TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY - Community members in Taloyoak have spent the winter learning traditional skills from local elders thanks to a program launched last fall.

Instructor Simon Oleekatalik, left, stands with student Jimmy Totalik as he displays his finished ulu he made during the Inuit Societal Values program in Taloyoak in January. - submitted photo

The Inuit Societal Values program started off as a pilot project that began in 2008, according to senior administrative officer Chris Dixon. The program's success prompted organizers to offer the program again.

"It's been a well-received program within the community," Dixon said.

The program is run through the hamlet office and is funded by the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.

Fifteen elders participate on a rotational basis each week, according to co-ordinator Linda Tucktoo. Each elder is paid and is available to help anyone who wants to learn.

"They're showing the town people how to do it," Tucktoo said.

So far, classes have been provided on everything from ulu making to traditional meals.

Most of the classes take place in the Elders' Palace but instruction has also been given at Nunavut Arctic College, Tucktoo said.

Elders have been showing students how to make traditional tools.

"At the Arctic College, the men are up there and they're making harpoons and harpoon heads, ulus, kakivaks (fishing spear) and panas (snow knives) and we'll be making iglu pretty soon," Tucktoo said.

Dixon said the program aims to take participants out on the land so they can use the tools they created during the program.

The cultural program is being used in many facets of daily life in the community, Dixon said.

People who need to complete probationary community service hours can take part. The work of participants can also be used to help less fortunate members of the community.

Participants and elders spent the weeks before Christmas sewing parkas to be donated to community members who needed them, Dixon said.

It also offers a bridge between the community's youth and elders.

"It's a way for youth to open up," Dixon said.

The program is expected to run until March.