School Community Picnic (2023)

Inuujaq School began September with a community picnic.  Last year’s picnic in late August was a success and staff wanted a repeat.  The event would give staff the chance to meet parents & guardians of students and enjoy delicious BBQ food. 

The Events Committee organized the event.  We used last year’s plan, choosing the same location and ordering the same amount of food.  However, we decided to send several staff members ahead of time to set everything up and begin cooking.  Last year was plagued with long food lineups, so we wanted to avoid that this time.  The picnic was set for the afternoon September 1. 

I borrowed a truck from Frank for transportation.  We began packing the truck at 12:30pm.  It only took me a few minutes to see that at least one more trip would be needed to bring everything to Uluksan Point.  The first load contained the most important items: barbecues, tables, garbage cans, food, condiments, juice, and propane.  I also ferried two staff members.  The other members of the Events Committee arrived in another vehicle. 

We unloaded everything and immediately went to work setting up the food station.  It’s a good thing we brought three long tables because there were only a few picnic tables around.  I drove back to school, picked up a few more things, and brought several more staff members.  The cooking was in full swing when I arrived.  The picnic was scheduled to begin at 2pm.

K-3 students & teachers were brought to Uluksan Point by school bus.  Everyone else had to walk to the point.  They started walking at 1:30pm.  Invited parents, guardians, Elders, and community members travelled by car, truck, and ATV.  Some gave lifts to a few students & teachers.

The picnic began as soon as K-3 students stepped off the bus.  Their teachers lined them up and guided them through the food station.  Having ready-to-serve hot dogs, hamburgers, and juice was a great idea.  It substantially reduced waiting times.  More students and teachers joined the line as they arrived.  The weather was holding steady.  There were clouds in the sky, but no rain.  I hiked up a nearby hill and photographed the festivities.   

Students who finished their meals early hung around the point, skipping rocks across the water, picking berries, and waiting to get back into line for seconds.  I waited until half of the student body was fed before getting my food.

A staff member started a bonfire to rid a pile of wooden pallets that had collected at the point.  The fire served as a good distraction and gave everyone a chance to warm up.  Fire brings people together, for better or worse.  This time was better because it was controlled, and no one got hurt.

The last activity we did was get everyone into a large circle.  A staff member used a megaphone to introduce the staff to students, parents, and guardians.  We then wished each other a successful school year.

Students were dismissed from school from the point.  Leftover food was given away.  The school bus picked up the students who lived the furthest from Uluksan Point.  Others were driven home by their parents while others walked.  The BBQ equipment was loaded onto Frank’s truck, and I drove it to school.  A few helpers came with me.  It took us about 15 minutes to unload everything and carry it inside the school.  I thanked the helpers for their assistance.  I returned Frank’s truck and walked home.  Another successful school community barbecue.

 

Cruise Ships & Chowder

Cruise ships returned to Arctic Bay and Nunavut this summer.  They were banned from the territory during the COVID-19 pandemic but were permitted to return when the disease was declared endemic.  Arctic Bay only hosts the smallest size cruise ships because our population is only 1,000 people.  We don’t have the necessary infrastructure to host anything larger.  Pond Inlet has hosted large cruise ships, but most of the tourists stay on ship while Inuit go aboard to perform and sell arts & crafts.

The first cruise ship I saw anchored was on August 15.  It was the Hanseatic Inspiration cruise ship, operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.  The ship accommodates 230 passengers, not including crew, according to the website.  Crewmembers brought several tourists ashore using Zodiac boats.  The tourists walked around town for a few hours, taking photographs, visiting stores, and talking to locals.  They returned to the ship and the vessel departed before nightfall.

A different cruise ship anchored in the bay the next day (August 16).  The ship was the Sylvia Earle, operated by Aurora Expeditions.  Just like the previous vessel, tourists were brought ashore on Zodiac boats and given a few hours to explore the town, take pictures, visit stores, and speak to locals.  I photographed several tourists speaking to Inuit children while they waited to return to the Sylvia Earle.  The vessel left in the evening.

I was gifted maktaaq chowder by a staff member.  It was made by her husband and the meat came from the narwhal that was cut up on August 9.  I’ve tried raw maktaaq before, but it didn’t agree with my taste buds.  This time, heating the chowder in the microwave did the trick.  I wolfed down the chowder and my stomach didn’t have a problem digesting the maktaaq.  It was so good that I had another bowl.               

A Quick Summer & A Narwhal To Skin

Warning: The images contained in this post may be graphic for some.

My summer vacation was quick, or at least, felt quick.  I didn’t really travel anywhere and stayed in one place.  More money for an expensive trip in the future, I guess.  I stayed with family and visited old friends.  I also spent 2 weeks completing my sealift order.  I drove to many stores all over town, bought a year’s worth of items, and personally delivered them to the local shipping company.  They do offer a pickup service, but I decided against it.  They delivered my stuff to the port in Montreal where it was crated and placed on a Desgagnes ship.  My stuff should arrive next month (September). 

