Mary Cain has been a teacher at Ajagutak School in Tasiujaq for over 30 years.

Mary Cain has been a teacher at Ajagutak School in Tasiujaq for over 30 years. “It’s feels like it’s only been three days that I’ve been working here, but it’s actually been 30 years. Time flies!,” she chuckled.

Mary started her career teaching Inuktitut and religion class for grades one and two, but has been a teacher-training counsellor, special education counsellor, special education teacher, and now a secondary teacher, her preferred position to date.

When asked to describe herself, this is what she had to say:

“I’m Mary Cain. I live in a small town that I really like. It’s because everything is quiet, not many things moving about. I like being surrounded by my family. I like going to church. I am able to go camping. I am able to go berry picking. I am able to go fishing. Caribou hunting. And just be in peace. I’m very happy to be here. I want to stay in Tasiujaq for the rest of my life.”

Mary also had a message for Nunavimmiut students:

“I want everybody to continue their schooling. Education is a tool. Either in Inuktitut, French or English. Students have good teachers that teach them well. There are so many materials and so many programs right now, more than when I was a student. Now they have trips, and so many activities going on. It makes me wish I was a student right now!”

Any future plans for Mary?

“I never stop doing things in town. I can say that I’m an active person. I do a lot of sewing and activities with girls, boys, women and men. For example we make parkas and snow pants. This year we learned how to make socks out of qiviut (muskox fur). My plan is to continue teaching. To be out on the land, fishing, camping, berry picking. That’s my plan, to be here.”