ARTS , CULTURE & EDUCATION
Aaju Peter
Aaju was born in northern Greenland. In her early 20s, when both Inuktitut and English were foreign languages to her, she emigrated to Canada to follow a young hunter who had won her heart. In her new home in Iqaluit she quickly learned both languages and rediscovered the Inuit culture she had lost. Obviously Aaju developed a passion for her culture and took every opportunity she could to learn about its history, its traditions, and its language. But when Aaju sets her mind on something, she doesn’t only do it partially! Aaju did not only learn English and Inuktitut, she became an interpreter and translator.
Aaju did not only learn the techniques to
make centuries-old sealskin clothes, she became a designer of contemporary clothes that are inspired by traditional Inuit designs. Aaju did not only learn Inuit songs, she became an accomplished musician and a recorded performer and songwriter. Aaju did not only hear about the beautiful
ancient tradition of tunniit (facial tattoos), she participated in interviewing elders and documenting this once forbidden and almost forgotten tradition. Then, in August 2009, she was one of five Inuit women who allowed this ancient art live again by having their faces and hands tattooed. She did it for the younger generation, to show her pride for her culture, to take ownership of an art that was once part of Inuit identity.
Aaju did not only read about social and
cultural issues in Nunavut, she embraced the seal-hunting heritage. To ensure that Inuit concerns about the European ban on the trade of seal products are addressed and voiced, she became an activist and obtained her degree in international law. For years now, she has been protesting, lobbying, speaking and publishing articles on the importance of sealing for Inuit livelihood and culture. In 2011, Aaju was the recipient of the Bernard Cahill Memorial Award, given by the Fur Institute of Canada to recognize the promotion of respect for people, animals and the environment.
Oh! Did I mention Aaju did all of that while raising a family of five children.
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arcticjournal.ca March/April 2012
Hans-Ludwig Blohm Born in Germany to a father who was an accomplished amateur photographer, Hans’s passion for photography was sparked at a very young age. At 25, as he was hitchhiking through Lapland, he crossed the Arctic Circle for the first time. Little did he know that the next time he would set foot in the Arctic would be 25 years later accompanied by his teenage daughter! During that period, Hans obtained his Master Carpenter credentials, immigrated to Canada, married and estab- lished his family in Ottawa. As he was about to turn 40, time had come for his passion, photography,
to become his profession.
From rural school photographer to darkroom technician, from freelance cameraman to operating a wire service and partner in a photography business, Hans’s skills, versatility and reputation have continually grown. In 1966, he branched out on his own. Looking back at the great variety of his work,
Hans admits that “from tiniest micro chips to huge murals, from small stamps to very large internationally running exhibits, from aerials to architectural, from books and photo-journalism to informal portraits and scientific subjects, from travel and advertising to the people of the North in their great country, all filled me with great joy and I keep on learning”. The aspect of his work that moved him most
and brought him most pride and recognition is his time spent up in the Arctic. For more than 30 years, he has been travelling across the Arctic in all seasons and under all conditions,
© HANS-LUDWIG BLOHM (2)
© BOB DAVIS
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