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Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, March 25, 2009

ARVIAT - Shimmering blue waves gently washing over beautiful sun-drenched beaches was something Arviat elder Sabina Kautak, 66, never dreamed she'd actually see.

Turns out there was no ice in the water when Arviat elder Sabina Kautak visited Cuba for the first time this past month. - photo courtesy of Susan Savikataaq

But that scene became reality this past month when the unilingual elder took her first trip outside of Nunavut to visit Cuba.

For most of Kautak's life, she was cared for by the Grey Nuns in Chesterfield Inlet, who took care of physically-challenged people.

She moved to the Arviat Elders' Centre in 2001 after the Grey Nuns left Chester for the final time.

Kautak was accompanied on her vacation by Susan Savikataaq.

Kautak said (through Savikataaq's translation) she would like all her friends and relatives, especially the people of Chesterfield Inlet and those at the Naja Isabelle Home in Chester, to know what a wonderful time she had in Cuba this past month.

She said it was quite an experience to leave 30 C in Arviat to arrive in 30 C temperatures in Cuba, and her vacation was a trip she will always remember.

"I had never been out of Nunavut, other than medical trips to Winnipeg, so the trip to Cuba is something I never dreamed would really happen," said Kautak.

"I couldn't believe the warm weather and I really enjoyed my time there.

"There were so many things I enjoyed, like walking on the sand, seeing many different people, the Catamaran boat ride and seeing dolphins.

"I also enjoyed the star dancers and other entertainment they had at the resort each night and, of course, all the good food."

Kautak said Cuba was nothing like she expected and she still can't get over the summer weather there when Arviat is still very cold.

She said she was not looking forward to going back to winter in Nunavut as her trip came to a close.

"Everyone had many questions for me about my vacation when I returned.

"I showed them lots of pictures of my trip, and told all sorts of stories about things I did and saw.

"When I first went on the beach, I had to ask Susan (Savikataaq) if the waves in the water were ice (Kautak wears thick glasses).

"It was wonderful and I hope I get to return again next year."