Introduction-E

Did you earn wages?
Pauloosie: No, we were not getting paid then, but our bishop arranged for our meals
during our schooling. The bishop, who has since passed away, used to order food
supplies from which we had our food.
Was it difficult in the beginning when you started your schooling?
Pauloosie: Yes, anything is difficult when you try it for the first time. Sometimes, when
we had a lot to learn, it was mentally tiring.
When he came to teach, did he bring bibles?
Pauloosie: Yes, he had bibles. He brought bibles. Since we each had our own bible we
used our own. When we were being taught he kept them out of our reach. That was not
too good.
Where did you get your bibles from?
Pauloosie: We had our old bibles. We always had bibles, prayer books and hymn books.
Did you get them from your parents?
Pauloosie: When we were able to read, we were given them.
From whom did you get the bibles when you were able to read?
Pauloosie: From the ministers. For free.
Your teacher, did he speak to you in Inuktitut or did he read to you
while you wrote?
Pauloosie: A long time ago I was able to write along with what was being said, but
today I find it difficult. I used to be able to write along with what was being said, but
today it is like I am a different person.
Were you given a certificate when you finished your schooling,
like today, when people get certificates when they finish a course?
Pauloosie: No, we didn’t, but we were given a pendant to show that we had undergone
training in this field.
106 Introduction to the Oral Traditions