RANKIN INLET - Traditional learning is off to a strong start at Rankin Inlet's middle school.

Ethel Ittinuar learns how to transport tools the traditional way during cultural learning at Simon Alaittuq School in Rankin Inlet this past month. - photo courtesy of Simon Alaittuq School staff

Simon Alaittuq School (SAS) principal Bev Hill said Inuktitut teacher Mariah Aliyak is leading the traditional program at SAS.

She said Aliyak and the rest of the staff are working on developing a strong cultural program at the school this year.

"We're using the Inuit Qaujiniajatuqangit framework, plus the traditional Inuuqatigiit curriculum from the Inuit perspective, in developing our program," said Hill.

"We're trying to develop as much traditional learning as possible.

"It's the first year we've done this at the school, and we were able to begin this January when Mariah became our full-time Inuktitut teacher.

"She's concentrating on traditional learning during morning classes to develop the kids' skills, and to give them some insight on how things were done so many years ago."

About 104 students attend SAS in 2011.

Each Grade 5 and Grade 6 class has two sessions per week with Aliyak, spending about two hours with her in the morning.

While students receive Inuktitut instruction every day, Aliyak is using the morning sessions to concentrate on cultural activities.

Hill said the kids love the program because of its hands-on approach. She said the students learn traditional skills best by using their hands.

"Mariah had them out this past week working with a pana to cut snow blocks.

"The kids excel when they have the chance to do things like that with her.

"They were so excited with the caribou skin, it was ridiculous. It was an amazing experience for them."

Even though the cultural program has only been running for a few months, Hill said it's one of SAS's highlights this year. She said the program has been very successful in a short period of time.

"It's really good to see tradition back in the school.

"We're going at it slowly because we want to do it right, rather than rush into it and be all over the place. We're trying to get elders, and others in the community with traditional experience, to help us.

"Our staff members are also in the class when Mariah's teaching, so we're all learning with the students."