‘You can survive with a qulliq’

With Nunavut Day coming up, Nunatsiaq News asked readers to share what makes their corner of the territory special to them.

Ida Porter lives in Gjoa Haven. (Submitted photo)

A qulliq is made out of a stone. It comes along with an amaaq, which you hold to start the qulliq and move the oil of the seal fat.

The qulliqs were used by our ancestors long ago to cook with and it was the only light in the dark.

The qulliq was lit with white cotton flowers, lit with two rocks to start the spark.

The qulliq is a long-lasting tool until it breaks.

You can survive with a qulliq. They come in different sizes and shapes.

They are also used for starting events, elders are the ones who start the qulliq beginning of the event.

They are very beautiful when they are lit.

The qulliq will keep you warm in an igloo in a cold winter.

Ida Porter lives in Gjoa Haven.