Rejection, nature and young offenders: Ehski takes the Proust questionnaire

Music helped Adam Emikotailak get through a lot of life challenges — drug addiction, a criminal record, depression.

But the Sanikiluaq rapper who calls himself Ehski says he hopes to reinvent himself as a different person, one who can be a role model for Inuit of his generation.

Emikotailak recently took time to answer the Proust Questionnaire.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Quiet place. When you can be yourself and think how you want to think.

In a quiet place.

What is your greatest fear?

Rejection. Fear of rejection and abandonment.

I should note that I have enough people that support me — friends, family and even strangers that just met me.

But my greatest fear is rejection.

Which person do you most admire?

My grandfather.

I look up to him. He taught me how to hunt and how to shoot.

But I have to say, I’ve forgotten a lot along the way, due to spending time at young offenders [Isumaqsunngittukkuvik Youth Centre in Iqaluit]. I lost a bit of my tradition, but I still try to keep the tradition.

I hunt here and there but you know, the way of life in Nunavut has changed a lot.

What is your current state of mind?

My current state of mind is trying to be better than who I was.

I don’t really care about other people’s opinions. I don’t care if they view me as a villain.

Those who hate me for no reason, I bother them from my inner light.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Having a bit more courage to feel hurt, to make mistakes and to change.

Where would you most like to live?

Somewhere in nature. Doesn’t matter if it’s down south where the trees are or in the North.

I find it peaceful.

On what occasions do you lie?

‘I’m all right.’

‘I’m OK.’

‘I’m fine.’

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My resting face facial expression.

What is your greatest regret?

It’s losing love inside of me.

How would you like to die?

Naturally. Old age. Or saving someone from a dangerous situation.

Once in front of God, what would you tell him?

I’d like to hear your story.

Nunatsiaq News is borrowing the old Proust Questionnaire parlour game to get to know people who are in the news. If you know someone in your community who our readers should get to know by taking this questionnaire, let us know by email: editors@nunatsiaq.com.