In 1996, the Right Reverend Paul Idlout became the first Inuk bishop in the world. Paul, with his father Joseph and four other traditional Inuit hunters, were famously featured on the Canadian two-dollar bill in the 1970s, in a print made from a 1951 photograph taken near Aulatsiivik in Northern Baffin Island. The image captured an era that was rapidly giving way to social change—frequently imposed by government policies.
About 20 years ago, Inuit from Baffin Island were redirected to Ottawa (instead of Montreal) for advanced medical treatments. Around the same time, the Diocese of the Arctic was planning an extension of its iconic St Jude’s “Igloo” Cathedral in Iqaluit to fulfill the cathedral’s role as a major community space in times of consolation (for far too many tragic deaths) and celebration.
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Many good connections between Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa and the Arctic had been established prior to the turn of the century. In 1989, under the leadership of Frances Macdonell, the Choir of Men & Boys became the first cathedral choir to tour the Arctic (establishing bonds of affection and meaningful relationships that continue to this day). Someone suggested that Bishop Paul meet with me to speak about his concern to raise funds for the expansion of St Jude’s.
I will never forget our first meeting, which happened in my office in the Cathedral on a Monday morning. Bishop Paul had just flown down from Iqaluit (about a three-hour flight), and his wife, Abigail, had packed a freshly-made bannock in his knapsack—and it was still warm when he offered it to me!
We bonded quickly and had a good chat over hot tea and warm bannock, slathered with butter and jam. As the conversation ended, he said, “You need to come to Iqaluit and talk to the people, about cathedrals and fundraising.” And so, in late June of 2003, I flew to Iqaluit, spent time with Inuit and non-Inuit members of St Jude’s Cathedral, flew up to Pangnirtung for a visit (where the Arthur Turner Training School, its buildings slowly succumbing to the harsh climate, had prepared many Inuit clergy for over 30 years, including Bishop Paul), and returned to Iqaluit to celebrate Nunavut Day before returning home.
During some free time in Pangnirtung, I saw an Inuk boy standing on an iceberg by the water’s edge. Drawing closer, I saw that there were several boys, all happily fishing for Arctic Char. They were good fishers and had already netted a large catch. As I look at the photo now, I wonder how their lives unfolded, where they are now—and if some of them live in Ottawa.
Walking near my home along Carling Avenue these days, between Woodroffe and Pinecrest, I frequently see Inuit, because there is a residence nearby for those who are down from Baffin for medical treatments for themselves or family members. Apart from people who are here temporarily, Ottawa has the second largest population of Inuit living outside of the North (about 6,000), so it is not uncommon to meet an Inuk or to see Inuit families elsewhere in the city.
Our diocese was founded on traditional Anishinaabe Algonquin territory. As we seek to dwell on this land with respect and peace, it is good to recognize that many Inuit also dwell here, far away from the Arctic, adapting, as ever, to social change in a new environment.
From our Bishop
From the High Arctic to the national capital
In 1996, the Right Reverend Paul Idlout became the first Inuk bishop in the world. Paul, with his father Joseph and four other traditional Inuit hunters, were famously featured on the Canadian two-dollar bill in the 1970s, in a print made from a 1951 photograph taken near Aulatsiivik in Northern Baffin Island. The image captured an era that was rapidly giving way to social change—frequently imposed by government policies.
About 20 years ago, Inuit from Baffin Island were redirected to Ottawa (instead of Montreal) for advanced medical treatments. Around the same time, the Diocese of the Arctic was planning an extension of its iconic St Jude’s “Igloo” Cathedral in Iqaluit to fulfill the cathedral’s role as a major community space in times of consolation (for far too many tragic deaths) and celebration.
Many good connections between Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa and the Arctic had been established prior to the turn of the century. In 1989, under the leadership of Frances Macdonell, the Choir of Men & Boys became the first cathedral choir to tour the Arctic (establishing bonds of affection and meaningful relationships that continue to this day). Someone suggested that Bishop Paul meet with me to speak about his concern to raise funds for the expansion of St Jude’s.
I will never forget our first meeting, which happened in my office in the Cathedral on a Monday morning. Bishop Paul had just flown down from Iqaluit (about a three-hour flight), and his wife, Abigail, had packed a freshly-made bannock in his knapsack—and it was still warm when he offered it to me!
We bonded quickly and had a good chat over hot tea and warm bannock, slathered with butter and jam. As the conversation ended, he said, “You need to come to Iqaluit and talk to the people, about cathedrals and fundraising.” And so, in late June of 2003, I flew to Iqaluit, spent time with Inuit and non-Inuit members of St Jude’s Cathedral, flew up to Pangnirtung for a visit (where the Arthur Turner Training School, its buildings slowly succumbing to the harsh climate, had prepared many Inuit clergy for over 30 years, including Bishop Paul), and returned to Iqaluit to celebrate Nunavut Day before returning home.
During some free time in Pangnirtung, I saw an Inuk boy standing on an iceberg by the water’s edge. Drawing closer, I saw that there were several boys, all happily fishing for Arctic Char. They were good fishers and had already netted a large catch. As I look at the photo now, I wonder how their lives unfolded, where they are now—and if some of them live in Ottawa.
Walking near my home along Carling Avenue these days, between Woodroffe and Pinecrest, I frequently see Inuit, because there is a residence nearby for those who are down from Baffin for medical treatments for themselves or family members. Apart from people who are here temporarily, Ottawa has the second largest population of Inuit living outside of the North (about 6,000), so it is not uncommon to meet an Inuk or to see Inuit families elsewhere in the city.
Our diocese was founded on traditional Anishinaabe Algonquin territory. As we seek to dwell on this land with respect and peace, it is good to recognize that many Inuit also dwell here, far away from the Arctic, adapting, as ever, to social change in a new environment.
The Rt. Rev. Shane Parker is the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa.
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