1

BACKGROUND

"The tourwas anunqualifiedsuccess fromthe point ofview of boththe studentsand theirJapanese andAinu hosts."

The trip ...

Sixteen students in the Nunavut Sivuniksavut(NS) program undertook a thirteen-daypromotional tour of Japan in early May, 2001.

The purpose of the trip was to share informationabout Inuit culture and Nunavut with the Japanesepeople in general, and with the Ainu indigenouspeoples in particular. It was also to learn about Ainuand Japanese history and culture in return.

The tour was an unqualified success from the point ofview of both the NS students and their Japanese andAinu hosts. The people of Japan were intrigued by theNunavut story, and enthralled by the students' culturalperformances. In their two-week stay, the NS studentsachieved their goal of raising awareness and under-standing about Nunavut.

The students ...

Dorcas Evalik, Cambridge Bay Aaron Pitseolak, Pond InletKrista Zawadski, Rankin Inlet George Henrie, Rankin InletHannah Kingmiaqtuq, Gjoa Haven Becky Kilabuk, IqaluitJustin Merkosak, Pond Inlet Jeremiah Groves, IqaluitLucy Tulugarjuk, Igloolik Becky Mearns, PangnirtungGloria Kowtak, Rankin Inlet Gorretti Panika, Rankin InletLavenia Kowmuk, Rankin Inlet Alaana Kusugak, IqaluitTracy Aqatsiaq, Igloolik Miali Pitsiulak, Kimmirut

The program ...

Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) is a unique eight-month college programbased in Ottawa. It provides Inuit youth from Nunavut with a transitionyear experience between high school and the job market and/or furtherpost-secondary education. Students study Inuit history, land claims andother issues essential to their future careers in Nunavut, while learningto live successfully on their own. The program was founded in 1985 andwas incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1999. Its courses areaccredited by Algonquin College in Ottawa.

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OUTLINE

The following pagesoutline where we went,

what we did, andwho we met

in Japan

An appendix includes a list ofsponsors and letters

of response

In the distant past,our grandfathers surely were friends.

Although this is our first time to actually meet... we are overjoyed and feel as if we

are seeing long lost friends.

— Rev. Seitaro Nakajima, Senior Priest,Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

3

Day 1 — TOKYOSaturday, April 28 AM

Briefing by Embassy OfficialsWe began our day with a briefing by officials from the Canadian Em-bassy in Tokyo. They walked us through the itinerary they had arrangedfor us, and gave us an orientation to Japanese culture and customs.

A Royal Welcome!Our first event was a visit with their Royal Highnesses, Prince andPrincess Takamado at their residence on the Aoyama ImperialPalace grounds. The imperial couple have had a longstanding interest inthe Arctic; they have both been to Greenland and Nunavut, and theyhave an extensive collection of Inuit carvings. We had interestingconversations with them about the similarities between Inuit and Japa-nese customs and beliefs. They were very warm and gracious people,and left a lasting impression on us. We gave them a gift of an ulu and aprivate performance of songs for them and one of their daughters.

"They were very welcoming and very open. Itwas amazing to see people from another

country so interested in our culture."— Lavenia Kowmuk, Rankin Inlet

Princess Takamadomaking friends withLucy's son Damon

With Prince and Princess Takamado and their daughter

4

Day 1 — TOKYOSaturday, April 28 PM

Canadian Film FestivalIn the afternoon of our first day in Japan,we attended a partial screening ofAtanarjuat, the award-winning new filmby Isuma Productions of Igloolik. It wasshown as part of a Canadian FilmFestival sponsored by the CanadianEmbassy to promote awareness ofCanadian culture. NS student LucyTulugarjuk was one of the stars of thefilm, and took part in a panel discus-sion about it afterwards with the audi-ence. We closed the event with a groupperformance of songs, drumming,throat singing, and a demonstration ofgames and Inuit clothing.

"It made it easier for me to do my presentation, because I knew you guys were there for me. Thanks a million guys!!"

— Lucy Tulugarjuk, Igloolik

"Lucy was a great ambassador!" — Krista Zawadski, Rankin Inlet

Lucy Tulugarjukspeaking on a panelabout the filmAtanarjuat

Becky Mearns speaking withmembers of the audience

afterwards

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Day 2 — TOKYOSunday, April 29

Sightseeing in TokyoThe second day of our stay was used to get adjusted to the 13-hour timedifference and get acquainted with Tokyo. We learned how to use thesubway, explored the city, and did our first shopping.

