Uvajuq: The Origin of Death

by David F. Pelly (Editor), Kim Crockatt (Editor)

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.

84 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old Inuit legend acquired new significance with the discovery of a small cache of loon bones, from long ago, from "before the time of our parents or grandparents."

"Agliqtaqtuq" means the observance of taboos and the respect for sacred things. According to legend, the land was populated by giants (who lived forever); and the line between people and animals was blurry and porous — they could transform into each other.

The tale of Uvajuq is illustrated by Elsie Anaginak Klengenberg, an Inuit artist. It's a simple tale, yet resonates with deeper meanings related to survival and cooperation.

The volume also includes interviews with elders and a history of colonial contact.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two brief legends as told by Elders, beautifully illustrated by Elsie Anaginak Klengenberg, with contextual text detailing ancient values and customs, colonial encounters and the renaming of the land and its features.