Anuk and Suku were brothers. The three of us shared an old missionary outpost on the furthest edge of our remote compound. Their father, Tuk Tuk, was the village elder. I was there that winter conducting a Wildlife Harvest Study, we were trying to gauge the impact of human encroachment on the areas oldest residents.
The Artic region is a surprisingly welcoming environ. I found myself quite suited to the solitude. The Inuit inhabit the lands near the Artic. Their homeland ranges anywhere from the northeastern tip of Russia across Alaska and Northern Canada all the way to parts of Greenland.
Unfortunately I was only able to spend one winter there. Travelling can be treacherous and downright lethal so I did not get to venture too far out into that snow covered majestic landscape. Perhaps that is my greatest regret.
Every night we gathered in the one room schoolhouse that doubled as the town hall. The women would cook and dance as the men stitched our boots and coats to make sure they were ready for the rigors of the next day.
Tuk Tuk made sure everyone knew everyone the great stories in their rich folklore tradition, especially the children.
Tuk Tuk kunikatuk tut tuk - Tuk Tuk may you swim with great walrus.
1 comment:
Dr Rei Tangowa, senior scientist, Southeast Baffin Beluga Management Committee (SEBBMC). The work you and Anuk have done is legendary. Kudos.
This may be innapropriate for this venue, butI was hoping to pick your brain about some of the work we're doing with the Belugas up here in Pangnirtung, particularly related to our latest findings on:
1)Distribution of catch
2)Chasing of whales
3)Safe hunting practices
4)Kimmirut hunt leaders
Regards,
RT
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