A sweet and simple introduction to Inuit hunting practices and the proper treatment of game.
Nutaraq and Simonie are eager to go on their first hunting trip with their father. As they load up their snow machine and sled for the trip, Nutaraq hopes that she will be able to catch her first caribou that weekend, with some help from her dad. But when the trip nears its end and Nutaraq still hasn't caught her first caribou, she tries her very hardest to follow all of her father's advice about how Inuit traditionally hunted on the land.
This book focuses not only on basic, practical hunting techniques, but also on traditional values around the treatment of animals and the sharing of food.
Chris Giroux came into the world during a raging blizzard that grounded all the planes, so his mother gave birth to him in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, rather than Iqaluit. Spending most of his childhood living with his Inuit grandparents, Chris learned about the land, animals, survival, and how to live in balance with nature. He learned from an early age to love and respect the land and his elders and made sure to pass this gratitude for the land’s gifts to his own children. Our First Caribou Hunt is Chris’s first children’s book. It captures treasured memories of taking his own children hunting on the land.
Jennifer Noah grew up in the south but always had a fondness for the North. She would often write short stories about Inuit children in her primary school years. Jennifer moved to Iqaluit in her mid-twenties, where she continued her work in the field of mental health and addictions counselling. She later transitioned into a youth health researcher role, where she worked collaboratively with communities to develop an evidence-based model for youth wellness and empowerment programs in Nunavut that reflect Nunavummiut voices, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and Inuit values. Through her work, she was privileged to hear stories and wisdom from many Nunavummiut. She enjoys watching youth discovering a deeper understanding of Inuit culture and traditions as they listen to the stories and wisdom of their elders. Jennifer and her husband have two children, one of whom was traditionally custom adopted through family. She delights in spending time with her daughters as she watches them learn and grow. Jennifer hopes to continue writing for children and sharing the rich knowledge and traditions of Inuit through her written work.
Hwei Lim draws comics (the Boris & Lalage series; Spera: Volume 1; and Mirror, with Emma Rios) and illustrates books (The Spirit of the Sea, Animals Illustrated: Narwhal, and Dragonhearted). Hwei lives in Malaysia.