I flew to Arctic Bay in early August.  I wanted to get reacclimatized before the start of school.  There were no travel delays this time.  I spent a few hours reorganizing my residence.

The first day for (school) staff was August 9.  School Administration held a welcome back staff meeting in my classroom.  There were several new faces.  Brief introductions were made by everyone.  The principal and vice-principal went over the general plan of the upcoming school year, what needs to be done before the first school day, and upcoming events in August.  Staff were then dismissed to prepare their classrooms.

About thirty minutes later, word quickly spread that the husband of a student support assistant (SSA) was getting ready to harvest a narwhal on the beach.  He caught the large female mammal the day before.  Everyone grabbed their jackets and walked over to where the harvest would take place.  I made sure to bring my camera.

Knives were being sharpened when we arrived.  The narwhal was big.  I started filming as the first knife went it.  Everyone watched as one large rectangular cut was made on one side.  The knife was sharp.  The rectangle was divided into smaller cuts and pieces were removed in large slices.  A few more hunters joined the harvest.  The flippers and tail were removed and placed in a separate pile.  The narwhal was carefully moved onto its other side and the cutting process was repeated.  Several pieces were distributed to people in plastic bags.  I didn’t take any because I have enough country food at home.  Staff returned to school after 45 minutes.

Fast forward to August 14, the first day of school for students.  Staff arrived early in the morning to setup the gym and prepare food for the welcome back assembly and community breakfast.  The Home Ec Room was busy with staff cutting various fruits, meats, and cheese.  Hard boiled eggs were also prepared.  The food was then carried to the gym in large bowls and trays.  The bowls & trays were placed on a long row of tables.  Juice boxes, coffee, tea, and paper plates were placed on smaller tables.  Food plates were prepared before the bell rang.  This would make distribution easier and faster.  You don’t want to keep the audience waiting.

The assembly began at 9am.  The principal welcomed everyone in attendance to the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.  He then called the staff up to the front to briefly introduce themselves and state their role in the school.  The food was then blessed by an Elder and then distributed by staff.  The food tasted great.  Everyone was done eating after 30 minutes.

Students and teachers were dismissed to their classrooms.  High school students stayed behind to help clean the gym.  They went to their respective classes thereafter.

The school year had officially begun.

Before The Summer Break

The last day of school for students was June 5.  Students assisted teachers in cleaning the classrooms and throwing out work they no longer wanted.  Final report cards were handed out in the afternoon.  A few minutes before the last school bell rang, the principal came over the PA system and wished students a safe & happy summer.  The bell rang and students celebrated the end of school.  When I was growing up, Alice Cooper’s School’s Out would play in my mind.  When I was in high school, it was Mel Gibson shouting “Freedom!” in Braveheart. 

The last day of school for staff was June 6 (next day).  There was a bunch of housekeeping duties we had to complete before we were dismissed for summer break.  Some of them included making sure the classrooms were clean, the desks & chairs were piled into one area of each classroom, and posters removed from walls.  Speaking of posters & walls, this was the same for the main hallway.  Any borrowed electronics needed to be returned to the main office.  

A year-end staff get together was held in the afternoon.  Snacks were served.  It was a nice way for staff to unwind after working hard for 10 months.  Staff talked about their summer plans, and we said goodbye to teachers who wouldn’t be returning in August.

Many southern teachers left on June 7, but I chose to delay my departure until Friday.  I needed an extra two days to relax at home, clean, and pack. 

I flew down south on June 9.  The plane took off at noon.  I took several photos of the community as the plane ascended into the sky.  There was still snow & ice in the bay, but it was beginning to melt.  The was also snow on mountain tops.

Canadian North, unfortunately, recently changed its plane routes, so the plane first landed in Resolute Bay.  (The community is further north than Arctic Bay).  We picked up more passengers and then flew down to Iqaluit.  Thankfully, the flight to Ottawa was in the evening, but I arrived in the nation’s capital in the very late evening.  At least I didn’t have to overnight in Iqaluit.

As always, I’ll be taking a break from my blogging duties for the duration of the summer.  See you all in August!

     

HS Graduation (2023)

June 2.  The day had finally arrived for two excited & relieved senior high school students.  They were graduating high school and moving on to the next chapter of their lives.

As mentioned before, the community hall was decorated days in advance.  Food preparation was much easier for the Graduation Committee in that they didn’t have to prepare any.  The local hotel catered this year!  I think this was the first time since I’ve been here where the graduation dinner was catered.  The hotel’s cook & kitchen staff prepared and transported everything.  We just had to set up tables.  The dinner began at 6:00pm.

Everyone attended in their best attire.  The local RCMP & our MLA David Akeeagok was in attendance.  The food was blessed by an Elder and the grads were invited to be the first to receive their food.  Everyone followed thereafter.  The dinner lasted an hour.  Everyone assisted in the clean up and rearranging the hall for the graduation ceremony.

