Kah-ooh-hee-mah-who?

I was disappointed to learn this morning that there are laws against sending drugs across the border. Perhaps I should explain...I take an antibiotic called Ampicillin for my acne, and I came here with only a month-and-a-half supply, because my pharmacy wouldn't let me get an early refill. I figured I could just transfer the prescription here...no problem, right? After a bunch of trips to the local pharmacy and one to the Health Centre, I have decided to give up my fight against the border laws. I will not give up, however, my fight for muskox burgers. Evidently, though char can be shipped to the states, muskox cannot be shipped. I am greatly disappointed at this news, though my parents are probably relieved. Hopefully, I can declare my muskox burgers at customs. It would probably be too hard to sneak them past the bomb-sniffing dogs.

Since school let out this week, I figured a great way to relax would be to bake some cookies during my lunch break. While we were baking, my conversation with Renee somehow made its way to the topic of bullying. I already knew that my life is scarily similar to Renee's; we both have librarians for moms and accountants for dads, for example. However, she shared with me today that she, too, had been bullied in the third grade. She, too, feels that it was one of the best things that could have happened to her, because it gave her the ability to recognize when others were feeling uncomfortable in social situations and the maturity to include them. It makes sense, because Renee is always making an effort to welcome and befriend those around her. Funny how life works, eh? : )

Renee and I also decided what I would try to accomplish during my last two weeks in Cambridge Bay. Of course, the recycling project and video is my number one priority, but I would also like to do some smaller projects, like a display for the museum about Inuit tattooing. I am also very excited about making a presentation about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (kah-ooh-hee-mah-hah-too-kahn-git), the Inuit value system. These six values are extremely important to Inuit culture and society.

1. Pijitsirarniq: Concept of serving
2. Aajiiqatigiingniq: Consensus–Decision Making
3. Pilimmaksarniq: Concept of Skills and Knowledge Acquisition
4. Qanuqtuurungnarniq: Concept of Being Resourceful to Solve Problems
5. Piliriqatigiingniq: Concept of Collaborative Relationship or Working Together for a Common Purpose
6. Avatimik Kamattiarniq: Concept of Environmental Stewardship

I think these values are fascinating because they show the traits that Inuit believe a leader should have. You can read more about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit at this Department of Nunavut site or this Wikipedia site. There have been many efforts to revive this value system, as modern society tends to dismiss it as outdated and irrelevant.

When I got home from work, I discovered a dog tied up outside of our house. The lady I am staying with is an animal lover, so it did not surprise me that she would be taking care of her friend's dog (named Extra) while she went on a business trip. Extra has lived in a shelter his whole life, so he did not do well when I walked him. He spent most of the walk either trying to jump on me, walking directly in front of me or (my favorite) running four feet and then halting abruptly in spurts, all of which made me look quite silly. No worries, animal lovers...Joey brings him inside as often as she can because she cannot bear to see him outside in the cold.

Extra