Yikes, 5 weeks until the Christmas Concert

 Greetings everyone

What a week!!  As you all probably know, the public sector workers in Quebec are striking for a 20 % pay hike over 5 years--good luck.  I am such a worker, so we were out last Sunday from midnight until 10:30 in the morning.  We walked through the village for an hour making noise, and carrying the signs.  Bargaining is happening, but in the event a resolution is not reached, we go out for 3 days.  What happens after that is anyone's guess.

It was also a week of Inuit celebration.  Tuesday was International Inuit Day, and today, Friday November 10th, is the recognition day for the signing of the James Bay Agreement with the federal government.  This document assures the Inuit of self governance.  

Last year, the school published a book of stories as told by some elders.  It was published in Inuktitut, and it won a national award.  Yesterday, a couple of elders came to school and told more stories.  This year a book will be published in all three languages.

The ladies came at 1:30, and told stories until 3:00.  The children were totally focused for the entire time.  The stories were in Inuk, so all I got was the reaction on the faces of the children.  They loved it.  Next week, we will meet again, and the children will retell the stories in English and French.  Fortunately for us, the leader of this project speaks all languages, fluently, so she will be our guide.  The next step will be to have the children illustrate the stories, and hopefully, we will be up for national recognition again.

As coordinator for the Christmas concert, I have been busy meeting with all the teachers regarding their contribution to the concert.  I am not the school music teacher, but I have time in my schedule to help folks.  It is kind of a different approach, but it certainly is paying off.  I have met some lovely big boys who love music, guitar and singing.   So, one by one, I am reeling them in to do solo and ensemble work.   The kids are now hanging out in my room, just like the band kids, because they want to play the instruments.  They want to learn, and there is no attitude--they are all so polite and respectful.

Last night was parent teacher night, and two of four parents showed up.  It went better then I could have ever imagined.  The principal provides draw prizes, and one of my parents won some earrings.  She was so thrilled that she sent me a message this morning--which led to chat--and now I have an invitation to her home for coffee--the break through into the community--not bad for less then 2 months here.

Snow is flying, and the temperature is dropping.  Real Arctic winter is here.  

Hudson Strait.  It looks so peaceful, but very dangerous tides.

The only road in the community.

Focus on listening.

The elders acting out a story.