 |
Interviews
with
Arviat
Elders |
Martina
Anoee
Martina
was born in Arviat in a tent. She grew up around Arviat like every little
girl, learning about being a woman. Her dad’s name was Ilungiaq and her
mom’s name was Qasalluaq. She and her family spent the summer around Arviat
and Arvia' juaq, which is located north of Arviat. She spent the winter
at Kangiq&ugjuaq and at Murjungnaaksiq. Martina, and her family used
to travel with her grandfather’s brother. She also remembers traveling
with seven other families. They were Angmaaq, Savik, Siquaq, Arnaaluk,
Angalik, Ilungiaq, and Qasadluq. These people used to live in houses that
were bought from Churchill.
Martina
has always lived in Arviat since she was born. Martina never thought her
lifestyle would change, but they were told some things would happen. They
were told that they would be doing women’s work and learn at a church all
about being a woman. They were taught how to sew, skin seals and caribou,
and were taught how to cook. After accomplishing these tasks, they were
made wives. They were also told that they will be living in houses with
running water. When her life started changing, she learned all about sickness
and started learning that sickness' came very often. She was not happy
when people got sick. Martina would want to go back to living in the little
house they used to live in. She said it was a lot of fun living in that
house because her and her two other sisters used to have their own room.
They used to keep the room very clean.
<< Back