Darrell Nasogaluak has a keen eye for identifying kayaks unique to his region in the western Arctic. He pointed out distinct features, such as curved tips at the bow and stern, on a kayak in a photo he observed in Inuvik, N.W.T. These kayaks, specific to the Inuvialuit, were used for hunting beluga whales in the past.
The particular kayak in question has been at the Vatican Museums for a century and is now being repatriated to the Inuvialuit community. This repatriation is part of a larger effort that resulted in the return of 62 sacred and cultural objects from Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities held at the Vatican Museums, set to arrive in Montreal soon.
Nasogaluak, hailing from Tuktoyuktuk, N.W.T., learned the craft of building kayaks from his grandfather. He now passes on this traditional knowledge to the younger generation, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship involved in creating these watercraft.
The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) spearheaded the mission to reclaim the kayak, which holds significant historical and cultural value for the Inuvialuit community. The negotiations for repatriation expanded to include other cultural objects, showcasing a collective effort involving various Indigenous groups and organizations.
The transportation of these cultural items back to Canada involved meticulous planning, including obtaining permits and arranging logistics. The items will be examined at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., where decisions regarding their final placement will be made.
While the kayak will temporarily remain at the museum due to the lack of a suitable facility in the Inuvialuit region, the focus is on preserving it and enabling elders and experts to study the traditional construction methods. This moment marks a significant milestone in Inuvialuit history, eagerly anticipated by community members like Nasogaluak.
