Elder Elizabeth Lyall Publishes Children’s Book on Taloyoak

An elder from Taloyoak, Nunavut, has achieved a significant milestone by publishing her first children’s book. At the age of 72, Elizabeth Lyall, also known by her Inuktitut name Tasiuq, co-authored a book titled Let’s Explore Taloyoak, which was released on March 3, 2024. The book, while fictional, draws inspiration from real experiences in the community and aims to engage young readers with local culture and language.

The story features Tasiuq and her cousin Siasi, who embark on a journey to explore important sites in Taloyoak. The book has been published by Arvaaq Press, formerly known as Inhabit Education Books, and is available in multiple language combinations: Inuktitut and English, Inuinnaqtun and English, as well as Inuktitut and French. Lyall, a retired educator, expressed her hope that the book will help children connect with their Inuit heritage and language.

“We read about fairytales like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which are not real, so we want to connect with children about what they know,” Lyall said. “We aim to make the stories engaging for young readers.”

Collaboration and Inspiration

The collaboration between Lyall and Sarah Leslie, who serves as the manager of early childhood training and resources for the Nunavut government, began two years ago when Leslie approached Lyall with the idea for a children’s book. Their initial discussions sparked the concept for Let’s Explore Taloyoak. Leslie recalls her first encounter with Lyall vividly, noting how Lyall welcomed her at the airport and whisked her away on a quad bike, an experience that inspired the book’s narrative.

“It was terrifying for me because I had no helmet on, and in Iqaluit, we wear helmets,” Leslie explained. “But I thought it would be cool to create a story around that, and Elizabeth agreed, so we pieced it together.”

Lyall contributed by photographing various landmarks in Taloyoak, including the old stone church, the office of the Hunters and Trappers Association, and a vibrant neighborhood known locally as Disneyland. These images helped Toronto-based illustrator Amiel Sandland bring the story to life visually.

Distribution and Future Plans

is now available for purchase on the Arvaaq Press website and is expected to be listed on Indigo’s online store as well as in its Whitehorse location. Additionally, Leslie’s department plans to distribute the book to childcare centers across Nunavut communities, ensuring that the story reaches a broader audience.

Leslie also mentioned ongoing efforts within the Department of Education to publish a children’s book representing each community in Nunavut. A book titled Chasing Bugs and Catching Minnows by Becky Tootoo from Baker Lake was developed concurrently with Let’s Explore Taloyoak. Books from Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, and Naujaat are in progress, and the department is actively seeking an author for Gjoa Haven.

For Lyall, being a published author fulfills a lifelong dream. She is already contemplating a second book, eager to continue sharing stories that reflect her community and culture. The release of Let’s Explore Taloyoak marks not only a personal achievement for Lyall but also a celebration of Inuit culture and storytelling for future generations.