Funding to ensure NWT oral traditions stay alive

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The oral traditions of peoples in the Northwest Territories are being recorded to help perpetuate their rich heritage.

Nine groups and individuals were granted more than $70,000 through the Oral Traditions Program of the Education, Culture and Employment ministry.

"Celebrating our cultures and heritage is important in maintaining a healthy society," said Minister Richard Nerysoo. "The cultural projects made possible through this funding play a valuable role in preserving and communicating the diverse traditions of the North."

The grant recipients attended a department-sponsored workshop earlier this year to receive basic training in collecting, cataloguing and storing the recordings for future use the general public.

The following groups and individuals received funding:"

- Igloolik Isuma Video was awarded $11,285 to document on videotape histories, stories and place names along the route between Igloolik and Pond Inlet.

- Mallikjuaq Steering Committee, Cape Dorset was awarded $9,370 to document stories and place names of the area around Cape Dorset.

- Sandra Dolan, Fort Smith was awarded $5,800 to collect oral histories on the Salt River Settlement.

- Dene Cultural Institute, Hay River was awarded $11,700 to assist with a project documenting the traditional governing systems of the Dogrib people of Rae Lakes prior to 1921.

- Native Communications Society, Yellowknife was awarded $10,000 to collect stories on audiotape for broadcast on CKNM radio and for preservation.

- Douglas Stern, Bay Chimo (Omingmaktok) was awarded $9,300 to document the oral traditions of Bathurst Inlet elders.

- Miriam Aglukkaq, Gjoa Haven was awarded $3,450 to document the oral histories of Gjoa Haven elders.

- Holman Community Corporation, Holman was awarded $4,700 to document traditional Inuit drum dancing.

- Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, Taloyoak was awarded $4,500 to document the oral histories of Taloyoak elders.

For more information on the Oral Traditions Program, please contact the Cultural Liaison Co-ordinator, Department of Education, Culture and Employment at (403) 920-3102.