Paddling with the Ancestors: Elders' Perspectives on the Construction and Use of the Caribou Skin Qajaq BY Shawn L. Charlebois A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements For the Degree of Interdisciplinary Masters Of Arts in Native Studies At The University of Manitoba Departrnents of Native Studies, History and Anthropology University of Manitoba National Library Bibiiith&quenationale du Canada Acquisitions and Acquisitions et Bibliographic Services services bibliographiques 395 Wellington Street 395. rue Wellington Ottawa ON K1A ON4 OnawaON K1AW Canada Canada The author has granted a non- L'auteur a accordé une licence non exclusive licence ailowing the exclusive permettant à la National Library of Canada to Bibliothèque nationale du Canada de reproduce, loan, distn'bute or sell reproduire, prêter, distribuer ou copies of this thesis in microform, vendre des copies de cette thèse sous paper or electronic formats. la forme de midche/film, de reproduction sur papier ou sur format électronique. 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FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES -+** COPYRIGHT PERMISSION PAGE Piddllig with the Anceston: Ekkrs9Perspectives on the Construction and Uge of the Caribou Skin Qajaq A ThesisCArcticam submitted to the F8cPlty of Graduate Stnâîts of The University of Manitoba in puti.l fitIflllment of the requirements of the degrte of Master of Arts Permission bas been gnntcd to the Libriry of The University of Manitoba to lend or seU copies of this thesidpmcti~to the National LIbrvy of Canada to micro^ tbis thdand to lend or seU copies of the ûh, and to Disstrtrtioas Abrtrricb Internitionai to publirh an abstract of this thtsidpricticum. The author rmerves other publication righ@ and ndthet tbh thcddpc1cticum nor extemaive extracts fkom it nuy bt priateâ or otherwb repmduced witàout the amthor's written permission. Abstract Paddling with the Ancestors Eddem' Perspectives on eoribou skh qajaq construction and use. The Harvaqtuurmiut have used the caribou skin qajaq shce tbeimmemonal, its sleek bow and elegant design splining the waves of inland waterways in an eEost to harvest caribou, fish and birds. By renning and developing the qajaq over couatless years, the Harvaqtudut have developed a device which has ailowed them to survive in a continually challenging environment. The geographic location of the Harvaqtuurmiut has led them to create an original qajaq style and shape. in tum making it a unique part of Baker Lake culture. This thesis wiU illustrate the historicai and contemporary importance of the caribou skia qajaq to the Harvaqtuumiiut, as seen in the care. time and belief entailed in its creation and use. By focusing prixnarily on the oral historical accounts of Elders this report will show how the Baker Lake community uses traditional qajaq knowledge to maintain or reintroduce tnditional cultural practices. By applying the concepts associated with qajaq construction and use, which combines the analysis of social, culturai and spiritual components. this project WUillustrate the potential benefits to Inuit and Non-Inuit communities aüke. More specifically. this thesis WUbe of value to Aboriginal and Inuit groups. agencies. bands and cultural centres intercsted in restoring traditional values and beliefs and in strengthening Aboriginal identity . 1would like to thank the Creator for ailowing me to stay healthy in body, mind and spirit, for without my health 1codd not have been able to successfbiiy complete this chdenging project. 1 would also like to give thanks to my soulmate, Trudy Smith, who gave me strength, support and love when 1needed it the most. mank you for ail the countless hours that you spent reading and correcting thesis drafts. Although you may disagree, 1could not have completed this project without you. Also, a special thanks to my loving parents and family, especiaiiy for those late night cas just to tell me how proud you were of me. Even though 1did not seem grateful at the time I now reke that you were the ones who instilled the desire to grow, lemand succeed, Thank You. Thank you very much to the people of Baker Lake, especiaily David Webster, Lucy Evo, Sam Itkilik and the Elders. You made my stay in the commuaity a positive and wonderful experience. 1gained an understanding of Inuit culture which could not have been found anywhere else on the planet. You opened your arms and your hearts and accepted me. Other people who have provided continual support for this project are Fred Shore, William Koolage, Cbns Trott, Ji11 Oakes and Kenneth Lister. Their knowlcdge and input have allowed me to explore refreshing concepts and ideas about oral histoncal knowledge and the caribou skin qajaq. I would also like to give a special thanks to the Hudson's Bay Company Archives staff for their help in finding materials which added substance to this topic. 