Unaaq (Harpoon)

The Unaaq (Harpoon) has many uses for the Inuit, two main uses are for harpooning a catch such as seals at their breathing holes, walruses, whales and other sea and land animals such as caribou. This ancient weapon was also used to make sure the ice is safe, by harpooning the ice you will step on. For many years Inuit made this tool from animal bones and used dried walrus intestines cut up to make rope. Today, Inuit make their harpoons from what is readily available in modern technology such as steep rods for the fore shaft and their heads, the arrow from brass, steel or aluminum. A hunter from Iqaluit, Jerry Ell will take us through the many steps to make a modern harpoon and he will also show us the way he makes an arrow.

Rebecca Veevee - with Sami

Guest Sami prepares seal flippers and Rebecca barbecue’s seal meat

Simatak Michael

Tony Tugat from Taloyoak explains techniques seal hunting in different seasons. His personal favorite is in the winter when seals have a preferred air hole. Mary Anawak shares her story about ice fishing and the time when she pulled up the line and got a big surprise. Victoria Kayukuk, an elder from Qammaniqtuaq shares her story of camping in the springtime and her move from her camp back to the community to become a seamstress. She describes the use of the fabric and she has been creating wall hangings since the 1970’s. Kingait Band perform.