Thunder on the Tundra

Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit of the Bathurst Caribou

Natasha Thorpe, Naikak Hakongak, Sandra Eyegetok and the Kitikmeot Elders

Inuit elders share their insights of caribou and explore the link between Qitirmiut and caribou.

Caribou have always been central to Inuit identity, subsistence, culture and tradition. From 1996 through 2001, the Tuktu and Nogak Project brought together elders, hunters, youth and researchers to record stories about the Bathurst caribou and their calving grounds.  Thunder on the Tundra is one result of this project.  Based on more than thirty-seven interviews, this chronicle provides a fascinating view into the world of caribou as understood by Inuit from the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut.  In the words and illustrations of the people themselves, it presents Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), traditional knowledge, for the benefit of present and future generations.

 KITIKMEOT ELDERS are the many elders and hunters from Kingauk, Umingmaktuuk, Hanigakhik, Ikaluktuuttiak and Kugluktuk whose voices you hear and faces you see throughout Thunder on the Tundra.  They have contributed their stories today for a better understanding tomorrow.

 NAIKAK HAKONGAK is an avid hunter who spends as much time as possible out on the land while not working as a wildlife officer.  Born in Ikaluktuuttiak and raised in Umingmaktuuk, Naikak currently resides in Ikaluktuuttiak.

ANDRA EYEGETOK has always has a special interest in Inuit culture and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit projects.  Still active with elders in her community, Sandra lives in Ikaluktuuttiak.

 NATASHA THORPE has been fortunate to share tea, time, and tales with Inuit throughout the Kitikmeot.  Natasha now lives in Victoria, where she continues to be committed to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit projects.

Publication date: January 3, 2002
ISBN: 0-9689636-0-9
$42.00 includes GST
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Tuktu and Nogak Project

 For more information, contact Naikak Hakongak 867.983.4165 ¨ Sandra Eyegetok 867.983.4027

To order a book, contact tnp1@hotmail.com ¨ 231 Irving Road  Victoria, B.C. Canada  V8S 4A1