no geologist, glaciologist, or biologist could. I am a people person; I love to interact and share but I had no understanding. I had no words. I of course, received a lot of support from the French speaking guides who went above and beyond to be “my voice” when needed. Yet there were moments, instances, where I was asked a question and with no one else around I had no voice. The kid in me could say that I was like Ariel. Really, I was like many Nunavut Inuit who are unilingual. I kept thinking of the many elders at home who know only Inuktitut. I was raised to honor and respect my elders. Being surrounded by a language that made no sense to me, had me truly understand what it must be like to be an Inuk elder in the colonized arctic. The feeling of dependence and trust that is required is uncomfortable and filled with doubt and uncertainty. What gets lost in translation? It really hit me how privileged I am to speak such a global language as English. I can’t imagine what it is like to have a medical concern, pick up a prescription, receive government mail, open up a bank account, or even ask about food in a grocery store and not be able to speak, understand, or ask. So many services are not available in Indigenous languages in Canada, as English and French are the official languages. I have always been constantly surrounded by English and I have struggled to learn my own language. My roommate on board and linguist, Kataisee, would speak Inuktitut to me. This was a first for her to be able to do on board as she hadn’t sailed with other Inuit previously. As it was music to my ears to hear and learn more Inuktitut, it was also a relief for Kataisee to be able to speak Inuktitut; the language that comes most natural to her. I am still learning my own mother tongue - and every moment I can hear and speak Inuktitut is a step closer to being where I want to be. I am so thankful to Kataisee for speaking Inuktitut as often as she could to me and taking the time to teach me new words. Language is just one way of communicating. A smile goes a long way. A nod, an extended hand for help, a laugh. A lot of the time, we are communicating without even intending to or realizing it.
I have a moment ingrained in my mind. It was the first night on board Ocean Adventurer; an announcement was made in French. I waited for the handheld staff radio, which told me that there were Northern Lights and to get out on the deck. I went and stood outside with my new colleagues and passengers. I am quite used to seeing the Aqsarniit (aurora/ northern lights), I’ve seen some amazing ones in my lifetime. I couldn’t talk or interpret to the passengers, but one lady spoke a little English and said to me with a thick accent “I think I come from Vikings” and that made me smile. As I began to make my way back inside, I saw a man leaning against the railing, away and alone. His face beamed as he stared up into the sky. He didn’t see me, but I could see from his face this was his first time to see the lights. While I didn’t think anything spectacular of the aurora that night, I paused and watched him for a moment. For his expression was spectacular, one of pure joy. The man by the railing communicated to me what an incredible experience he was having. He communicated that this moment was one he would always remember. A moment he would go home and share with all his friends and family. The glow in his eyes and the deep sighs of breath told me that he couldn’t have imagined this in his whole lifetime. The tiny shake in his hand whispered that he was fighting back tears. The ear to ear smile told me that he was happy to be starting his journey on board Ocean Adventurer sailing to the Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin. Nalunaiqsijiit is an Inuktitut word that translates as: connectors, facilitators, or informers. The Nalinaiqsijiit is name of the Inuit Cruise Training program held by the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation. Designed to increase Inuit employment on expedition cruise vessels with Nunavut itineraries by providing qualifications and certifications re quired to work on board cruise ships.
— Inuujaq Leslie Fredlund, Guide
2019 Sustainability Report |
52
Powered by FlippingBook