Mornings were spent teaching and learning traditional sewing techniques in a large room at Maani Ulujuk School. A large group of elders guided the learners as they learned the art of preparing, tanning, cutting and sewing skins. By the end of the program, learners had made caribou parkas, pants, mitts, and seal skin pants and kamiks.

Learners spent the afternoons at the Community Learning Centre where they focused on academic upgrading. They received language instruction in English and Inuktitut, as well as math, computers and typing. One of the objectives of this program was to assist in preparing participants to enter the job market and/or develop the skills to enable them to pursue sewing as a means of self-employment.

This holistic program tries to integrate these two parts so that learners will develop practical skills, self-esteem and cultural pride.

The idea for “Reclaiming Our Sinew” came from the Kivalliq Inuit Association and is an excellent example of putting Inuit traditional knowledge into practice. It is also a strong example of partnership between territorial and federal government departments, Inuit organizations, hamlets, schools and Nunavut Arctic College.