is a string whale.

“It’s very complicated to do, and I have only taught one other person to make it,” Kusugak said.

Kusugak said he feels it is important to keep string games alive.

“People have so much to entertain themselves with these days. Some of us get tired of watching television,” Kusugak said.

When television fails, Kusugak said picking up some string will do the trick to entertain.

Kusugak also entertains youth around the world with his books.

In 1988, Kusugak collaborated with Robert Munsch to write “A Promise is a Promise.” Afterwards, Kusugak continued on to write eight more books including Who Wants Rocks? and Northern Lights: The Soccer Trails.

Kusugak has a new book due out in the fall.

Nakasuk teacher Annie Petaulassi said Kusugak should return for another visit with the children. “The kids had so much fun,” Petaulassie said.

Petaulassie said the students also enjoyed Kusugak’s books and storytelling.

“It was nice to come out here and do string games on the last day of school,” Petaulassie said.

Grade 5 student Paula Naulaq said she had fun playing string games with Kusugak.

“I’m learning new things,” Naulaq said.

Naulaq, whose favourite string game is the elastic band, said she enjoyed the way Kusugak teaches the string games.