Elder stays active
Alan Joss was recognized for his efforts to keep active and contribute to his community, even at 77-years old
Elaine Anselmi
Northern News Services
Friday, November 13, 2015
ULUKHAKTOK/HOLMAN
At this year's Elders in Motion event put on by the NWT Parks and Recreation Association, 77-year-old Alan Joss of Ulukhaktok was added to a list of inspirational elders from across the territory.
Ulukhaktok's Alan Joss, left, winner of the Active Elder Award stands and Agnes Kuptana, watch a moosehide tanning event hosted by NWT Recreation and Parks Association in Yellowknife. - Elaine Anselmi/NNSL photo
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The Active Elder Award goes out to those who keep moving in their senior years, passing on traditions to the younger generation. The NWT Parks website also makes mention of Joss' contributions of traditional food to his community of Ulukhaktok, following many trips on the land.
"He's always out on the land, he grew up on the land," says Joss' daughter Corrie, speaking on behalf of Joss, as his English is limited.
"He grew up hunting on the land and he never had school."
Joss was out on a hunting trip one week ago when News/North first contacted him - Corrie said it was a successful one. He came back with a caribou, wolf, muskox and fish.
She said he hunts, "Anything that you can see or eat."
In his time hunting, Joss has landed muskox, whales, seal and even polar bear, who Corrie said is a good eater - perhaps a reason for his long-lasting good health and ability.
When they were young, Joss took his children out on the land to continue the hunting tradition, though Corrie can't remember when she first went out.
"I got my first polar bear when I was maybe 29-years old," she said.
Within his community, Joss' success as a hunter and guide is well known.
When he returns from trips, Corrie laughed that people say, "Oh, you made it back, congratulations."
The Active Elder Award came as a surprise to her father, Corrie said, but added that he was excited.
The award was handed out during the two-day Elders in Motion training event in Yellowknife that brought recreation and support staff and elders together. Minister of Health Glen Abernethy was on-hand to congratulate Joss for keeping moving and being an inspiration in his community.
"He'll be active as long as he can," Corrie said.
"That's what I'm hoping."
