2. Nancy Wachowich Apphia Awa
Rhoda Kaukjak Katsak Sandra Katsak
http://www.qbd.com.au/product/9780773522442-Saqiyuq
Photos on left from: Photos above from book _by_Nancy_Wachowich_Apphia_Agalakti_Awa_Rhoda_Kauk.htm
http://www.litfestalberta.org/LitfestArchive/LitFest2007ARC/authors.html
3. Saqiyuq
• Anthropologist Nancy Wachowich recorded the life
stories of three generations of Inuit women in 1993:
– Apphia Agalakti Awa (born in 1931),
– her daughter Rhoda Kaukjak Katsak (born in 1957), and
– Rhoda’s daughter Sandra Pikujak Katsak (born in 1973).
• Saqiyuq is a strong wind that changes directions but
maintains its force.
– Shifting winds that bring fundamental changes is a central
theme of the book.
4. The Eastern Canadian
Arctic
In 1999, the territory of
Nunavut was established,
consisting of the eastern
portion of the Northwest
Territories.
The stories in Saqiyuq take
place here.
http://www.lesk.com/baffin04/index.html
5. Themes in Saqiyuq
• The extraordinary socio-cultural and economic
changes that the Inuit of the eastern Canadian Arctic
experienced in the 20th century
– Extreme hardship during Apphia’s youth
– Tumultuous change during Rhoda’s youth
– Tension between Inuit and Qallunaat ways during
Sandra’s life; identity issues for Sandra
• Impacts of western institutions, especially public
school, on Inuit people and culture
6. Ptarmigan overlooking Igloolik
By Jay McConnell
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/17655823
Inuit mother and children Igloolik
1958
Source: Library and Archives Canada,
Charles Gimpel fonds, e004923423.
http://qtcommission.com/actions/GetPage.php?pageId=25&communityId=10
7. Questions to Consider While Reading
• What is most striking or remarkable about the
hardships Apphia endured during her youth?
– Why do you think she is so frank about her
experiences?
• What do you find most noteworthy about the
relationships between Inuit and non Inuit
authorities?
• What are the greatest challenges that face Inuit
today?
