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History Native American

Uvajuq

The Origin of Death

edited by David F. Pelly & Kim Crockatt

illustrated by Elsie Anaginak Klengenberg

Publisher
Dundurn Press
Initial publish date
Jun 1999
Category
Native American, Native American Studies, Cultural
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780969078388
    Publish Date
    Jun 1999
    List Price
    $24.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459713093
    Publish Date
    Jun 1999
    List Price
    $8.99

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Description

The story of Uvajuq (oo-va-yook) is rooted in a time when people and animals lived in such harmony and unity that they could speak to each other. For Inuit, as for people whose traditions include the story of the Garden of Eden, this idyllic existence came to an abrupt end a long time ago. The story told here, in words and pictures, speaks of that ancient event and of the transition to an existence where a different kind of sharing prevails.

This old Inuit legend has recently taken on an entirely new dimension in Cambridge Bay, with the uncovering of a unique array of artifacts during an archaeological survey of the hill known as Uvajuq. The mysterious find offers a compelling confluence of myth and reality.

The legend of Uvajuq, as told here, was collected from a group of Inuit elders in the Nunavut community of Cambridge Bay, 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. On the surface, it is the story of how three prominent hills near the community were formed. Underlying that is a tale of much deeper significance.

About the authors

David F. Pelly is a seasoned Arctic writer, a modern—day explorer of the North's cultural and historical landscape. He has been travelling, living and writing in the Arctic for more than 40 years. David led his first Arctic expedition in 1977, beginning a northern career spanning the decades since. In addition to his writing, he has worked with biologists and archaeologists in the field, developed and written documentary films, served as co—curator of Inuit art exhibitions, and assisted with numerous community—based cultural projects across Nunavut.

David F. Pelly's profile page

Kim Crockatt's profile page

Elsie Anaginak Klengenberg's profile page

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