“Sukkailutit uqaruk…” – Say it slowly…
“Tukisinngitara.” – I don’t understand.
“Ikajuq!!” – Help!!
Like many languages, Inuktitut isn’t all about speaking. Spelling is difficult, but important. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the legwork: Here’s how to spell “Peel Summer Academy loves Churchill!”
How did we learn so much about this Inuit language? We spent our morning at the Eskimo Museum, the only museum found in Churchill. Its single room is filled with an impressive collection of Inuit artifacts, art, and more. A huge taxidermied polar bear welcomed us as we entered.
One piece of art that received special attention were a set of carvings done with the teeth of the artist… we’re convinced that upon completion of these carvings, he often bit off more than he could chew! Ha!
After completing a quick assignment at the Museum, we were ready to head for the shore of the Churchill River. Guides of the Sea North Tour Company (for whom Doug used to work) greeted us and gave us paddles, kayaks, instructions… and pants. Tasha was a great model for Sea North’s upcoming fall collection entitled “Wet Whaley” (Like wet willy! Ha!):
The kayak trip was amazing. Majestic beluga whales would gracefully dance for us right next to our boats. In fact, Bryn and Tasha had the treat of having their kayak bumped by two belugas, which proceeded to splash them with their huge back fins! This experience is much better illustrated than it is described, though:
After lunch, we spent just over forty-five minutes souvenir shopping in “downtown” Churchill. We quickly discovered that many of the goods were much more expensive than what we expected – for example, a watermelon was on sale for the great price of $9.99! Considering it has to take the long journey we did, this is understandable. This also applied to many souvenirs in the area. (So Dad – sorry if I don’t buy you a carved piece of soapstone or rabbit fur slippers – both cost upwards of $200!)
It’s not all play and no work. We’ve been busy with learning about GPS systems and analyzing scientific studies with titles as cryptic as Genetic characterization of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica, in Tundra and Boreal Forest Habitats of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.
Our experiences in Churchill have been so breathtaking, it almost seems that they could be featured in a Tourism Manitoba commercial…
-Bryn & David
Great video - now I do want to be in Churchill!
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