Puurtaq Project
The Puurtaq project has taken its name from the sealskin container used for the fermentation of meat (igunaq). This name was chooses by the Elders during their Conference in 1996, at Tasiujaq.
The purpose of this pilot project has been to establish guidelines for the development of local programs (on-going) that would address the special needs (social interaction) of Inuit elders in the context of contemporary urban living.
The project was started in September 1996, and the interviewing work ended in late January 1997. The project was carried out in Inukjuak, Nunavik, by Mrs. Helen Cumberbatch, working for the Avataq Cultural Institute.
Avataq Cultural Institute followed the mandate it was given by the Nunavik Elders during the Inuit Elders’ conference in August 1996, when the Elders expressed concerns about their role in their communities.
The project was financed by the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (N.R.B.H.S.S.).
In all, the total number of hours that were recorded was of 68 hours. In the following sections, the Inukjuak Elders express themselves on different topics and allow the reader to understand better their past, the changes they underwent, and their present state of mind.
The final report of those interviews was prepared by Minnie Napartuk.
EXPLORE
Living in an igloo
Igloos were built differently depending on family size. It was important that condensation not form inside and that soot not accumulate, especially after storms. Daily cleaning of the igloo was necessary.
Annuraat
Clothing made from the skins of caribou, seals, eider ducks, dogs and other animals.