Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona, an artist residing in Ottawa, recently completed a 23-day expedition to retrace her family’s ancestral migration route. Setting out with a group of five on September 1st, they covered a 200-kilometer journey starting from Kitikkat and Kanngujaqtalik, where her family traditionally spent summers near the Back River meeting the Hermann River.
During the trek, Kabloona discovered significant remnants of her family’s history, including her great-grandfather’s old boat, family graves, and a toy airplane crafted from tin cans. Reflecting on the ingenuity and resilience of her ancestors, she marveled at their ability to thrive and find joy with limited resources.
Despite encountering challenges such as wolf encounters and tricky river crossings, Kabloona’s group persevered. Notably, a muskox charged at her sister, adding a thrilling element to their journey. Kabloona’s father, though concerned, expressed pride in their accomplishments.
Accompanied by her partner, sister, and friends, Kabloona embarked on this meaningful expedition. The experience brought joy to her father, who relished the opportunity to revisit his childhood surroundings before being sent to residential school in Baker Lake.
Capturing their adventure through videography for an upcoming art project, Kabloona and her companions aim to share the beauty and significance of their Back River journey with a wider audience.
