Inuit actress excels - Lucy Tulugarjuk
Inuit actress excels
By Aarviunaa
(Above) Lucy Tulugarjuk
Lucy Tulugarjuk was born in Igloolik, Nunavut during a time of rapid change in the Arctic. As a youth Lucy learned about her culture and language from her parents and grandparents. “I was raised very traditional by my grandparents. I watched my mom sew traditional clothing from the skins my father got from hunting. My father hunted and trapped. I watched him preparing seal and fox skins to take to the Hudson’s Bay Store to earn money. I also watched my father carve animals related to Inuit culture,” states Lucy about her youth.
Reflecting back on her youth, Lucy says, “We traveled on the land and sea lots. We camped out on the land for two months during the summer where we fished and hunted on the sea. We always had one dog with us for protection against polar bears or for hunting. The dogs would also help by packing supplies when we moved about the land. But I was really surprised when the RCMP took my father’s dogs away and killed them all. My father wanted to stay in our traditional camp and live on the land and sea but my parents were told that they would not get family allowance if we stayed on the land! We moved into Hall Beach where I attended school from age 5 to 11. Later, I completed school in Igloolik.” Lucy went on to take a Nursing Access Program in Yellowknife at Aurora College but she discovered that nursing was not for her so she turned her attention to other pursuits that she found she enjoyed.
Igloolik is famous for the Inuit Film production work of Isuma Productions and Director, Film Maker Zacharia Kunuk’s award winning productions. Lucy got her start in acting with Isuma Productions where she played Puja in the award winning film Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner) Atanarjuat won the Foreign Language Oscar and six Gene Awards along with 12 other awards during 2001-2002. Lucy portrayed her character, Puja, with elegance and a gifted natural ability to bring the Inuit character to life. The film was done in Inuktitut which highlighted the Inuit culture and brought much world focus to the Arctic. “I was really honored to be a part of it. Knowing it made history and that as Inuit we can also make something successful was really rewarding,” states Lucy about the film. “From there I went on to do two more feature movies, The Journals of Knut Rasmussen and another French movie called La Iceberge.
Lucy’s enjoyment of acting is clear as she states, “I love acting because it allows me to express different characters with different challenges. You get to experience different things that you may not have experienced in life. It’s very busy, rush, rush, rush then wait, wait, wait but when you wait you read your scripts and get to know other actors. I also like to work behind the scenes with producers and directors. In Journals of Knut Rasmussen I did casting, make-up and assistant producer work.”
Lucy also loves to dance and sing traditional Inuit songs. She also did some painting using oil on canvas but her real love is acting and working in the film industry. “I really love acting and I think that anyone that gets involved with it will enjoy it too because it is exciting work and you learn so much,” says Lucy with a soft smile. Lucy Tulugarjuk is definitely an Arctic gem. She is destined to continue doing work in the film business. Lucy’s attitude is professionally positive so it will not be a surprise if we see her in more award winning film productions in the future. Native Journal says quanna (thank you) to Lucy for sharing with our readers.
Life a marathon of variety for program head
By Rudy Kelly
To Constance Eby, life is like a marathon. But, in this marathon, Eby is taking the time to smell the roses along the way.
And be the head of an ocean monitoring program.
And sit on community arts boards.
And participate in a Haida dance group.
And, well, actually run in an international marathon!
The 31-year-old Prince Rupert, B.C. resident has plenty on her plate and she enjoys every minute of it, seeing it all as part of being a life-long learner. As the Executive Director of the North Coast Water Quality & Biotoxin Program Society in Prince Rupert, B.C., she learns a lot about monitoring the area’s waters for safe harvesting of shellfish and developing new ocean industries.
But Eby is fascinated by many aspects of life and it is that curiosity that pushes her in so many directions, including the way of Aboriginal dancing, which she has been involved in for the last 10 years.
“I’m really happy with the group,” said Eby of the Kwe Unglis Dancers, a Haida group based in Rupert. “The numbers have been getting stronger and we’ve accumulated a good selection of masks over the years.”
Eby, whose mother is Haida, said being in the group provides her and others “with a sense of community, a sense of belonging,” which is so important, particularly to Aboriginal people, adding, “It’s a good reminder of how to be more respectful and remember who we are.”
Another benefit of being a dancer, she said, is that it increases her interactions with Elders.
“Some of their stories are really interesting. It’s nice to know how things have changed and how we have evolved as people.” Eby also enjoys mainstream theatre, having been a member of the community theatre group, Harbour Theatre, for three years, and currently being on the Community Arts Council board.
“It’s just like Aboriginal dancing, in a way, in that they’re both art forms. I really appreciate the creative contributions people make. It’s nice to be directly in touch with things that are going on in the community, to make a difference.”
Creativity is a talent Eby has to employ in her work at the Water Quality and Biotoxin Program as it is has no secured, core-funding, being supported by several agencies.
“It’s a constant search for funding, seeking new partnerships, writing proposals,” she sighed, with a laugh.
And, while the program has just two full-time employees, it has nine station managers, compensated through stipends, who overlook 22 marine stations on the vast north coast.
Eby’s other social activities include being a member of the Toastmasters club and running, which she does with her husband Rob. Not surprising, after just two years of running, she took on the ultimate challenge and participated in the Vancouver International Marathon in May 2005, as part of their honeymoon.
