In Baker Lake, Nunavut, Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona has completed a 23-day expedition, tracing her family’s ancestral migration path. Her family historically spent summers near the Back River’s confluence with the Hermann River before heading south to winter caribou hunting territories near the Meadowbank Mine. Kabloona, an artist residing in Ottawa, embarked on this 200-kilometer journey on September 1 with a group of five individuals.
During the trek, Kabloona discovered her great-grandfather’s old boat and family graves. She also stumbled upon a toy airplane made from tin cans, a relic from her father’s childhood days spent in the Back River region. Reflecting on the journey, Kabloona praised the resourcefulness and resilience of her ancestors.
Despite encountering challenges such as warding off wolves and navigating tricky river crossings, the group pressed on. An incident where a muskox charged at Kabloona’s sister added to the expedition’s intensity. Kabloona’s father, although anxious about potential dangers, expressed pride in their accomplishments.
Kabloona’s father and cousins accompanied the group to the trek’s starting point, evoking feelings of joy and nostalgia. Her father, born near the trek’s end point, reminisced about his childhood by the lake before being sent to residential school in Baker Lake. Amidst the hardships faced by residential school attendees, Kabloona found solace in hearing stories of love, family bonds, and traditional lifestyles.
Documenting their journey through videography, the group aims to create an art project showcasing the beauty and experiences of the Back River region. The footage captured during the 23-day hike will be shared with a broader audience, encapsulating the essence of their remarkable expedition.