"It was amazing to see Tokyo with my own eyes, seeing such a big citywith so many people around — also the very friendly people from theAkasaka Prince hotel." — Lucy Tulugarjuk, Igloolik/Ottawa

"It was interesting to see all the Oriental things. It was really hard atfirst trying to adjust to the time; now in Canada, it's hard trying toadjust back." — Tracy Aqatsiaq, Igloolik

The Akasaka Prince hotel, one of Tokyo's

finest, put us up for eight nights for free in

exchange for our cultural performance on

May 1st.

Tokyo, as it looked from the hotel.

The Tokyo fish market is one ofthe biggest in the world

In front of a busy temple

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Day 3 — TOKYOMonday, April 30 AM

Meiji ShrineOur entire third day was spentvisiting the Meiji Shrine, one ofthe largest Shinto temples inTokyo. It was very well organ-ized by our hosts, who includedlocal university students ourown age.

When we arrived, we werewelcomed by one of the mostsenior priests at the Shrine, andthen led through a number of ceremonies to prepare us for our visit.These included signing a guest book that apparently they only let theirmost important guests sign. Our hosts then performed some traditionalJapanese dances for us, as well as songs played on some very ancientinstruments. (They let us try them afterwards). At lunch, we had ourfirst experience of traditional Japanese foods, including sushi and usingchopsticks. It was delicious!

"Today, we were waiting expectantly, because you came to see usfrom Canada. I feel the reason is because there is Oriental blood ineach of you too."

— Rev. Katsushi Toyama, Chief Priest, Meiji Shrine

One of the many buildings at the Meiji Shrine

Justin Merkosak andJeremiah Groves withtwo Japanese dancers

Tracy Aqatsiaq trying out aJapanese drum while

Alaana Kusugak looks on.

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Day 3 — TOKYOMonday, April 30 PM

Meiji Shrine (cont'd)In the afternoon, it was our turn to perform Inuit songs, drumming, andthroat-singing, and to demonstrate our games and clothing. Afterwards,we interacted with the audience, and let them try out the games them-selves, and try on our clothes.

The day ended with a sharing of Japanese games that were really fun.Each of us received a bag full of gifts from our hosts. We gave ourhosts an original print from Pangnirtung as a token of our appreciationfor a truly memorable day.

"Our visit to the Meiji Shrine was one of the most amazing experi-ences I had while in Japan. The people we spent the day with wereso nice to us, and very welcoming."

— Becky Mearns, Pangnirtung

With our hosts and new friends at the Meiji Shrine

Playing Japanese games

NS group performing

8

Day 4 — TOKYOTuesday, May 1 AM

Amway CorporationOn the morning of our fourth day, weperformed for over 300 elementarystudents from a Japanese school and threeinternational schools in Tokyo. The eventwas organized by the Amway Corporation,which sponsors a Masters of the Arcticexhibit in Japan to promote awareness ofthe Arctic in Japan. The show ended witha question-and-answer session, with thekids asking lots of questions. They evenlined up for our autographs!

Meeting students afterwards

"I learned a lot about the Inuit traditional culture, such as games,clothes and throat singing. It was fantastic!!!!!!"

— Caleb Earnshaw, student

"It was clear to see the children looked up to the students of NunavutSivuniksavut as leaders, they admired their strength, humour, and

strong cultural identity. Thank you for this wonderful experience." — Margaret Carrico, Coordinator, AMWAY "Masters of the Arctic"

Justin performing the Alaskanhigh kick!

The audience was very enthusiastic

9

"This was the 'BIG' performance for us, so we did our best. " — Dorcas Evalik, Cambridge Bay

"The event was a great success with both the hotel management and the people who paid to participate in the event."

— Bruce Barnett, Counsellor and Consul, Canadian Embassy

Day 4 — TOKYOTuesday, May 1 PM

Gala performance, Akasaka Prince HotelIn the evening of our fourth day, we put on a 1-hour gala performancein the ballroom of the Akasaka Prince hotel, one of Tokyo's most ex-pensive hotels. We were the main attraction for the evening, which washeld to promote Canadian culture. The guests paid $200 to see theperformance, and it was well received. In exchange for this perform-ance, the hotel gave us free accommodation and meals for eight nightsin Tokyo - an amazing offer that went a long way to making the tripfinancially possible.

