Arctic Blues

In the high Arctic this season causes many people to become blue and some right down sick because of the lack of sunshine. In days gone by the Inuit were usually tucked in their cozy igloos and finding ways to pass the time. The children and adults played games that could be played in a confined space. String games were popular and Inuit children are magical when it comes to string games.

Shadow performances were also popular and some Inuit were able to use the light and hands to portray even action scenes. More physical games were played where strength and endurance was needed to partake. These games are still included in the annual Arctic Inuit Games.

During these long winter days and weeks the Inuit women used their sewing abilities to make clothes and footwear for the family. The men made fishing and hunting gear and if they had time carving was one of the favorite pastimes. Inuit are gifted carvers and they use multi media to express their talents. Ivory, bone, antlers and horns and various types of stone are all considered fair media for their craft. Good carvers look at a stone and are able to visualize something beautiful inside it and have the ability to release that beauty in the form of a valuable and beautiful pieces of art.

Around the end of February there becomes a restlessness among the Inuit. They feel the urge to get out on the land and try their luck at ice fishing and trapping the Arctic fox and other animals. The darkness holds no fear for the good hunters and trappers who travel the land even in the dead of winter. White people often have difficulty with the long stretches of darkness but I was fortunate in being busy and not impacted by natures long dark season.

People begin looking south to get a slight showing of light that will eventually begin the spring season. It will be a time of rejoicing and celebrating. In Ikaluktutiak this celebration was called the Omingmak Frolics.