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!!!

Good People

There are good people in this world and Kuujjuaraapik is no exception. I have been fortunate to spend time with two people over the last week that have made the transition back to the North much easier.

First, there is Jeremie. He is from North Bay. He has been here for a number of years. He has been a great host. He has shared food with me (Speckled Trout and Grouse) and we have made meals together. I have done work at his house "just to get out". I am hoping to go camping with him soon. Every day, we go for lunch by the Great Whale River when the weather has been nice. It has been great weather for most of the last week.

Mary is the grade one teacher. There was a tragedy in town last week and it really affected her. She came and talked with me because she said she felt comfortable with me. We went berry picking on Saturday together. Just the two of us. It was cloudy and there were lots of bugs but it was nice getting out of town. She took me on a long Honda ride all around the "big loop". We got a few berries but the bugs really got bad after a while. On our way back, we drove along the coastline of Hudson Bay. We passed sand dunes and inukshuks. The view was beautiful and I hope we can take another trip out this weekend. After the drive, we went back to her place and I met her husband and her two youngest kids. It was a good visit and we had Labrador Tea that she had made.

I am thankful for the "Good People" in this world. I miss my friends in Toronto but I know I will see them soon. Halifax at Christmas will be great. My first Christmas at home in three years.