Memories of Meliadine River forever etched in man’s mind
‘My Corner of Our Land’ – Nunatsiaq News readers reflect on Nunavut Day
Former Rankin Inlet resident Feliks Saimanaakuluk Gawor says he longs for “moments of absolute awe” he experienced in Nunavut before away from the territory five years ago. (Photo courtesy of Feliks Saimanaakuluk Gawor)
To celebrate Nunavut Day, Nunatsiaq News invited readers to share what makes their corner of the territory special to them.
Feliks Saimanaakuluk Gawor
I often visit the land I grew up on, not physically but through the memories of time spent with family.
It’s been five years since I last saw the rolling drumlins and winding eskers outside of Rankin Inlet.
Sitting atop the glacial vestiges of the rolling gravel hills always brought about a peace that seemed elusive within the confines of my hometown.
Up on the eskers is where I could almost see the paths laid down by my ancestors.
It brought up thoughts of how arduous the journey would have been to make it in time for the annual caribou migration, or the seemingly endless revelry of the spawning Arctic char that made Iqalugaarjuk their brief yet necessary home.
I still long for those moments of absolute awe that I’d experienced in the vastness of the land.
I yearn for the serenity and the comfort of being on the land, sitting mesmerized by the rushing of the cobalt blue waters peaked by ruckus whitecaps of the flowing river.
This river, this bringer of life pocked with glacier polished rubble will forever be etched in my mind.
I dream of a time where I will once again be one with the land I call home.
Nunaga katjaarijara; I am in awe in the beauty of my land. Angirraqsiqpunga; I long for home.
Feliks Saimanaakuluk Gawor lives in New Brunswick now, but is originally from Rankin Inlet.
A beautiful descriptive essay on a beautiful land that takes the reader to a distant past.
From a former New Brunswicker. Enjoy the land I left behind and I will do the same for you.
Thank you for the kind words Roger.
I do miss home, but New Brunswick has been kind to me and there are many beautiful places I have visited and yet to visit.
Cheers,
Hello Feliks. Best to you, Joy and Tig. Although it has been many years I vividly remember the striking beauty and serenity of the Meliadine River and the surrounding gravel eskers. Like the eskers left behind by the retreating glaciers this area has a permanence that stays with those that have experienced its unique nature. I went out there many, many times. Sometimes alone on my bike and sometimes with my best friend Bill, your dad. We would walk along the river bank and Bill would point out signs of Inuit camp sites. He was so knowledgeable. Standing by the rushing blue clear waters of the Mediadine looking out on the vastness of the blue sky and rolling hills of the tundra was a real soul enhancing experience. You felt so small and appreciated what had gone on before. Bonding with nature. I will never forget. Contact us Feliks if you are passing through Winnipeg. Ron.
Hey Uncle Ron! I remember that bike! I thought you were the coolest. There weren’t too many bikes in the early to mid ’80s haha. I do miss the country and my dad loved it very much too.