|
|
Avataq Takes New Action on Language, Culture Nunavik’s Avataq cultural institute making new efforts to bridge
gap between elders and youth. PUVIRNITUQ — As Nunavik’s Avataq culture institute moves into its 21st year, there's
a renewed focus on language and culture. Avataq’s president, Robbie Watt, said he sees a growing willingness to collaborate
between younger and older Nunavimmiut, as well as among Nunavik’s various organizations. "If this trend continues, we are going to salvage, protect and preserve the language,"
Watt said. "Language and culture deal with everyone, after all." At Avataq’s recent elders’ conference, 30 elders and 30 youth spent a full week exchanging
their concerns and learning new skills. During the conference they inaugurated a new culture park in Akulivik. This park was
paid for with Kativik regional employment and training funds, and built entirely by Akulivimmiut. The park features a sod house, a large sealskin tent as well as fox traps and other
examples of Inuit equipment. "It's a permanent display," Watt said. "It's something that could be
used as a teaching centre." Regional money also went to each community to help elders and youth work together on
developing a "survival kit" to share at the conference with all the participants. These kits contain
such items as local herbs or handmade tools. Watt wants to encourage communities to set up their own cultural committees. These,
he said, could give elders more direction and contact with youth. Avataq Cultural Institute
by Jane George Nunatsiaq
News; photos by Emanuel Low
Avataq board member Martha Kauki with Avataq president Robbie Watt
and staff member Taqralik Partridge preparing to spend the night
in the qammaq by the light of a seal oil qullik.
http://www.avataq.qc.ca/ang/aci/index_aci.html
|
|
|
|
| Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments . We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107. |
|
Canku Ota is a copyright of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry. |
|
