Abstract:
Stories are an important way to demonstrate lessons and teach the next generation. Our program works to introduce Inuit Naming Traditions, and Inuit Oral Traditions to children aged 5 – 12 years old and their families. Our chosen book is called Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story which is adapted from the memories of Donald Uluadluak. Our program runs for one hour, divided into a reading portion and an activity in which the children get to apply their knowledge in a ‘real-world’ experience. Our activity is tied to the Naming Tradition, as the children will ‘adopt a puppy’ and name them. The name must be based on the characteristics of their imaginary puppy named after an individual in their lives.
Keywords: Inuit Culture, Inuit Naming Tradition, Children’s Programming, Inuit Oral Traditions Library Program
Grace Turnbull:
Grace Turnbull (She/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts from MacEwan University with a Major in History and a Minor in Classics. She was born in Lloydminster, Alberta which resides on Treaty 6 land and the traditional Lands of the Metis. She later moved to Lac La Biche, Alberta where she spent the majority of her life. Lac La Biche resides on two treaties, Treaty 6 and Treaty 8, respectively the Traditional Lands of the Metis, Cree, Dené, Chipewyan, Beavers, Slaveys, Dogribs, and Yellowknives. She currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta with her sister and her dog. Edmonton is located within Treaty 6, and the traditional Lands of the Nehiyaw, Dené, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe, and Blackfoot. She is currently working towards completing her Master of Library and Information Studies with the University of Alberta.
Nicole Pope:
Nicole Pope (They/she) holds a Bachelor of Science from Utah State University with a Major in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. They were born in Cedar City, Utah which is situated on the traditional Lands of the Nung’wu (Southern Paiute People), but they grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico which sits on the traditional Lands of the Pueblo of Sandia and on the Lands of the original Peoples of New Mexico – Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache. They later moved to Daegu, South Korea for a number of years before moving to Edmonton, Alberta which is located within Treaty 6, and the traditional Lands of the Nehiyaw, Dené, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe, and Blackfoot. They are currently working on completing their Master of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta.
References:
American Indians in Children’s Literature. (2014) 2013: Best Books for Elementary School https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2014/01/2013-top-ten-list-of-books-for.html
Barton, Katherine. CBC News. (2020) How Inuit honour the tradition of naming and spirits who have passed on. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/inuit-names-tradition-culture-history-1.5748892
Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada. (n.d.) Inuit Nunangat. https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/article/inuit-nunangat/
Inhabit Media. (2022) Inuit Nipingit – Inuit Sounds. https://inhabitmedia.com/inuitnipingit/
Inuuqatigiit – Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families. (2022). http://inuuqatigiit.ca/2018/03/inuuqatigiit-inuit-curriculum/