monique polak

Monique Polak's Books

1 minute reading time (283 words)

Snowed In in Wemindji

So we're not on the plane -- the three of us (I'm with photographer Monique Dykstra nd filmmaker Louise Abbott) are snowed in!! I wouldn't mind so much if it didn't mean that I was missing another day of school tomorrow! If you're one of my stduents reading this, get ready to work like a dog next week!!

Unfortunately, I can't access my website email from here. I know, I know... I should be more savvy about such things. So if you're sending comments to the blog, I'll only be able to read and post them when I get home -- which may take a few days!! YIKES! There is a heavy wind warning for the region tomorrow, plus there will be a backlog of travelers.

We've been working with students at Maquatua School in Wemindji. They all speak Cree; English is their second language. Today, I helped them write two poems. One uses mostly verbs; the other poem is shaped like a teepee. I got the idea because you can see a teepee just outside the classroom window.

I have also been interviewing local grammas for a Gazette story. Several of the grammas spent years in residential schools when they were little girls. Their stories are very sad. Some of them hardly knew their own parents. Family has become very important for these women -- in part because they were torn from their families at a young age.

So hope you're fine and well wherever you are. I like the students here -- they're funny and smart -- but I do miss my own classes at home, too. And my own computer. And my family. Will write to you again when I have more news.

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Guess Where I am Now?
Wachiya from Wemindji!!
 

Comments

Guest - Kim on Thursday, 31 January 2008 01:25

Hard luck being stuck up there... though I suppose that, since you don't really have the choice, thinking positive is probably the best way to cope. I take it there are many cool stories that you've already found, and the gramma's stories sound like they are interesting, even though they aren't the most joyous ones. Life would be boring if we had no difficulties to work through, and there's the fact that some obstacles show us who we really are, while also making us grow.
Montreal is also expecting a major snowfall, I've heard. Good for skiing, less good for driving to the ski resorts!
I love the expression of "working like a dog", because my dogs have been spending their days sleeping in front of the wood stove since the cold set in!

Hard luck being stuck up there... though I suppose that, since you don't really have the choice, thinking positive is probably the best way to cope. I take it there are many cool stories that you've already found, and the gramma's stories sound like they are interesting, even though they aren't the most joyous ones. Life [i]would[/i] be boring if we had no difficulties to work through, and there's the fact that some obstacles show us who we really are, while also making us grow. Montreal is also expecting a major snowfall, I've heard. Good for skiing, less good for driving [i]to[/i] the ski resorts! I love the expression of "working like a dog", because my dogs have been spending their days sleeping in front of the wood stove since the cold set in! ;)
Guest - Sophie B. X. on Thursday, 31 January 2008 22:28

I would really enjoy the experience of being snowed-in up north, must be fun! Are you able to see Northern Lights? I'm making myself recall what you have taught us last semester since I don't want to make the same mistakes again... my brain was in delete mode during the holidays. I think I have cleared VPRs ;D

I would really enjoy the experience of being snowed-in up north, must be fun! Are you able to see Northern Lights? I'm making myself recall what you have taught us last semester since I don't want to make the same mistakes again... my brain was in delete mode during the holidays. I think I have cleared VPRs ;D
Guest - tamar on Friday, 01 February 2008 02:35

haha kim asked me if i read this and I hadn't when she asked me but I find it funny that you are snowed in!!! Sorry... anyways I hope you are enjoying yourself and maybe it's fate that you got stuck there because you will probably tumble upon a memorable/unforgettable experience or situation or find an incredible new story! Have a safe flight home and I might stop by your office next week! I miss your english class!

haha kim asked me if i read this and I hadn't when she asked me but I find it funny that you are snowed in!!! Sorry... anyways I hope you are enjoying yourself and maybe it's fate that you got stuck there because you will probably tumble upon a memorable/unforgettable experience or situation or find an incredible new story! Have a safe flight home and I might stop by your office next week! I miss your english class!
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