Men rise up in Baker Lake
Support group sends 17 members to healing sessions
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
KIVALLIQ
A group of Angutiit Makigiangninga (Men Rising Up) members from four Kivalliq communities held a series of healing sessions in Baker Lake this past week.
Jackie Nakoolak, Bobby Nakoolak, Kidlapik Nakoolak and Willie Nakoolak, from left, of Coral Harbour perform at the Men Rising Up meetings in Baker Lake earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Sam Tutanuak
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It was the third time the Men Rising Up support and counselling group held meetings in Baker.
Group member Sam Tutanuak of the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre's Kivalliq Counselling and Support Services based in Rankin Inlet said he was a little disappointed more men didn't attend the Baker meetings.
But, he quickly added, the meetings aren't really about overall numbers, but, rather, helping those who need it.
"We had 17 members from Arviat, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour and Rankin make the trip," said Tutanuak.
"We didn't have as many come out in Baker as we expected, but, really, the numbers don't matter.
"It's all about the outcome at the end of the meetings, and the outcome at the end of the Baker meetings was amazing, so nothing else mattered."
The Baker meetings were held from May 13 to 15.
Tutanuak said the meetings were for men only.
He said the meetings went very well in helping those who attended.
"A lot of forgiving took place, as well as a lot of asking for prayer.
"People were actually letting go of past deaths, having their final release of grieving and stuff like that.
"We left Baker Lake confident we helped some people there.
"There was one individual who touched every person and there wasn't a dry eye in the room when he finished."
Tutanuak said a number of church services were also held during the visit.
He said a women's meeting will be held in Naujaat towards the end of July.
"That will be the first women's group meeting that Pulaarvik is taking care of, with the help of Health Canada.
"We have female participants filling-out forms for that all ready.
"We plan to hold our next Angutiit Makigiangninga trip later in the fall.
"The location hasn't been named yet, but I would love to do it in Whale Cove."
