Berries, Bingo, and Beluga

Today was a great start to a long weekend. My friend, Mary, called me at 10am saying that she would be picking me up at 11am because there was a berry picking contest out at The Point. Women would be picking blueberries and the men would be picking blackberries (essentially our blueberries but darker and more sour). I packed my bag and she picked me up. We drove out on her Honda. Out there, I met many people, including some of the elders from town. I met the oldest of the elders, Louisa Fleming, and she told me to "feel at home" which I quickly did. After a picnic lunch of hotdogs and Klik provided by the Co-Op, there were some games. Mary won one of them: who could find the most pellets (leftovers from geese hunters). Mary, Alice (her best friend), and I then headed out about 3o minutes away. We had almost three hours to pick then we had to return to The Point to have out berries weighed. I should also mention that we were all divided into age categories. Mary was in the one before me and Alice and I were in the "31-49" category. I felt so old! It was nice and hot while we were out and there were only a few flies. Those flies did, however, manage to find my face and I have a few red marks on my face that will most likely look like bruises tomorrow. That should be funny. None of us won anything but we had fun.

I then went to Mary's place to have dinner with her and her family: a BBQ. Her mom is in from Montreal after having undergone chemo treatment. We had lots of fun playing bingo as well: one of my favourite "Northern" pasttimes. About halfway through our games, Mary got a call that someone caught two beluga whale. She gave her cards to her husband and she drove down to the Inuit docks. She came back with a big chunk that she and her daughters devoured. They hadn't had any in a long while. I had had some in Coral Harbour once but it was cooked like popcorn chicken so it was fine. This was raw but I did try it. They told me to put soya sauce on it and "chew it like gum". Honestly, it really wasn't that bad and I was thankful for having been given a chance to try it again.

A good third weekend in Kuujjuaraapik. I know that some of the other new teachers have yet to go out on the land so I am greatful. Jeremie is off for a long trek to the second rapids of the Great Whale River. I told him not to come back without fish and a bird of some sort. Let's see what he comes back with!!!