In the loving memory of my uncle, Davidee Itulu

My uncle Davidee Itulu passed away on April 15, 2006 after fighting cancer.

I just wanted to share a little somthing about him, as he was my only blood uncle that I knew about from my real mother’s side, Nee Itulu.

When my real mother passed away more than 12 years ago now I got really close to my uncle. He told me some stories about the old days and how they used to hunt with dog teams and how life used to be in those days.

He also told me that one day he will record himself, to tell me other stuff he’s been wanting to tell me, but he passed before he did. I will never wonder what he wanted to record, for, as he had told me so many things that people will never know, I will only tell them to my generation when I get old too. He had lots of nice stories to tell and really sad ones too and I am so proud to be able to keep those, as he said he never told them to just anyone.

He told me that I was his favorite Ujuruapik, which means his niece, and that he really thought the world of me knowing I am also his blood. That made me feel so special and truly loved by my real mother’s only brother who was the only one living in the time after her death.

Now there are no more of my real mothers, sisters or brothers living that I know of, so it has hit me really hard that I don’t have any more real blood uncles or blood aunts, so how am I going to know my generation now that my uncle is gone to heaven?

Last week I dreamed about my uncle and it seemed so real. He was at the Anglican church and he was sitting down on his knees with a white little square thing on his neck and I think it was what the ministers have on their uniform while preaching. He held my hand and said “akuluk” and gave me a big smile telling me not to worry. So that made me realize that he is in heaven and telling me not to worry.

I am just so happy and proud that he was my real uncle and that I have stuff from him in my heart that no one has. Davidee Itulu was a well-known ivory carver and he was also known for his kindness and being very caring to others. My uncle in heaven I miss you very much, but I know in my heart that you are with me and you always will be. I’ll see you one day, and please look over me at all times.

Pauline Alainga
Fort MacMurray, Alta.