Participants - Inuit
The Canadian Inuit are found primarily in Canada's north. They form the majority of the population in Nunavut (Canada's newest territory) and Nunavik (northern Quebec, in the process of becoming a separate territory). Inuit peoples are found in other countries as well, however.
Qamanittuaq, Nunavut
Originally. the workshop was to have one participant from Baker Lake, just west of Hudson Bay and Nunavut's only inland community. Its population is just about 1800 people. Baker Lake Inuit, also known as Qamanittuaq, are part of the Kivalliq group of Inuit. Other Kivalliq communities are Kangigliniq (Rankin Inlet), Tikirarjuaq (Whale Cove), and Arviat (Eskimo Point). Its main activities are hiking, camping, snowmobiling, and arts & crafts. For more information about its arts and crafts, check out Inuit Art Zone. For more information about Baker Lake, see Nunavut's website.
Unfortunately the representative from Baker Lake/Qamanittuaq was unable to attend at the last moment. A replacement was sent but was unable to stay for the whole workshop.
Kuujjuaq, Nunavik
The Nunavik Inuit are comprised of two major linguistic groups: the Tarramiut in the north and the Itivimiut along the eastern coast of Hudson Bay. The region of 507,000 square kilometres is made up primarily of "wild tundra, taiga forest, scenic mountains, majestic rivers and countless lakes" [source: Nunavik-tourism.com], and is home to approximately 10,000 Inuit in 14 villages: Kangiqsualujjuaq, Kuujuaq, Tasiujaq, Aupaluk, and Kangirsuk around Ungava Bay; Quaqtaq, Kangiqsujuaq, and Salluit along the southern portion of Hudson Strait; Ivujivik, Akulivik, Puvirnituq, Inukjuak, Umiujaq and Kuujjuarapik on the eastern side of Hudson Bay.
For more information, check out Nunavik Tourism and Nunavik.
One representative of the Nunavik community participated in the workshop. She brought to the table in-depth knowledge based on traditional wisdom and hands-on experience.