James Pokiak and Mindy Willett, photographs by Tessa Macintosh,
Proud to be Inuvialuit / Quviahuktunga Invialuugama (The Land is our Storybook Series)
Fifth House, 2010.

Rating: G*

James Pokiak and his family are just a few of the people from Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories who rely on the beluga whale for sustenance. These harvested whales provide food for the community, inspiration for artists, and a sense of pride for providers. Thanks to people like James, the traditions and cultures of the Inuvialuit are alive and being passed on to the next generation.

In this fifth book in The Land is Our Storybook Series, readers will meet others, both young and old, who are proud to call their northern community of nine hundred home. Colour photographs show family members learning traditional skills, enjoying the museum, swimming pool and playground, and participating in community projects. Interesting facts (the high cost of milk), stories (the history behind "Tuk"), decorative borders inspired by traditional clothing, a glossary of words, and a colour-coded map of the area, bring greater understanding and awareness to these most westerly Canadian Inuit. Because it captures personal milestones (Rebecca's first whale hunt), pieces of history (contact with early explorers and the Hudson's Bay Company), and the good times (a drum dance), this book is like taking a peek in the Pokiak's family photo album. Just like James, Willett and Macintosh have a special place in their hearts for the Northwest Territories. The information contained within their book will be useful for elementary students working on projects related to whale hunting, the Northwest Territories, or the Inuvialuit.

Thematic Links: Family; Inuvialuit; Whale Hunting; Northwest Territories;  Tuktoyaktuk

Tanya Boudreau
Vol. 16, number 2
December 2010

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.