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Elders guide juniors in Kugluktuk

elders FRONT
Thomas Kelly, left, gets to know elder Jack Oviluk at Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik in Kugluktuk. Photo courtesy of Naomi Tremblay

Elders come to Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik a few times a year for cultural rotations – a series of activities such as square dancing, story-telling, string games, Inuit games, drum dancing, singing and others. Students go from one group to the next throughout an afternoon. Interpreters are present to ensure elders who only speak in the Inuit language are able to effectively communicate their insights to students.

On hand to share their wisdom during cultural rotations at Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik in Kugluktuk were, from left, Marjorie Havioyak, Jean Kaiyogana, Jack Oviluk, Bessie Kukilukak, Lena Niptanatiak, Mark Taletok and Bella Algiak. Photos courtesy of Naomi Tremblay
Ruby Klengenberg engages in some mental gymnastics and digital dexterity while participating in string games.
Jean Kaiyogana demonstrates how to use a drum while students Jazlyn Klengenberg, Pierre Niptanatiak and T.J. Dupont observe.
Student Thomas Kelly, left, socializes with elder Jack Oviluk.
Jean Kaiyogana demonstrates how to use a drum while students Jazlyn Klengenberg, Pierre Niptanatiak and T.J. Dupont observe.
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On hand for cultural rotations at Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik in Kugluktuk were, from left, Marjorie Havioyak, Jean Kaiyogana, Jack Oviluk, Bessie Kukilukak, Lena Niptanatiak, Mark Taletok and Bella Algiak. Photo courtesy of Naomi Tremblay
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Ruby Klengenberg engages in some mental gymnastics and digital dexterity while participating in string games.
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Jean Kaiyogana demonstrates how to use a drum while students Jazlyn Klengenberg, Pierre Niptanatiak and T.J. Dupont observe.
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Student Thomas Kelly, left, socializes with elder Jack Oviluk.
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Jean Kaiyogana demonstrates how to use a drum while students Jazlyn Klengenberg, Pierre Niptanatiak and T.J. Dupont observe.