1. A Community in the Far North 2. Harp Seal, Caribou Kamiks (Bearded Seal soles), Bearded Seal

This was my first time visiting this stunningly, beautiful community in the month of May. I was anxious to photograph it during the coming of spring. Also I was arriving during fishing derby season so hoped to capture some of the action. Most importantly I had 5 elders to interview to finalize my coverage of Repulse Bay.

May 13/Wed.
My buddy, Brian Berry, flew the Calm Air ATR flight up to Churchill. The weather was blizzard-like there but we descended with sunny skies into Repulse Bay at 5:00pm.
I was picked up by Shayne Courtorielle (RCMP Corporal) and Eldon (Constable). I would be staying with Shayne and his finance at the RCMP staff house during my visit.
After supper I walked to Tusarvik School to see the 12 portraits hanging of Repulse Bay elders. I also spoke with Leonie who was retiring after 17 years at the helm of the school.
That night I interviewed Alice Nanorak in her home with son, David, interpreting. Alice is a delightful lady and a pleasure to spend time with.
As a precursor to what was to come Shayne and I watched the Toronto Blue Jays game on tv and then talked until 4:15am.

May 14/Thurs.
In the early afternoon I dropped in to the new Ikkusiksalik National Park building and surprised Paula Hughson who is the top administrator. I have known her since my early years in Baker Lake.
Photographed Pie Sanertanut, 67, as he and his son, Sam, were preparing for the fishing derby.
Walked up to the Hamlet office and managed to interview the Mayor, Donut Milortuk. He was busy but always friendly and allowed me 30 minutes of his time.
At 7:30pm I visited Paniaq Siusangnark and spent an enjoyable hour with her. She spoke not only about her life but that of her deceased older brother, Abraham Tagornak. Thanks to Ron, who was dating her granddaughter, for interpreting for us.
Shayne and I talked into the wee hours.

Repulse Bay Fishing Derby: 3. Eric using auger 4. Kadjuk/Kaunak Family Jigging 5. First Sculpin

May 15/Fri.
That morning as I began my outing I spotted Richard Angutialuk outside his house. He and his sons were building a plywood cabin base on a komatik to take on the land for the lake trout fishing derby.
In the afternoon Shayne drove me around town. I interrupted our conversation to take photos at certain sites such as Graveyard Hill. Shayne returned to his office work so I left again with Eldon who is a very friendly, animated individual.
Took a stroll out on the ice to visit some of the locals setting up for the sculpin jigging close to town.
That night I interviewed Cecelia Angutialuk in her home.
It was pizza night at Shayne’s house so we ate and watched movies until midnight then talked for hours.

May 16/Sat.
On this gorgeous, sunny day I meandered down to Tranquil Bay and photographed the Kadjuk brother & sister combination. Eric augered several holes through 7 feet of ice for many of the family who began jigging that afternoon.
I stopped a fellow who came by excitedly with his first sculpin. It was my first time seeing what the Inuit call the, ‘ugly fish.’
Just before supper I climbed the hill to the west of town. After enjoying the commanding view I walked down to the ice on the bay for photos of jiggers and the several dog teams tied up on the ice. Two dogs began barking at my departure which quickly escalated into fight.
It was poker night at Shayne’s. Several teachers and others working in town arrived. I got my $20.00 worth of entertainment. Afterwards we watched a movie and when everyone left Shayne and I talked till 6:30am. Great time.

6. Naujaat Monument/Geographical Center of Canada 7. Makeshift Hockey Game

May 17/Sun.
Hopped in truck with Shayne and Stef. to Northern Store to pick up frozen food because freezers had quit working the previous day and everything was 50% off.
Town was very quiet so spent the afternoon watching the Blue Jays game and N.H.L. playoffs.
That evening I crossed Tranquil Bay and visited Cecelia. She was wearing a caribou parka, had been jigging for 4 1/2 hours and was planning to continue for awhile. Cecelia said she was still warm in her parka. She and her brother had caught 3 Sculpin. I talked with a family of 5 girls all related to one another and jigging at 5 separate holes.

May 18/Mon.
This Victoria Day holiday was overcast. The town was still quiet because the fishing derby did not end until 9:00pm.
4:30pm I departed and continued my trip south to Arviat for 5 days. Unfortunately I would miss the large fish coming in from the lakes later that night.
Thanks to Shayne and Stephany for putting up with me and the many friendly people whom I met.
And thanks to Calm Air for flying me to this always strikingly, beautiful community in the Kivalliq.

8. Pie Sanertanut 9. Polar Bear Skins 10. Making a Komatik (sled)