Rankin Inlet Men’s Committee Empowers Youth with Traditional Skills

A men’s committee in Rankin Inlet has launched programs aimed at connecting local youth with traditional skills vital to their heritage. The initiative, which has been active for three years, seeks to equip Inuit youth with practical knowledge related to fishing and outdoor survival.

Program coordinator Noel Kaludjak announced that this fall, the committee applied for funding from the Kivalliq Inuit Association to support on-the-land programming. The goal is to teach young men essential skills for setting and checking fishing nets properly.

Kaludjak noted the committee has enlisted experienced guides and instructors, including Harry Ittinuar, Sonny Ittinuar, and Rocky Airut. “We’ve recently rented four snowmobiles to take four trainees and three instructors out to Diane Lake,” he said. The program aims to provide hands-on experience in safe travel, navigation, and locating fish.

The training includes techniques for ice fishing, where participants will learn how to place nets beneath the ice, ensure they are set correctly, and regularly check them. Kaludjak emphasized the importance of these skills, as they allow young men to provide food for their families and elders in the community.

“They’re going to learn how to provide country food (fish) to their family and our Elders and to share,” he explained. The program also covers essential survival skills, such as staying warm and cooking, which are crucial for a safe and productive outing.

Kaludjak reflected on the emotional connection to the land, stating, “Once you get out of the community, you already feel better. You’re connected to the land, weather, and animals. As an Inuk, you’re eager to get out there and catch something to help your family.”

He added that spending time outdoors fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. “Being out on the land makes you feel special, and we all need to feel special in our own way. Once you get out there, you’re grounding with the land.”

The committee plans to expand these initiatives, hoping to attract more young men to participate in future programs, including caribou hunting expeditions scheduled for January and February. Kaludjak expressed optimism about the sustainability of these efforts, aiming to deepen the connection between youth and their cultural heritage.

Through these programs, the men’s committee not only imparts valuable skills but also strengthens community ties, ensuring that traditional practices are carried forward for future generations.