Still Flying From My Trip to Inukjuak

I'm back at my desk in Montreal, but in my head I'm still FLYING from my trip to Inukjuak, Nunavik this week. I met so many interesting young people and heard so many AMAZING stories. The young people I met hunt for caribou and seal; I told them I HUNT FOR STORIES. And that's why I'm flying. I feel full of stories!

During my visit, I interviewed two survivors of the High Arctic Relocation. Both Alacie, who's now 83, and Markoosie, who's 69, were sent by boat from Inukjuak  to Resolute Bay in the High Arctic. They were told that there were many animals to hunt at Resolute, but that wasn't the case. Instead, they suffered terrible hardships. And many of the survivors of this relocation have not spoken much about their experience. I felt very very privileged to hear their stories. I had a lot of help, of course. A very special young lady who speaks perfect Inuktitut even though she is only 10, and neither of her parents are Inuit, helped me translate Alacie's words. So I send a hug to Sarah A for her assistance. And a wonderful young man named Paulusie organized my meeting with Markoosie. Monkey hats off to you, Paulusie! (I say monkey hats because Paulusie wears a very cool monkey hat!)

Some students from Inukjuak have already written to me. (One of them is in today's pic. The teacher to my left is Crystal, whom I mentioned in my last blog entry.) I am so pleased to hear from you, and to learn that perhaps a little of what I told you about writing stories will stay with you. You guys have a big responsibility: to listen to the stories in the world around you and to share them with the rest of us.

And remember, for those of you who come to college in Montreal -- spaghetti dinner at my house!!