Day 300- Jan. 18- Anita Annanack

(Written Aug. 25, 2013)
Anita has lived away from Kangiqsualujjuaq for work for most of the years I have been here. I know her from her visits and from teaching a few of her siblings. She's a hard working woman who wants her kids to grow up to be strong educated Inuit, even if that means sometimes she has to be away from them to earn money. I am impressed by her fluency in English and enjoy talking with her when she comes back home. Till we meet again, Anita, I hope that life treats you well and brings you much joy!
Theme song for today: Are We All We Are by P!nk

Day 292- Jan. 10- Students On Ice, Minnie Molly Snowball

(Check out her journey at: http://www.studentsonice.com/antarctic2010/

(Written Aug. 24, 2013)
I started this post when Minnie Molly was on, what at the time was, the BIGGEST adventure of her life. Since that time she has gone on many other epic journeys and completely amazed me. Minnie Molly's trip to Antarctica was her first demonstration to me in her drive and willingness to work and work and work until her dreams were met. She started emailing government officials until she found out how to get sponsorship for this trip, which at the time was not well advertised. Since her ground breaking efforts, many other youth from Nunavik have participated in Students on Ice voyages.

There is honestly too many things that I could say about Minnie Molly, it is challenging to define even just a few of her best attributes, so I apologize to her if this list minimizes her various skills, knowledge and abilities. She is much more and has accomplished significantly more than I will say here. She- was a master debater in English class, worked harder than anyone I know on essays and assignments, was/is passionate about politics and helping lead Nunavik into a more clear and stable future, found a way to travel to Rio de Janeiro for a UN Environment conference a few days after her graduation and made provincial news when she called upon the Premier for his lack of transparency with regard to Plan Nord, helped lift the profile of the National Park and base camp summer student programs, participated on the Team Nunavik Quebec Snowshoe team for the last three Arctic Winter Games and was the team's flag bearer in 2012; and the list goes on. She is a modern day pioneer, opening doors for youth younger than herself. Nothing seems impossible when Minnie Molly gets her hands on it!
MM is currently furthering her studies at CEGEP in Montreal. I know she will write even more interesting chapters in the future.

Theme song for today: Roar by Katy Perry

Day 291- Jan. 9- Jimmy Annanack

(Written Aug. 24, 2013)
Jimmy Annanack was in my class for a couple of years. Sadly, he isn't coming any more. I enjoyed having him in my class, but I think it was just seemed like too much for him to stick with it. He was a determined guy, who taught me a lot about the limits to a teacher's encouragement. I could never help him see how much potential I saw in him. It bothered me at first but it was a great lesson to learn.
Education is a community affair. Teachers play one small part, but the student themself, the parents, elders, mayor, council, FM announcer, school janitor, store manager, etc. etc. all play a part in empowering, teaching and helping the student to get to where they need to be.
Thank you Jimmy for being there while you were. I wish you the best in everything you do!

Theme song for today: We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke