Photo: He fought a polar bear, and won

Kootoo Shaw uses his hands Jan. 12 to describe how a polar bear sunk its claws into his flesh outside Kimmirut in 2003, leaving his back covered in scratches, gouges and one two-inch gaping hole. About 50 Iqalungmiut filled the Unikkaarvik Visitors Centre Jan. 12 as Shaw regaled them with his gruesome tale of surviving the attack. Find out what happened to Shaw later, on Nunatsiaqonline.ca. The visitors centre will be holding free talks this month every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Long-time community leader Jack Anawak will speak Jan. 19 on “Inuit From Tradition to Modernity,” and hunter and on-the-land expert Pitseolak Alainga will speak Jan. 26 on “Life Stories, Tools and Traditions.” (PHOTO BY THOMAS ROHNER)