“It was hard on my body but it’s neat to make a goal like that and push yourself,” said Eby.
“In the last six kilometers, it started to get really difficult and I couldn’t even comprehend the finish line. I remember seeing another hill and thinking I would just run up this hill and then walk but, when I got to the top of the hill, the finish line was right there. It was a very emotional experience.”
And experiences, it seems, is what Eby is all about.
Monica Goulet is making a difference
By Shirley Collingridge
Just remember that this struggle is part of a larger dream. From where I sit and where you stand the vantage point is quite different. From what my kookum told me about my past and what your grandfather wrote about yours, there's a radical difference.
- Just Remember, by Monica Goulet
During her first teaching years, Monica Goulet met a Jamaican woman who would have a powerful impact on her life. How powerful an impact, she could not have guessed.
The woman was Dr. Glenda Simms, supervisor of Race and Intercultural Relations.
“I found it fascinating that a woman was speaking so openly about the impact of racism and sexism on her life and the importance of addressing it in the education system,” said Goulet.
Later at a retreat, participants were asked to envision their dream job. Goulet’s vision was to have Simms’ job some day. Although it would take 20 years, Goulet’s journey was relentless. At Cochrane High School, she daily witnessed Aboriginal students’ challenges.
From what my children come home from school crying about is quite opposite what your children tell you.
From what I feel at your universities they are not really my universities yet... - Goulet
“Because I had such a lot of enthusiasm for incorporating Aboriginal content into the curriculum, I found that a lot of the teachers sought my advice for relevant sources,” said Goulet. “I was quite happy to help them out.”
In two short years, Goulet’s reputation spread. She was just back from maternity leave when another teacher steered toward the bulletin board, saying, “Monica, apply for this job! You’d be good at it.”
Although Goulet felt under-qualified to be the Indian and Métis Education Consultant for the Regina Public School Division, more nudges impelled her to apply. “The vast majority of consultants had worked in the school division for at least 10 years and I was a newcomer by comparison,” said Goulet. “So I was pleasantly surprised when I was selected.”
As the years passed, Goulet continued her journey toward her dream job. She taught, lectured, and served as a consultant throughout the province. In 2003, she realized her vision. She had become the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Coordinator for the City of Saskatoon where she knew she could make a difference.
But maybe if you open the door and your heart to welcome me here,
Maybe I can still shut the door in my mind that remembers when you told me I didn't really belong here... - Goulet
The job would prove daunting. “When you are looking at any of the media coverage, on Saskatoon particularly, we are known for having a problem with racism in our community,” said Goulet. “You just have to look at the Stonechild Inquiry, the report that came out on Indian and Métis Justice Reform Commission - and there’s been a lot of controversy in our community. There was Senator David Ahenakew, former senator of the FSIN that made anti-Semitic comments.”
“We also had Jim Pankiw who was the former MP spreading around misinformation,” she added. “So it’s been a huge challenge to address the issues in our community but I am also very proud of our Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee. They are the eyes and ears of the community.”
The city created the position in 1989 to address racism. Its goals are clear. “The four community outcomes that we work toward are: a representative work force; zero tolerance for racism; increased representation from the diverse communities on decision-making bodies; increased awareness and understanding of the issues that affect the lives of people in our community,” she said.
“It is a dream job,” added Goulet. “The most fulfilling aspect is that we are actually doing something to address racism in our community – that we’re not just turning a blind eye to it. We are acknowledging that it is a reality.”
In late 2005, a perception survey was contracted by the city. “The vast majority of people that were polled said that racism against Aboriginal people is the biggest problem that we have in Saskatoon,” said Goulet. “I found that very encouraging because, when you have that many people in the community that are willing to acknowledge it’s a problem, that’s when you can begin to do something.”
And maybe just maybe, you'll finally accept
that I too have ancestors that were
articulate, creative, perceptive, intelligent dynamic people - Goulet
Like Goulet, her ancestors fought for justice. “I am part Cree and part Saulteaux and part French,” she said. “My home community is Cumberland House in northern Saskatchewan but the Métis people are from St. Laurent – Louis Riel’s provisional government. One of our great grandfathers was a member of his provisional government – LCR Goulet.”
Her brother Keith was the first Aboriginal cabinet minister in the provincial government. “I do have some very good roots,” added Goulet. “I consider myself to be quite fortunate to be a part of this family.”
“I really believe that we are here to help one another and to do good things in this world. I think that it is very important to live each day to the fullest. It is important to treat each other with dignity and respect,” she said. Without question, dignity and respect means recognizing and accepting cultural differences.
But don't continue to expect me to embrace
your Shakespeares, Mozarts, Picassos, and Edisons.
I can no more be like them than I could be
like your Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Rapunzel or Barbie.
Nor do I wish to be. - Goulet
Goulet sends this message to other dreamers: “Follow your dreams and no matter what anyone tells you, you can accomplish great things if you put your mind to it and you get the proper support.”
Goulet is the mother of Joshua and Sasha, and is a published author. For more information about Saskatoon’s initiatives, visit www.city.saskatoon.sk.ca/ org/leisure/race_relations.