Friday September 26

September 26, 2025

Hello everyone

What a crazy busy week we have had. The most fun, of course, was the primary Excursion. Grade 3 to six went by canoe, up river, to the best berry picking and seal hunting area. Unfortunately, it was very windy, and very choppy on the water, so I didn't get a chance to try out new found rifle skills. But, I did pick quite a few berries--so now I have a lovely freezer filled with Arctic Char and berries.

Getting in and out of the canoe was a real challenge, no place to tie up--just rocks and a rugged shore line. Our driver actually carried me from the boat to the nearest big rock!! The return was even harder. Tide was changing. First, we had to exit from a different place, straight down a very rocky path, and we had to walk in the water up to our knees. The place was very rocky, and the wind was blowing. Only one canoe could pick us up because of its flatter bottom. Once we were out a ways, we had to move into other canoes. Quite the feat with howling winds, and white caps. I changed boats 5 times--it got easier--practice makes perfect--ha! One of the guides broke the propellor on his boat--kind of tells you have bad the weather was. I am so glad that I have had some practice with that--like getting in and out of my kayak in Victoria. I have learned how to get in and out of it from the wharf. That isn't easy, and it requires great upper body strength--I continue to work out with my own routine and my own weights--so important to keep fit.

Today was Terry Fox run and school count. Unfortunately, there was a huge storm blowing all day, so we just did our pancake breakfast, bingo, and games in the afternoon with Alec. Alec is the Inuit manager of school operations. He works out of the school, looking after the facility and teacher housing. He has been doing this job for about 10 years, so he is an expert at such days. He kept the whole school occupied from 1:30 to 3:30 with Inuit games, and sports. He is really a great guy, and I really love his soft and kind approach to any situation, good or bad! He loves the children, and it is so evident in what he does.

The school count is a one day snapshot of the the number of students attending school on this day. The school budget is based on this number. The count was 136 students. A little smaller then when I was here before.

Getting the the smoothies, pancakes, toast and eggs ready this morning was fun. Many of us got to school at 7:00 to prepare the food.

The school has some beautiful carvings--thought I would share them with you. Also, there is complete picture history of the area, and I have included some photos. Nothing has really changed over the years, just more people

The grade 4, 5, 6 class is going to Toronto in November to do an exchange with a class there. I think this is excellent. It is a great opportunity for our students. I have been asked to go along as a chaperone. I think it will be easier then the music trips that I have organized and gone on!!!

The rifle I learned to shoot.

Going home--notice how slippery the rocks are, and you can see how difficult it was to climb back in. The water wasn't that cold.

This is one of Alec's cabins. He comes here often with his family to berry pick, fish and hunt. The cabin in one room with mattresses, fresh drinking water that he brings, a stove, and firewood.

These rock formations are amazing--probably filled with many valuable minerals.

Yes, so cold, I wore my hood all day.

These are the mini berries. It is a national past time to pick them.

You have an idea of how rough it was when we left.

This young man was the driver. He graduated from Kangirsuk about 5 years ago. He is a McGill graduate. Then, he worked on the boats that go in and out of the villages during the non ice time. He is going to be the new Culture Teacher for the boys this year. He will teach them hunting, fishing and how to handle the boat. All practical survival skills.