IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY - Youth and elders have come together in Cambridge Bay over the past several weeks to build a traditional Copper Inuit kayak.

Kayak building instructors Ovide Aaalaakannark and Jesse Apsakataun and youth Dedre Maksagak work on building a traditional Copper Inuit kayak as part of a youth and elder camp organized by the Kitikmeot Heritage Society. - photo courtesy of Caitlin Charbonneau

The kayak-building camp, which takes place on the land, is the first of its kind in Cambridge Bay and was organized by Brendan Griebal through the Kitikmeot Heritage Society.

One summer student, seven elders, two kayak instructors and Griebal all participated in the three-week program.

Projects like these are a good opportunity for youth and elders, said Griebal.

"It reminds people what goes on in town is different than out on the land. There are no worries of time or food. Everyone has time to think about more important things in life such as their culture and heritage," he said.

For most elders, it was the first time building a traditional kayak. And, for some, it was the first time even seeing one built.

"I have never made a kayak before. I have never seen a kayak being made before. This is my first time," said Mabel Etegik.

"I have never made a kayak but was really eager to learn," added Anna Nahogaloak.

Others hadn't seen a kayak being made since their youth.

Mary Avalak remembers watching a "very old" elder named Punok making a small kayak once when she was young.

"I was maybe 10 or 11 years old," she said.

Only one elder, Lena Kamoayok, had built a kayak before. She learned how to build kayaks from her grandparents and her parents.

Kamoayok said her family used caribou skin in Bathurst Inlet and built the frame with willow branches. That type of kayak seated three people – one in front, middle and back for balance – and was smaller than the Copper Inuit kayak, she said.

But, no matter whether it was the first time or a time to practise skills passed down through generations, all seven elders looked forward to seeing the finished project and enjoyed their time at camp.

"When it's finished the kayak is going to look so nice," said Mary Kilaodluk.

While many youth and elders stopped by the camp to watch the process, next year it would be nice to see more youth officially involved in the project, said participating elders.

Dedre Maksagak, the project's only full-time youth participant, agreed, saying he hopes more students will hear about the camp and want to join next summer.

In the meantime, he is looking forward to trying out the kayak once it is finished and "to see if it floats," he said.

-- with files from Caitlin Charbonneau and Lisa Bachellier