Pigunnapugut - We can do it!

Pigunnapugut (We can do it!) was held at the Qaunnaq, Kativik School Board’s Adult Education Center in Salluit from March 9 – April 3- a four-week workshop on traditional and contemporary skills in sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery and kamik making and women’s wellness.  The instructors from Nunavik and Nunavut are known for their expertise and skills in their particular area. Participants who are good seamstresses were chosen from each community. The participants will, once they return to their community, set up similar workshops.

The workshop built on skills the participants had developed throughout the years. It gave them the opportunity to exchange and to develop new patterns that combine contemporary with traditional designs.  Each participant was teamed up with one child and in some cases two children chosen by Pigiurvik Elementary School staff. The women sewed a parka, snow pants and mittens for them.  They also sewed for a few adults in need of new clothing.

The participants left the workshop with copies of patterns as well as samples of their work. We hope that this project will help preserve these valuable skills and perhaps open new entrepreneurial ventures for the participants. Representatives were there to promote employment with Nunavik Creations.

During the traditional skills workshops, guest speakers from participating organizations presented topics on women’s wellness; issues such as health, safety, self-esteem, strengthening the family unit and leadership skills. Informal discussions as well occurred throughout the workshops. These workshops became a forum for sharing and addressing issues that concern all women.  

We firmly believe that women play an integral role in society. They hold great influence and strength within their families. We feel that if we help women restore these strengths through traditional skills; the whole community will benefit.

We believe by doing this project, our pride and self-esteem can be restored and that our younger generation will have a better chance to keep their pride by being who they are.

Eva Quananack, Carmelle Castonguay and Bruna Mastroianni