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Derby of tradition Fishing derbies really about family, learning, says top fisher
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, June 5, 2013
RANKIN INLET
While Noel and Michelle Kaludjak may have taken home $6,900 in prize money at the fishing derby in Rankin Inlet this past month, the annual derbies are really more about tradition and family to them.
Noel Kaludjak landed the top trout caught during the Rankin Inlet Fishing Derby this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
Noel said the preparation for a derby starts well before its scheduled dates.
He said families keep busy planning their trip, making sure they have enough money for gas and food, preparing their qamutiik, making boxes and ensuring they have the proper safety equipment.
"It's all really part of Inuit tradition and training," said Kaludjak.
"Sometimes we learn without even knowing it and preparing to go out on the land is all part of learning.
"The biggest part is you get to bring your family without having to worry about anything too much.
"Sometimes as many as five or six Ski-Doos will go out with one family and everyone looks out for each other."
Kaludjak said the younger members of the family learn by watching the adults.
He said they'll learn the land and how to tell where the fish are and, sometimes, the family will even get lucky enough to land a caribou, wolf or wolverine while out for the derby.
"It's not just about fish, it's about teaching, enjoying the land and healthy living.
"Sometimes, when we're out on the land, you come across something you didn't expect and you have to learn to make do, whether it's an emergency or a non-emergency situation.
"The kids watch us and learn about navigating the land, the dangers out there, proper trails and which way to go."
Kaludjak said his mom taught him little techniques on how to know where the fish might be.
He said things such as knowing what to look for when looking at the islands, or where the ice builds up the gravel, can lead to a very successful trip.
"The kids watch us and learn we don't just go to a lake and drill a hole.
"We also look for the odd little inuksuk that may have been used many years ago to mark a good fishing spot, if you know how to read them.
"Sometimes we meet other families, set up a camp and spend the time working together, helping each other, cooking for each other and just talking to catch up with things.
"It can really bring a family closer together."
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