Introduction-E

I have heard that my grandfather, James Alivaqtaq,
used to come over here by dogteam. Do you recollect that?
Saullu: He also used to kinnguaq-. They are said to “kinnguaq-” when they come from
over there (Pangniqtuuq) to here (Iqaluit). From here, they used to say “kangivaq-.” He
was one of that group.
Why did he come here?
Saullu: Maybe they used to bring all sorts of things here, such as letters, as there were
no people with phones. So when the qallunaat came here from Pangniqtuuq, he would
be one of the group. He was not always one of them.
What was it that they did?
Saullu: We would “kinnguaq-,” over to here (Iqaluit), and “kangivaq-,” from here. To
“kangivaq” and to “uivaq” it was just the same. Going around the land, they would “uviaq-.”
Saullu: So, those are the terms they used to use.
At the time the dogs were dying, did all your dogs die?
Pauloosie: They didn’t all die. There were some left. I don’t know of anyone who lost
all their dogs. I didn’t lose every last one of mine. Even though we didn’t lose all our
dogs, we were brought together to Pangniqtuuq by plane.
Did they know where the people were?
Pauloosie: Everybody knew which places were inhabited.
In the old days when people lost their dogs, did you know of people
who went hungry?
Pauloosie: Yes, people used to be hungry. From the time that I can remember, I never
knew hunger in the family of the person for whom I am named Ammaalik. When
people tell about the time that they were hungry, I almost envy them being able to talk
about it. Since I was never hungry, I have no stories to tell. It was only when I started
being on my own [avuti], away from my adoptive family that I started to see that food
does run out.
I don’t understand at all what you mean by avuti?
Saullu: Avutijuq. Moving away from whom you’re living with.
Life Stories – Pauloosie Angmarlik 101