Audience members paid $200 each to watch our

performance on May 1st.

Performing a juggling song for the audience

Becky Mearns (l) and Gorretti Panikathroat singing

10

Day 5 — MORIOKAWednesday, May 2

MoriokaOn the fifth day, we travelled on Japan's famous "bullet" trains to a citycalled Morioka, about 200 miles north of Tokyo. We were welcomed byofficials from the Morioka International Association and taken to thelocal radio station where some of us did an interview on the radio, andthe rest of us were welcomed and given gifts.

In the evening, we gave a public performance in the town's auditorium.It included Inuit songs, drumming throat-singing and demonstrations ofInuit games and clothing. The audience really enjoyed it. Afterwards,we were taken out to a restaurant where we experienced more wonder-ful Japanese food.

"The people in Morioka were the best of all! We got spoiled so muchby them and they did so much for us it was great."

— Krista Zawadski, Rankin Inlet

Morioka with mountain in background

Japan's famous bullet train

Group performance

11

Day 6 — MORIOKAThursday, May 3

MoriokaIn the morning of our sixth day, we were given a bus tour of theMorioka area by our hosts. This included a visit to a local museum, anda chance to walk among the cherry blossoms that Japan is famous for.For lunch, we visited a restaurant that is famous for its special noodledish, which requires that you eat as many small bowls of noodles aspossible. Aaron Pitseolak was our champion, eating over 60 bowls!Later in the afternoon, there was a party held in our honour at a localrestaurant, hosted by the Morioka International Association. It allowedus to meet people individually and have many interesting conversa-tions. We finished by performing some songs for them, and giving themgifts from Nunavut. The generosity of the people of Morioka wassomething we will always remember!

"They are such a nice people that it hurts." — Tracy Aqatsiaq, Igloolik

"The historical museum was a really good place to learn about howthe Ainu people used to live." — Lucy Tulugarjuk, Igloolik

Among the cherry blossoms

Alaana Kusugak holding her own in

the noodle-eating competition

Lucy Tulugarjuk and son Damon(left) with new friends in Morioka

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Day 7 — SHIRAOIFriday, May 4

We travelled by train for much of the day to the small town of Shiraoion the northern island of Hokkaido. Shiraoi is the site of the AinuiMuseum, one of the focal points for our trip.

When we arrived, we were immediately taken to a reception organizedby the Shiraoi International Association. It involved a feast, perform-ances of traditional Japanese dances and songs, and then a culturalperformance by us of our own songsand games.

"I loved all the Japanese dances. The women were very elegant in theway they danced. My favourite though was the young boy."

— Becky Mearns, Pangnirtung

Group with Japanese dancers

Becky Kilabuk explaining our clothingJapanese dancers

13

Day 8 — SHIRAOISaturday, May 5

Ainu MuseumWe spent the whole day at the AinuMuseum. The first thing we did wastour the museum itself. It showedthe history of the Ainu and a lotabout their culture. It included adisplay case showing how they arerelated to Inuit!

After the tour, we gave anhour-and-a-half presentationabout Inuit and Nunavut. Itincluded a slide show, areview of the different stagesof Inuit history, an explana-tion of the Nunavut flag, apresentation about our lan-guage, and finally a fashionshow about our traditionalclothing.

At lunch, we were treated to afeast in one of their traditionalbuildings which had fire pits inthe middle. We ate delicious Ainufoods like smoked salmon. It wasa wonderful meal!

"The day with the people from the Ainu Museum was great — greatfood, and great experiences" — Krista Zawadski, Rankin Inlet

"Their presentation at the Ainu Museum was very informative and welearned a lot about Inuit history, culture, clothes and language. Iwas impressed by how quickly they prepared their presentation —that proves they know their history by heart."

— Kikue Kanao, Public Affairs Officer, Canadian Embassy, Tokyo

Enjoying a great traditional feast

Touring the museum

Dorcas Evalik explaining the Nunavut flag

14

Day 8 — SHIRAOISaturday, May 5

Ainu Museum (cont'd)In the afternoon we were given apresentation on traditional Ainu music,including how to make their favouriteinstrument, the mukuri.