The ceremony began at 8pm with the local RCMP leading the two graduates to the main stage.  Everyone applauded as the graduates took their seats on stage.  An Elder led everyone in a short prayer and then another lit a ceremonial qulliq.

The principal welcomed everyone to the ceremony and congratulated the two graduates for completing their high school education.  He admitted the journey must have been difficult at times but assured them that it was all worth it.  Now with high school behind them, the grads were ready to explore all the possibilities the world has to offer.  He encouraged them to try new things, explore the world, and if possible, consider becoming a teacher.  He then presented the grads their diplomas. 

The ceremony moved onto awards.  The awards were: Hamlet of Arctic Bay (HAB), Volunteer Achievement, Athletic Achievement, Inuktitut Language, and the Governor General’s Award (GGA).  The HAB & GGA awards are similar in that they’re given to the top academically performing student.  The only difference is the GGA also comes with a large ceremonial coin. 

MLA David Akeeagok was invited to the podium to say a few words to the graduates in the audience.  Similar to the principal’s address, he congratulated the students for finishing high school, wished them all the best, and encouraged them to inspire others to finish high school.

The graduates were invited to address the audience.  It’s not mandatory, but the offer is there.  One graduate accepted the invitation and did a short thank you speech.

Parents/Guardians were also invited to address the graduates & audience.  A few came forward and offered their own congratulations. 

The vice-principal did the closing remarks, thanking everyone for attending and supporting the graduates.  The graduates were led off the stage by the RCMP while music played in the background.  The crowd applauded the graduates one last time. 

The graduates had their pictures taken with the graduation cake.  The cake was then cut and distributed to the people in attendance.  Of course, the grads received the first pieces.  The grads then posed for more photographs with the MLA, RCMP, teachers, family, and friends.  The celebrations lasted well into the night.

 

Recognition & Celebration

June 1 was a day of recognition & celebration at Inuujaq School.  The perfect way to start the month. 

The day began with staff arriving in the early morning to prepare food in the Home Ec Room and setup the gym for the first assembly.  Staff cut & prepared large assortments of fruits, vegetables, meats, and hardboiled eggs, and then carried them to the gym.  I helped in the gym, setting up tables, plates, sound system, chairs, and garbage cans.  Several teachers taped large posters on the gym walls.  The food was divided amongst the paper plates.  This would make distribution easier & faster.  Everything was ready to go before the ringing of the first bell.

The morning assembly was dedicated to recognizing & celebrating the 43-year educational career of Morty, highlighting her many achievements, and to wish her a happy retirement.

The assembly began at 10:00am.  Parents, guardians, and community members were invited to attend.  The principal welcomed everyone, and the high school Inuktitut teacher led everyone in a short prayer.  Morty was given a comfortable red chair to sit, giving her a front row seat to the festivities in her honour.

A group of students performed a square dance.  The routine was energetic, fun, and lasted for about 10 minutes.  It’s quite impressive to see young kids able to dance that long without a break.  I was told some routines last much longer.  Morty and the audience clapped along to the music while the dancers showed off their skills.

The principal continued the assembly with a prepared congratulatory speech to Morty for her many years of dedication and hard work in Inuit education.  An Inuit staff member translated the words into Inuktitut for the unilingual audience members.  (Morty is bilingual).  The principal led everyone in giving Morty a standing ovation at the end of his speech.

Former students of Morty, many of whom are on school staff, did a short celebratory dance with Morty.  The dance was spontaneous, but she appreciated it.

The head of the local District Education Authority (DEA) did short congratulatory speech and rewarded Morty with several gifts.  The Grade 2 class continued the assembly by singing a few songs in Inuktitut and playing the Inuit drum.

Inuujaq School staff posed with Morty for group photograph.  Staff were also invited to say a few words about their time working with Morty and if they wanted to publicly wish her a wonderful retirement.  This invitation was also extended to community members in attendance.

Morty was given the opportunity to address everyone in the gym.  She thanked everyone for coming to the assembly, supporting her through the years, and was glad to see her former students succeed.  She also stated she was glad to have chosen a career in education.

The assembly finished with a breakfast meal.  Well, it was more of a brunch based on the time the plates were handed out.  The food still tasted good.

The second assembly was Kindergarten Graduation.  The students and their parents/guardians & teacher were excited.  Everyone assembled in the gym in the afternoon.  A row of 10 red chairs were placed at the front of the gym for the graduates.  The kindergarteners were led into the gym wearing their blue graduation gowns.  They took their seats while the audience applauded.

Congratulatory speeches were made by principal, vice-principal, and the kindergarten teacher.  They also wished the kindergarteners all the best in Grade 1 and beyond.  The teacher called her students individually to receive a certificate and have their picture taken with her in front of a large poster.  I took the individual and group photographs.  The audience gave the kindergarteners a standing ovation.