Introduction-E

How old were you when you started to learn how to sew?
Saullu: I don’t know how old I was. I still cried easily when I started to learn how to
sew. I would only cry when what I was sewing wasn’t done right. I don’t recall having
learnt how to sew, but I was a young child when I learnt it. I practiced by watching my
mother, as that was her duty.
Did you ever attend school?
Saullu: I’ve never attended school as I am an Inuk.
Was your marriage arranged by your parents?
Saullu: Only by my grandfather Kulluruqtuq. It was my grandfather who gave the
approval.
How old were you?
Saullu: I don’t know how old I was. I was able to get a husband only when I was able
to make everything. That’s the way it was. Only those women who were able to make
everything were allowed to have men.
You said you had worked in Pangniqtuuq. What year was that?
Saullu: The year that we moved there. That same winter we used to make clothing out
of caribou skins and we would soften seal skins. I was made to participate in this.
Maybe in 1984. When we got there that same winter, or the same fall, I started
participating at the sewing centre.
Have you participated since then?
Saullu: No, I don’t participate any more. Back then when Kanajuq was still alive, I used
to participate.
Where were you before 1984?
Saullu: I was an inhabitant of Qipisa. We lived in Qipisa.
Were you long-time outposters?
Saullu: Yes, we used to be. When our father went there [to Pangniqtuuq], we followed
him there. After we moved there, he died that same winter.
Did your children go to school?
Saullu: Only the younger ones. Silasie is my youngest child. His two adopted sisters
64 Introduction to the Oral Traditions