Afterwards, wewere invited to perform outside forthe public. We watched traditionalAinu dancers perform, and thenjoined with them to dance together.It was an awesome and unforgetta-ble experience to share our culturewith these people.

At the end of the day, we left Shiraoi and travelled to Sapporo by train.We were sorry we didn't have more time to visit with our Ainu hosts.

"Here, our young people don’t have any program that can teach themabout their past. Your [NS] program is good because it does this, but italso looks to the future. We would like something like that here."

— Mr. Masahiro Nomoto, Curator, Ainu Museum http://www.ainu-museum.or.jp/

Alaana Kusugak presenting anNunavut t-shirt to Ainu Museum curator,

Mr. Masahiro Nomoto

Lucy playing her instrument

Dancing with the Ainu

15

Day 9 — SAPPOROSunday, May 6

Historical Museum of HokkaidoWe spent our first morning in Sapporo visiting the large HistoricalMuseum of Hokkaido. We were met by the museum’s curator, Mr. KojiDeriha, who gave us an orienta-tion. During our tour, we learnedmore about Ainu history andculture.

In the afternoon, we took partin a major cross-cultural ex-change with members of theSapporo Koukin Gathering, agroup of people who are inter-ested in traditional forms of music, especially throatsinging. We heard recordings of Siberian throat singers that were madealmost a century ago. We performed our songs and throat singing forthem, and watched them perform their songs as well. It was a greatexchange!

"It was amazing to see so many similiarities between Ainu and Inuit!— Lucy Tulugarjuk, Igloolik

"We wanted to know Nunavut people, and to document the similari-ties between Ainu and Inuit. This experience has been amazing –like Alice in Wonderland. Nunavut people are very pure, their songsare very deep, they’re amazing!

— Prof. Yamamoto Katsura, Sapporo

Touring the Hokkaido museum

Lucy Tulugarjuk with Ainu performersPresenting an original print

to our hosts

16

Day 10 — SAPPOROMonday, May 7

Utari (Ainu) AssociationIn the morning we visited the offices of the Sapporo Utari Association,the main Ainu political organization in Hokkaido. They showed us afilm about Ainu history andtheir political struggle to havetheir rights recognized. It wasfollowed by a question andanswer session with the Utariofficials. The Ainu have aprogram to support their youthgoing abroad to meet otherindigenous people, and wetalked about the possibility ofthem coming to Nunavut someday. We then toured theiroffices, where they had moredisplays about Ainu history and culture.

The rest of the day was spent travelling to Hakodate, thelast city we would visit in Hokkaido. Upon our arrival, wewere met by officials from Hakodate’s International Af-fairs Division, who provided us with a tour bus, and ateam of interpreters and guides. Our first visit was to thelocal Anthropology Museum, which provided yet anotherpresentation of Ainu history and culture. Later in theevening, they took us to the top of a local mountain on acable car to see the lights of the city.

Meeting with Utari officials

Historical display at the

Utari Association

Becky Kilabuk being interviewed bythe media

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Day 11 — HAKODATETuesday, May 8

Future UniversityWe spent the morning and after-noon visiting Future University, anew state-of-the art institution thatis trying to develop new ap-proaches to higher education inJapan. The first hour was spent inworkshops organized by the FutureUniversity students. These wereintended to introduce us to variousaspects of Japanese culture, includ-ing their foods, writing systems, and games.

After lunch, we did similar presen-tations and workshops on Inuitculture, including songs, throatsinging, clothing and games. Therewere lots of opportunities forinteraction, and we had lots of funsharing our culture with the stu-dents.

The last part of the day was spenttravelling back to Tokyo by train.

"Seeing these young people knowing their own culture so well mademe want to know my own [Japanese] culture better. It was inspiring."

— Ms. Yuko Muranoto, Assistant Professor,Future University, Hakodate

Overlooking activity circles

Performing our songs for the FUN students

Media coverage was extensive

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Day 12 — TOKYOWednesday, May 9

A day of rest andrecreationThis was our first full day off in aweek-and-a-half. We spent it restingand shopping. Some of us went to alarge amusement park and tested ourcourage on the scariest rides.