1would also iike to thank al1 my friends. You know who you are! Table of Contents Absuacf ............................................................................ 2 Acknowledgements ......................................................... 4 Maps ................................................................ 9,lO Chapter One: Introduction 1.1 Overview ................................................ 11 1.2 Purpose of the Investigation .......................... 12 1.3 Objectives of the Investigation .................... J3 1 .4 Justification for thc Investigation ................... -13 1.5 Parameters of the Investigation ...................... 15 1.6 Limitations of the Investigation ..................... 16 1.7 Chapter Summary...................................... 17 Chapter Two: Methodology and Method 2.1 Methodology ............................. .. .... .. ..18 2.2 Examination of Oral Historical Research ......... -18 2.3 Methods ............................................... 26 2.4 ChapterSummary .................... .... ......... 31 Chapter Three: Baker Lake (Qdt6uiq) 3.1 The Baker Lake Environment ....................... 32 3.2 The "Caribou Inuit" .................................. 33 3.3 Early European Exploration of Cheiterfield Met and Baker Lake ........................................ 35 3.4 Chapter Summary ..................................... 39 Chapter Four: Caribou and the People 4.1 The Bacren Ground Caribou and its Role Within Caribou Inuit Culture ..................................41 4.2 The Caribou Skin Qajaq ............................. 43 4.3 Philosopùical Perceptions Relatiag to Caribou Skin Qajaq Construction and Use ................ -32 4.4 Misplacing the Caribou Skin Qajaq ................65 4.5 Chapter Surnmary .................................... 70 Chapter Five: Tbe Importance of Traditionai Qajaq Knowledge 5.1 The Role of Elders Within the Cornmunity of Baker Lake ......................................... 7 1 5.2 The Importance of the Caribou Skin Qajaq to Inuit Identity ........................................ 80 5.3 The Role of EIders as Teachers ......................86 5.4 Chapter Summary ................................... -92 Chapter Six: Conclusion Appendix A: InteMew with Jimmy Taipanak ........................-.......97 Appendix B: Interview with David Webster.. ............................... 120 Appendix C: Interview with Barnabas Piryuaq ....................................... 132 Appendlr D: Interview with Emily Alerk ............................................... 146 Appendix E: Interview with David Tiktaalaaq ..................................... .157 Appendix F: Interview with Ada Kingilik ............................................. 168 Appendix G: Interview with Luke Tuaguaq ............................................ 18 1 Appendix H: Definitions .......................................................................... 200 Appendix 1: List of questions which have arisen as a resuit of this project .....................................................................202 Appendlx J: Ethics Rcview Fonn ............................................,204 Nunavut Researcn License ........................................ -205 Elders Consent Fonns .............................. ..-. ....-206 Blank Consent Form ...........................................227 Map of the North Amaiam Arctic (Fossett 1995, p31) Map of West Hudson Bay (F-tt 1995, p.94) Chapter One: Introduction 1.1 Overview The central Canadian Arctic is a continually chaiienging environment; a place where access to everyday necessities such as food, shelter and clothing is predicated on an unquestionable respect for the land and water (Alerk, Kingilik, Pjliaq, Taipanak, Tiaaq,Tunguaq and Webster quoted in Charlebois 1998). The Qamanittuaqmiut (huit who iive in Baker Lake). who traditionally lîved throughout the Keewatin district, have been able to exist and flourish because of their skilI, knowledge and understanding of their surroundings (Hoffman 1976. p.69). As a direct result of this environmental awareness, the Elders, who were consulted for this research project and who now live in Baker Lake (Qamanittuaq). have observed or paaicipated in the development and use of a wide variety of instnunents and techniques in an effort to harvest Arctic resources.