After a few delays (including an overnight in Iqaluit) I arrived in Resolute on Februay 3 (last Wednesday evening). Just in time for the sunrise on the 4th. Even more spectacular than Clyde. It's been a crazy couple of weeks with packing and moving. I am really relieved to finally be here but find myself homesick for Clyde. It was so hard to say goodbye to everybody; I spent the last week in tears half the time. I was so touched by how many times I was told that I would be missed. I am settling into my new home and school. The school is beautiful and the kids and community members have been very welcoming and friendly. I have really lucked out in the housing game. I am renting the house that belongs to the principal I am replacing. It is lovely; newly renovated, amazing kitchen and even a jacuzzi! My pets have settled in very well. I think they're getting used to moving around the arctic. There was a community feast on Saturday evening and I was able to meet lots of people there. This town is soooo tiny (around 200 people), it makes Clyde look like a big city. I was surprised at how little Inuktitut the kids speak. I have always heard that the language is strong in Clyde and I can certainly see the contrast. This history of this place is so different. I wrote a bit about the high arctic relocations in a post in December 2008. The people of Resolute and Grise Fiord were moved up here by the government in the 1950's. It is quite a story. They are still waiting for an official apology from the Federal Government. I have met some elders who were among the original relocation group. So, off to a positive start in Resolute and really excited to be here.
Surise over the Northwest Passage. This picture was taken from the front step of my new house.
Some of our students at the feast.
Cutting up cariboo meat.
One of our students and her grandmother throat singing.
Sunrise shot taken through the school window.
Sunrise shot taken through the school window.
Have a nice day.... Wish you all the best...
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteGlad you have settled in your new home.
200 people, you're back on the Island!
It sounds like you are off to a great start to another positive experience!
Paula
Hi,
ReplyDeleteHave been waiting for your first note. Sounds exciting. I'm sure you will adjust quickly and I know you will be very much appreciated at the school. Have fun and don't work too hard.
Paula
Hi Deborah!
ReplyDeleteBonjour from Paris! Yes, I actually made it here after talking with you in the writing course last year. Despite the weather, there is so much to see here, and I did enjoy one glorious day of sunshine to explore Versailles! I also had an inspirational weekend listening to Jean Vanier at L'Arche in Trosly.
It does not compare to your amazing photos of the artic though! I am continuing to enjoy your blog and wish you all the best with your new school! Please write all about it!
Next week I will be back on Iona and look forward to spending some time with the 8 students in the island school!
Thanks for your spectacular photos..and enjoy the sun!
Fiona
Hi Fiona!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you. Paris! How wonderful - in any weather. Still thinking about teaching in the north?
Deb
Hi again Deborah,
ReplyDeleteI wrote earlier asking about some teaching info but I don't see it here. Anyway just wanted to drop another note to say just read your whole blog from start to finish and it is incredible. I want to be you when I grow up:). Seriously though I've been considering teaching up north and the sense of community you impart makes it sound so welcoming, something I would love to do. Wish me luck.
Hi Deborah, I hope to read your earlier post about the Relocations. My internet is just a little slow this morning. One book I wanted to mention to you (that I am currently reading) is "The Long Exile" by English author Melanie McGrath, published in 2006 if I remember correctly. I picked it up in Edmonton a month back. Not sure if you were familiar with it or not. I'm not quite through it but I heartily endorse it to anyone interested in this complex and controversial chapter of northern Canadian history.
ReplyDeleteHi Darcie,
ReplyDeleteI read that book during Christmas break (2008). I wrote about it in a blog posting called Comfort and Joy. It is an amazing book that profoundly changed my perspective on the Arctic. It is so strange to hear all the same names around the school (descendents of original relocation families). Strongly recommend to anyone coming to the Arctic or anyone who just likes a gripping story. I couldn't put it down.
Deb