ABOUT ANIJAARNIQ
Traditionally, each day began with the custom of going outside to appreciate the beauty of Sila before doing any other tasks. This custom was said to contribute to: a full and long life; increase success in hunting; and help pregnant women have easier birthing. Anijaarniq was also the time to observe the stars, weather, and especially the wind direction. The day's activities would then be planned, depending on the kind of weather observed.
This site introduces some of the knowledge and skills you will need when going out on the land, especially during the winter and spring. The information here is divided into five main sections: Winds, Snow & Snowdrifts, Sea Ice, Stars, and Travel. You will be guided through each of these themes by the voices of Igloolik elders. Some of their stories and information are illustrated by Igloolik artists. Each theme has its own important information, but to get the most out of the material you should explore all five sections.
This material is not intended to replace the practical knowledge you will get by going out on the land with experienced hunters. There is no substitute for learning on the land. Instead, the information here helps you to be more observant when you travel over snow and ice, and shows you what you have to know to make your trip comfortable and safe. Above all it encourages you learn more about the traditional ways of being on the land and to ask the right questions.
THE IGLOOLIK ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
All of the information you see here comes from tape-recorded interviews collected by the Igloolik Oral History Project. Igloolik Inuit elders working in co-operation with the staff of the Igloolik Research Centre started this Project in 1986. At that time, the elders realized that much of their traditional knowledge was being lost. They hoped that by tape-recording their experiences they could leave a reservoir of tradition, values, and practical knowledge for the benefit of future generations of Iglulingmiut.
The Oral History Project is supported by the Nunavut Arctic College.
CONTRIBUTORS & PARTNERS
Anijaarniq received the support and collaboration of many individuals and organizations whose contributions are acknowledged here. The Inuktitut audio interviews used throughout derive from the archives of Igloolik Oral History Project, an ongoing project started in 1986 by the Inullariit Elders Society and the Igloolik Research Centre. During the 2005-2006 school year, Anijaarniq was successfully piloted in Inuktitut classes at the Ataguttaaluk High School in Igloolik. From there, in 2019, the material was translated from its original CD-rom format, accompanied by classroom readings, to the web, updated with a new design. Throughout the site, you'll see media belonging to the CD version, from beautiful storytelling animations and artwork to photographs and short videos of Igloolik elders describing the principles of Anijaarniq. We want to acknowledge and celebrate that early multimedia effort here. Many thanks to all participants, contributors and content creators, listed below.
INUIT
QAUJIMAJATUQANGIT
CONTENT:
Louis Alianakuluk
Hubert Amarualik
Suzanne Niviattian Aqatsiaq
Maurice Arnatsiaq
Theo Ikummaq
Louis Ilupaalik
Emile Imaruittuq
Aipilik Innuksuk
Cain Iqqaqsaq
George Agiaq Kappianaq
Pauli Kunnuk
Michel Kupaaq
Herve Paniaq
Noah Piugaattuk
Antonen Qunnunt
Abraham Ulaajuruluk
PROJECT COORDINATOR:
CONTENT RESEARCHERS:
Claudio Aporta, John MacDonald
ORIGINAL CD
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN :
Lucy MacDonald
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS:
Jeela Allurut, Carolyn MacDonald
LANGUAGE CONSULTANT:
Leah Otak
INUKTITUK NARRATION and CONTENT CONSULTANT:
Maurice Arnatsiaq
ILLUSTRATIONS in EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS:
Mosha Arnatsiaq
Special thanks to Collene Armstrong of Points North Design Services.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
Bart Hanna Kappianaq
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Claudio Aporta, John MacDonald, Lucy MacDonald, Gita Laidler, Sean Guistini, Levi Uttak
TRANSLATIONS:
Louis Tapardjuk, Leah Otak
INUKTITUK TRANSCRIPTIONS:
Andre Utak, Celina Kopak, Leah Otak
CLASSROOM PILOTING:
Jeela Allurut, Meeka Aqqiaruq, Atuat Akittirq, Peter Awa, Simon Qamaniq
PROOFREADING:
Chantale M.T. Deni
WEB DESIGN:
MAP VisLab: Simon Ryder-Burbidge, Maxime Lapierre, Claudio Aporta
PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE:
Sean Gusitini, John MacDonald