Collection glen-3418 - Abraham Okpik's Inuit oral history collection

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Abraham Okpik's Inuit oral history collection

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  • Source of title proper: Title based on contents of the fonds.

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GLEN glen-3418

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Physical description

2 audio reels. -- 17 audio cassettes

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Name of creator

Biographical history

Abraham Okpik, 1929-1997, was born near Kipnik in the Mackenzie Delta of the Northwest Territories. As a youth he suffered from tuberculosis and a leg injury, but became a respected hunter and trapper. He became a translator, administrator, and Inuit leader. In 1965 he was the first Inuk to sit on the Territorial Council. In 1968-1970 he headed Operation Surname, a project that allowed the Inuit to be known by their names, rather than by numbers. He eventually made his home in Iqaluit, now in Nunavut. He was made a member of the Order of Canada. He was married to Martha Ningeok, and had several children including Roy Inglangasuk. During 1969-1971 he was commissioned by the Riveredge Foundation to visit Arctic communities and record songs, stories and legends of the elders.

Custodial history

Scope and content

The collection consists of recorded interviews with Felix Nuyaviak, Kenneth Peeloolook, Kingmiaktuk, Ameralik, Poneepakochook, Noah Araguttainnaq, Eksinak, Joe Nasogaloak, Aniqisaq Kokseak, Jim Kalabak, Dave Piungituq, John Ayoruaq, B. Iqquraqtuq, Johnasee Uyaraq, Eualuakjuk, Kalvak, Etuanga. Recordings were made at Inuvik, Spence Bay, Pond Inlet, Pangnirtung, Belcher Island, Tuktoyaktuk, Broughton Island, Clyde River, Rankin Inlet, Igloolik, Frobisher Bay, Holman Island, Cape Dorset. Subjects covered include: Avoutuk (story), Kouyakjuke (legend), Inuktyuk (legend), shaman ways, social laws, Inuit games, names of relations, hunting ways, Paja, young women, Siatsialuk (shaman), Atangaoyak (shaman), father and daughter legend, Lomayuke (legend). Culture of contemporary Northern communities was documented by recordings of a church service in Pangnirtung, a dance in Cape Dorset, and children at play.

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Immediate source of acquisition

Transferred from the Riveredge Foundation, 1979.

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  • The material is in Inuktitut.

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There are no restrictions on access.

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Finding aids

Inventory available. Please consult before requesting material. http://www.glenbow.org/collections/search/findingAids/archhtm/riveredge.cfm#okpik

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Record No. RCT-911-(66-84)<br><br>

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