qanak

Inuit on a mission

River Water Collection

Every year, the Qanak Men’s Group collects approximately 800 bottles or 15,000 litres of fresh water straight from Iqaluit’s pristine river and delivers it to elders around town. Bringing fresh drinking water to elders from rivers or icebergs is an important Inuit tradition. There’s an old saying that this activity is good luck for young Inuit to become good hunters and providers. Today, elders still prefer non-chlorinated water to drink and make tea with.

This program encourages young men to spend time together doing healthy community work, while also connecting regularly with elders.

The group meets most Sunday mornings, and all men are welcome. Bring your son, nephew, grandson, apprentices, so that they can help and learn. Visiting guests are welcome too.

Depending on the season, we sometimes also harvest and process fish for the elders, or include other skill-building activities for men.

Meeting location is usually the Northmart Tim Horton’s, but does vary occasionally so check the Qanak FB Events page for up to date and accurate info. Click the pictures below to see them larger:

: So fresh and so clean!

: In Iqaluit, gentleman wear rubber boots.

: A bunch of our regular crew.

: We get to know the river in different seasons.

: We’re proud that our turnout is great even in the coldest weather.

: Community service AND activism!

: Because #NODAPL needs to be said twice.

: Holey water bottles…. get it?

: The river melting in spring.

: Can you tell that chipping this open was a lot of hard work?

: We test the water quality on a regular basis. It’s pristine.

: It’s a different blue every time.

: You can see it starting to refreeze on top.

: The Iqaluit river is a traditional water source for Inuit in the area, as well as one of the best char fishing spots in the world.

: Team work.

: Tools of our trade.

: The river in summer.

: Men at work.

Also here are some videos from the river water collection. They’re short, hilarious and/or beautiful, you’ll want to watch all of them.

https://www.facebook.com/qanakcollective/videos/1247032985357629/

https://www.facebook.com/qanakcollective/videos/1297898003604460/

https://www.facebook.com/qanakcollective/videos/1286357591425168/

https://www.facebook.com/qanakcollective/videos/998714783522785/

https://www.facebook.com/qanakcollective/videos/974049692655961/

* All Qanak groups and events are LGBTQ+ friendly. Transgender men welcome.