Kangiqsujuaq school wins award

Arsaniq School in Kangiqsujuaq has won the regional Essor 2004 award for the northern Quebec region for its project called “Inuit culture abroad” or “Culture inuite en voyage.”

The goal of this project was to encourage youth in the school to become acquainted with a variety artistic disciplines and to learn more about Inuit culture and traditions. About 70 students participated in workshops on carving, sewing, embroidery and crochet.

Students also learned about some southern art forms, such as masks, animation, drama and theatre.

Six students and two teachers were chosen to travel to southern Quebec and France. At the native cultural centre in Saint-Hilaire, they presented a short theatre piece inspired by an Inuit legend. They also displayed some of their art work. In France, at the Atrium of Chaville, a cultural centre, they discussed Inuit culture with a group of 300 students.

In recognition of its efforts, Arsaniq School receives a $1,000 scholarship from Hydro-Québec, a $1,000 from Quebec’s education department and a Yamaha keyboard worth $500.

Through its win, the school also qualifies for the provincial competition. Results will be announced on Nov. 27.

The annual Essor competition honours efforts made to encourage arts and culture in Quebec schools.