Community: Various Kivalliq Communities, Nunavut
Program Delivery: Nunavut Arctic College Community Learning Centres
Program Partners: Kivalliq Inuit Association and Community Learning Centres
Goals of the Program: To build the sewing and literacy skills of young women, to strengthen awareness of traditional skills and Inuit culture and to build the pride and self-esteem of the participants.
Length of Program: 24-weeks
Description of Program: Reclaiming Our Sinew is a 24-week program with six core courses. One part of the program focuses on preparing participants to go on to upgrading programs, enter the workforce or enhance their employability. The other part of the program focuses on teaching the traditional skill of skin preparation and sewing.
Mornings were spent learning traditional skin preparation and sewing techniques with elders. The program was held in a large room in Maani Ulujuk School. By the end of the program, participants had learned the art of preparing, cutting and sewing skins. They also learned how to make caribou skin parkas, pants, mitts and seal skin kamiks and pants.
In the afternoons, the participants focused on upgrading their academic skills at the community learning centre. They received language instruction in English and Inuktitut, math, computer and typing instruction.
Highlights and Reflections: The idea for the program came from the Kivalliq Inuit Association and is an excellent example of putting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Footnote 20 into practice. It was also as strong example of a partnership between the territorial and federal government, Nunavut Arctic College, the schools, the Hamlet and the Inuit organization.
“Since I started the course I’ve made caribou pants, parka, mitts, socks, seal skin mitts and three pairs of kamiks. I’m proud of my sewing and what I have learned from the elders.”
Shauna Ussak, Student
Return to note 20 Inuit Qaujimajatuqanginut is the past, present and future knowledge, experience and values of Inuit society. It is the Inuit way of doing things.