Introduction-E

from what I learned from those two. We used to pretend to do that as children. I used to
be the youngest. Naqi was older and she would be busy softening skins with her teeth.
I used to want to be the only one throat singing. Naqi was aware of that.
In one area it’s called irngaaq and the other katajjaq?
Saullu: I have only heard the term katajjaq from women who were not from this area.
Pauloosie: Yes, they were not from the Pangniqtuuq area.
Saullu: They did not grow up here.
Pauloosie: Yes.
Is it called katajjaq because they repeatedly bend their knees?
Saullu: I don’t know. I have never understood that. We see them with their hands on
each other’s shoulders now on television. They used to move in the rhythms of each
other’s breath.
Why is it called irngaaq?
Pauloosie: I don’t know. I didn’t make up the word. I have only heard it.
When would this take place? During celebrations?
Saullu: When members from different camps gathered in a place, they would do this.
Pauloosie: It would be a time of joy.
Saullu: That’s what I saw. Pauloosie grew up moving around the Pangniqtuuq area
while I grew up more around here.
Did boys get more affection when they were babies?
Saullu: When I had a daughter, I loved her very much. I made clothing for her all the
time.
Did boys get more affection?
Pauloosie: I can not really comment on that. We were all loved equally, both boys and
girls, so I cannot really comment on that.
90 Introduction to the Oral Traditions