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.