Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future

In February 2024, Parks Canada, in collaboration with the Inuvialuit Communications Society (ICS), launched an exciting new initiative to preserve the rich oral histories of Tuktuuyaqtuurmiut Elders and empower local youth through hands-on training in Oral History documentation and videography. This two-phase project, funded by Stories of Canada, focused on recording Elders' experience and knowledge about the Pingos.

Phase 1: Skill-Building Workshops at Mangilaluk School

The first phase of the project took place at Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk, where youth participated in a two-day workshop. The workshop was designed to give students the skills and knowledge to document, preserve, and share their community's Oral Histories. Parks Canada staff, alongside ICS, led the sessions, providing instruction on both “behind the camera” skills (videography, photography, and audio recording) and “in front of the camera” skills (project planning, interviewing, and storytelling). This comprehensive training gave the students the tools to fully participate in the process, not only as interviewers but also as creators of the final project.

Phase 2: Elders’ Day Picnic at Pingo Canadian Landmark

The second phase of the project took place during the annual Elders’ Day Picnic at Pingo Canadian Landmark, where Elders were invited to share their Oral Histories and stories about the Pingos. Parks Canada and ICS hired three youth participants from the workshop to work as videographers and interviewers. Jackson Chicksi served as the main on camera interviewer, with Miley Wolki and Kiara Cockney behind the camera. These youth had the opportunity to put their training to use, recording interviews and capturing the beautiful, collaborative moments of the event.

Throughout the day, Elders shared personal stories, Traditional Knowledge, and memories of the Pingos, which hold deep cultural significance for the community. These stories were not only recorded for future generations but also became an important part of documenting and preserving the connection between the land and the people of Tuktoyaktuk.

Editing and Producing the Final Video

Following the Elders’ Day Picnic, the recorded footage was broadcast on Uvagut TV as the program: Tunnganarniq Nunagijavut: Inuvik - Tuktoyaktukmiut knowledge of the local Pingo, and edited by ICS into a shortened video showcasing the stories and wisdom shared by the Elders for the community of Tuktoyaktuk. The videos are hosted by the Inuvialuit Communications Society.

Looking Ahead

These videos will serve as lasting records of the community’s history, offering a window into the experiences, traditions, and knowledge of the Tuktuuyaqtuurmiut. They will also be shared with the community and beyond, ensuring that these important stories are preserved for generations to come.

Acknowledgements

Quyanainni to all the Elders for sharing their knowledge. This project was made possible thanks to the generous funding from Stories of Canada, as well as the dedication and collaboration of Parks Canada, ICS, Mangilaluk School and the community of Tuktoyaktuk. Through this partnership, we are building a brighter future for both the youth and the community, one story at a time.

Watch the video here: Tunnganarniq Nunagijavut: Inuvik - Tuktoyaktukmiut knowledge of the local Pingo and join us in celebrating these incredible stories of the Pingos and the Tuktuuyaqtuurmiut.