Paisavut, Barrow Elders & Youth Conference Summary

By Hannah Loon

The Regional Elders Council was invited by Northslope borough to attend their Elders Confernce April 6-8, 2004.  The following people attended the conference:  Evelyn Ballot (Selawik), Percy Jackson (Kiana), Dora Hadley (Kotzebue), Willie Goodwin (Kotzebue), Hannah Loon (NANA Staff), Lily Fair (Selawik), Pauline Nay (Youth Representative of Kotzebue), Dale Moto (Youth Representative of Deering). 

 

We were very fortunate to attend this event where mostly Inupiaq was spoken.  We were happy to encourage our Inupiat neighbor's that Inupiat Ilitqusriat values are what we live by daily and it is through elders that we learn them.  "Living the Traditions for Healthy Communities" was the theme and each day, the values were voiced by elders and community leaders of Northslope.  Inupiaq Language was considered most important to the people and there were demonstrations of seal cutting by local elders and students together.  Martha Aiken demonstrated braiding the seal blubber with seal intestines.  An Canandian Inuit demonstrated how they cut the seals in his home.  It was done in 25 minutes using a small knife.  Pauline Nay assisted him in the butchering. Splicing ropes were taught by the men.   Eskimo dancing, singspiration, snerts, Inupiaq checkers, and cribbage were evening activites. 

 

We thank the following sponsors who made the trip possible:  Teck Cominco, Maniilaq Association, Northwest Arctic Borough, NANA and Northslope Borough.  Many thanks to the Barrow hosts for their big hearts and hospitality.  Taikuu to the churches that prayed each morning.

 

Paniyavluk