Introduction-E

Were you able to preach after receiving the pendant?
Pauloosie: Yes, I was sent to Qikiqtarjuaq right away, even though I had not been
ordained as a minister.
You went there to minister?
Pauloosie: Yes, I was sent there to act as a minister.
How long were you a minister in Qikiqtarjuaq?
Pauloosie: For twenty-four years.
What year did you go there?
Pauloosie: In 1964. My only son Siimi asked the bishop to care for me while he was
working since he would not be able to support me if he became unemployed while I was
still in Qikiqtarjuaq. At first he was denied [his request] by the bishop. He later phoned
to inquire, for the reasons for the denial. He asked me on the phone what kind of help I
was getting from the ministry for food, and clothing. I was not getting anything at all
for food or clothing except the leftovers from sealifts for government employees. That
was before there was any real form of social assistance. That’s how I was getting food. I
mentioned that I was not getting any assistance for food and clothing for my children
and my wife. I had a wife then. They all needed food and clothing. I was not prevented
from going hunting like a real minister would be, since I had not been ordained. That is
how I was, but at the same time I wasn’t allowed to be out hunting for a whole week
without taking a day of rest.
Did you hold sermons outside or did you hold sermons inside a house?
Pauloosie: The sermons were held outside when I was being prepared while I was still
in Pangniqtuuq. They did not have a church building. I was told that materials would
be sent there the coming summer that would be for our church. That is when they got
the church.
Why were you not ordained as a minister?
Pauloosie: I could have become a minister at that time if I had undergone further
education. Afterwards when I was there, new students were being educated for the
ministry. Elaijah was one of the students when Quinijuq (Reverend Donald Whitbread)
was the minister there. I was asked to join, but somebody else from Qikiqtarjuaq also
Life Stories – Pauloosie Angmarlik 107