KIVALLIQ

Elders from across the Kivalliq spent time in Rankin Inlet talking about ways to improve communications with youth earlier this month.

Elders Madeline Makkigak of Rankin Inlet and Henry Isluanik of Arviat chat in a large iglu in Rankin earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak

The gathering was a project of Kivalliq Counselling and Support Services, an outreach arm of the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre.

Services member Noel Kaludjak of Coral Harbour said the event was an awesome experience.

He said the connections made between elders and youths during the week were very successful.

"The goal was to get two or three elders from each Kivalliq community to come to Rankin and work with local elders and youth to create a good working relationship," said Kaludjak.

"We encouraged younger people to work with the elders to build the big iglu that became the centre of the gathering.

"The main iglu was about 30 feet in diameter, with a couple of eight-foot iglus on each side to connect as rooms."

Kaludjak said a seating area was made with snow and caribou skins for a number of activities to be held.

He said a good working relationship developed between the elders and the younger people, and the elders thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"The atmosphere was really good, and the youths were encouraged by the

elders and happy to work with them.

"The iglu was good, but, more importantly, the work we did to connect youths with the elders was very successful.

"The elders showed them how to cut snow blocks, make a pana, pick the right spot and make a probe stick (subgut) and use it properly to probe for snow."

Students were also invited to the iglu for drum dancing and ajaaja.

Elders in the community were asked to the site for a feast of traditional food brought in from Iglulik, Repulse Bay and Baker Lake.

Kaludjak said the idea was to make every elder feel welcome and to enjoy the atmosphere at the gathering.

"The kids enjoyed the elders explaining how life used to be, their clothes, the history of the drum and the drum dance, and living conditions before there were houses.

"We met as a group each morning to discuss plans for the day and the issues affecting our communities.

"The elders talked about living without drugs and alcohol, violence in the home and what we should and shouldn't do in life.

"It was a positive and beneficial experience for everyone involved."

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