Lucy Tulugarjuk's son, Damon,celebrated his first birthday in Japan

Survivors of the Drop of Doom!Drop of Doom ride -

a free fall from 200 ft.

19

Gorretti Panika giving a gift to Bruce Barnettof the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo

Day 13 — TOKYOThursday, May 10

Final performance at Canada's EmbassyWe had most of this day off, but at lunch hour, we went out and triedperforming our songs and drumming at a small outdoor plaza near thehotel. Various passers-by stopped to enjoy our show.

In the evening, we gave ourfinal performance at the Cana-dian Embassy for about 150invited guests. We closed theevening, and our trip, by sing-ing O Canada in Inuktitut.Afterwards, we met peoplefrom the audience, and wegave gifts to the embassyofficials who helped to makethe trip such a success.

"The Sivuniksavut performance at the em-bassy was one of the very few events we hadhere that catered to children as well as toadults, to Japanese as well as Canadians! Itwas a big hit!"

— Stephane-Enric BeaulieuCulture Projects Manager

Canadian Embassy in Tokyo

Sharing our songswith passers-by

in Tokyo

Our last show ended with O Canada in Inuktitut

20

A special thanks ...

While in Japan, a number of individuals played a particularly helpfulrole in making our tour a success. These included:

Hizuki IsogaiA 20-year old university student with a strong interest in Nunvut,Hizuki travelled with the group at his own expense for the entire twoweeks. He was our informal guide and interpretor, and quickly became avalued friend. He was made an honorary member of the NS program.

Bruce BarnettThe Cultural Counsellor at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, Bruce wasresponsible for developing much of the itinerary that we followed. Hisguidance and advice was indespensible throughout our stay.

Kikue KanaoA Public Affairs officer with the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, Kikueaccompanied us on our visit to Hokkaido. Her presence gave us greatcomfort, and her friendship was greatly valued by us all.

Stephane-Enric BeaulieuA Culture Projects Manager with the Canadian Embassy, Stephane wasresponsible for organizing the performance at the Embassy on our finalnight in Tokyo. In addition, he devoted considerable personal time toshowing us around Tokyo.

Kazuo MizuguchiAs Director of International Relations for the City of Morioka, Mr.Mizuguchi led a team that treated us like royalty. His delivery of food tous as we passed quickly through Morioka on our way back to Tokyo wasa gesture that we will ever forget.

The Akasaka Prince HotelThe hotel's generous offer of accommodation and meals during our eightdays in Tokyo was an extraordinary gift, and one which made the tripaffordable. The hotel's resident manager, Mr. Hideo Matsumoto, and hisstaff made us feel very extremely welcomed throughout our stay.

Qujannamiik!

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The following individuals, organizations and businesses provided thefinancial support that made our trip possible. The trip would not havehappened without you!

Nunavut Sivuniksavut students OttawaQikiqtaaluk Corporation IqaluitDept. of Foreign Affairs & Int. Trade OttawaStudents' fieldwork contract with NSDC* OttawaInuit Tapirisat of Canada OttawaNunavut Tunngavik Inc. IqaluitNunavut Wildlife Management Board IqaluitRoyal Canadian Legion Branch #4 IqaluitQikiqtani Inuit Association IqaluitWMC International Ltd. Nepean, ONNancy Karetak-Lindell MP* OttawaCanadian Embassy* TokyoKivalliq Partners in Development Rankin InletNorthern Transportation Company Ltd. IqaluitDistrict Educational Authority Pond InletDistrict Educational Authority Rankin InletEkaluktutiak Hunters & Trappers Assoc. Cambridge BayEskimo Point Lumber Supply Co. ArviatHamlet of Arviat ArviatHamlet of Pangnirtung PangnirtungIkaluktutiak Co-op Ltd. Cambridge BayJM Sportswear Pond InletNunavut Power Corporation IqaluitNWT Power Corporation Hay RiverPrecious Children’s Daycare PangnirtungYouth Council PangnirtungLearning Resouce Centre** Rankin InletNunavut Development Corporation** Rankin Inlet

* students provided a service in return for funds, which were then used for the trip

** contributed gifts for our Japanese hosts

APPENDIX 1

SPONSORS

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