Fall caribou hunt brings “hunt and heal” programs to Cambridge Bay

CAMBRIDGE BAY — At the height of this year’s fall caribou hunting season, men and women in Cambridge Bay will have the chance to get out on the land to hunt — and heal.

The Cambridge Wellness Centre and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, which are jointly offering “hunt and heal” programs later this month, hope up to see 30 men and women participate in the four-day sessions.

“Hunt and heal” program offered Oct. 24 to 28 for women, and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 for men, will combine daily hunting trips with elders along with healing circles led by Terry Garchinski of Life Works counselling and training services.

The “heal and hunt” program works because “the land heals,” said Garchinski, who has led three similar programs in Cambridge Bay.

Last year, a longer version of the “hunt and heal” program saw men hunting together and delving into a variety of topics such as trauma, being responsible for one’s choices, exploring ways of showing one’s love to family and friends, appropriate use of power, incarceration, money management, addictions, loss, healthy emotional expression, abuse, violence and father and son relationships.

This year, much of the two programs’ focus will be on the cultural values of the caribou hunt, said Julia Ogina, programs director at the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.

Experiencing every step of the hunt will encourage participants to talk and open up, she hopes, and overcome their fear of traditional knowledge.

Many Inuit in Cambridge Bay don’t know who they are, Ogina said. When they look in a mirror, they see an Inuk, but their inside feels “qablunaaq.”

Interested in participating in the “hunt and heal” programs? Call the Cambridge Bay Wellness Centre at 867-983-4670.