ATTENTION: Iqaluit Users Re: Toonik Tyme

Please be advised that the City of Iqaluit has declared a half day civic holiday on Friday, April 18, 2008.

Consistent with past practice and in accordance with the Public Service Act and delegated authority to the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, the Government of Nunavut employees in Iqaluit will be permitted to take the afternoon of Friday, April 18, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. as a Toonik Tyme Holiday to participate in the planned activities.

I am aware of Nunavut Day on July 9, hamlet days and in Alberta Family Day in mid-Feb. but this is a new one…


The ulu is one of the traditional Inuit knives, used primarily by women but with many uses. I own several and was reminded of its practicality and frequent use in my kitchen in preparing a quick supper tonight. Here  is one with my indented wooden chopping board great for stir fry veggies. This particular one was brought back from Rankin Inlet but without a sharpened edge.

This photo was forwarded by one of my friends, Cindy who teaches at Arctic College and on Feb.19 commented “that went with my students to an elders house, Tony, who showed us how to make ulus”. I have since sharpened my own on a similar grinder in the garage.


Readers etc. A lot of the northern bloggers are on Blogspot and even my daughter switched from xanga… but I remain, well I guess, because this is where I started in 2004 and enjoy posting my photos and random thoughts on my adventures. It beats sending the mass emails I used to do when north. Unlike some of the other sites I do not get alot of comments or interactive discussion but for the most part can track my readers and know who regularly stops by. However I must admit it does surprise me when in casual conversation with some of my friends I discover someone who is reading and asks a question about the dogs. I do like the feedback.

If you can leave a comment...go back a few entries and there are instructions for non-xangians or in my profile box the " email me "

Legal docs etc. For some reason that refrain from Blood Sweat and Tears..” When I am dead, dead and gone, there will be one child left to carry on…’’ has been going through my head recently. Last week did some work with seniors who were in hospital and several facing decisions around long-term placement and assisted living. Again reminded of the importance of having one’s will, enduring power of attorney and personal directives in place and up to date and careful consideration of who is chosen to act on your behalf…does not always have to be family.

The elderly lady of almost 90, who was still very with it mentally, did not appreciate the family members from the States, who could not come to visit when she was ill, but announced they would come for 10 days to 2 weeks later in the summer to “ sell the house, give away or donate the furniture, and find a nice retirement home because they had looked on the internet”. Because of our FOIP or provincial privacy laws information did not have to be shared by hospital staff without the consent of the patient.