Day 237- November 16- Sarah Aloupa from Quaqtaq

Okay, I'm just getting back into this again. It's actually August 16, 2016, but who's counting?! Better late than never they say!!

I don't even think I knew Sarah back when I first did this blog. The past couple of years have brought me to new places, to experience new professional and personal challenges and joys. One of which is having met people in the other 13 villages of Nunavik and been invited into their lives and homes (such as the time depicted in the neighbouring picture), for meals, laughs, hang outs, and immense joy and hospitality. 

I have had the privilege to work with Sarah in her capacity of simultaneous interpreter, a career and skill that leaves me in AWE every time I have the chance to witness it happening. I have always been fascinated by language, but listening to one language while speaking the translation at the same time AMAZES the *crap* out of me. (PS this is not a blog for the youngsters, I use profanity rather unapologetically, be warned.) Sarah is also an incredibly inspiration to me for her strength, resilience and kindness. She has shared many traditions with me, such as the fact that elders believed that if you shared the country food you have, then you will always have enough to eat, however if you use it only for yourself and immediate family, usually you have trouble getting or finding more. She still believes in this principle today (hence the delicious meal of trout she shared with me the last time I was in her hometown of Quaqtaq). 

Quaqtaq was actually the very first place that could have been my Nunavik home. I had received a brief email offering me a position in April 2003. The principal never replied to my email, and frankly at the time I felt as though I might have dodged a bullet since all I could find out from my google searches was that the town's name translated to mean "tapeworm", which freaked me out a bit. By today's standards, my opinion of the place has gone WAY up! People are so warm, friendly, creative and welcoming, and the land is GORGEOUS!! 

Sarah is a woman I admire, she has works hard to provide for her family and to help keep the Inuktitut language strong- two very noble goals- and Sarah, I haven't forgotten- I still owe her a rock for her rock collection from the beach in NS when I can finally locate it in my suitcase. 

To close this first blog in a while, let me offer you a  
Song of the Moment: Sapiqangitunga by Saali and the Ravenhearts 
(This is actually an awesome band who has connections to both Quaqtaq and Kangiqsualujjuaq where I am so enjoy!!)