How an eastern seal harvest is helping urban Inuit bring home tradition in Ottawa

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[] [] [] :skip **** want ** photo grouping 1_file name 1****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-1_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-1_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-1_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: true fullscreen-desktop: true [.text] [.+paragraphs] At Isaruit, an Inuit Arts Centre in Ottawa, organizers host events that allow local Inuit artists to connect and find support. And they can also savour some of the scarcer comforts of home, including seal meat. [] [] [] :skip ****** standalone text ****** :endskip [.slide] type: text [.text] [.+paragraphs] At latest count, about 15 per cent of Inuit live in an urban centre. The nation’s capital has the largest urban Inuit population in Canada, followed by Edmonton and Montreal. [] [] [] :skip ****** diptych grouping 2 filenames 3 and 4****** :endskip [.slide] type: diptych aspect-ratio: 3-2 [.diptych] photo-1-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-4_SM.jpg photo-1-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-4_LG.jpg photo-2-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-3_SM.jpg photo-2-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-3_LG.jpg [] [.text] [.+paragraphs] Nov. 7 is International Inuit Day. It’s also an occasion at Isaruit to celebrate culture, which, in 2024, meant a seal barbecue. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 6_file name 5 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-8_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-8_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-8_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 6_file name 5 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-33_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-33_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-33_LG.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] “When an animal is harvested, it brings the community together,” said organizer Tristan Webster. “When it’s butchered and distributed to the elders and the community, it brings the community together.” [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 5_file name 11****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-11_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-11_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-11_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: true [.text] [.+paragraphs] [] [] [] :skip ****** diptych grouping 3 filenames 2 and 9****** :endskip [.slide] type: diptych aspect-ratio: 2-3 [.diptych] photo-1-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-2_SM.jpg photo-1-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-2_LG.jpg photo-2-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-9_SM.jpg photo-2-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-9_LG.jpg [] [.text] [.+paragraphs] Around 650 Inuit, including vendors and students, participated in the event, which was held at Annie Pootoogook Park in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood. [] [] [] :skip ****** standalone text GROUP TO COME SEAL PHOTOS HUNT****** :endskip [.slide] type: text map: [.text] [.+paragraphs] The grey seals were harvested near the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and provided by Reconseal Inuksiuti, an organization that connects urban Inuit with seal hunters from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous backgrounds. The following three photographs of the seal hunt have been supplied by Yoanis Menge/Reconseal Inuksiuti [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 6_file name 7 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-27_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-27_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-27_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] Aija Komangapik was one of the seal hunters. “The animal was first shot with a rifle,” she explains. “The hook is only used to lift the dead animal out of the water. Seals are usually hooked in a place that won’t damage the skin.” [] [] [] :skip ****** diptych 28 and 29****** :endskip [.slide] type: diptych aspect-ratio: 3-2 [.diptych] photo-1-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-29_SM.jpg photo-1-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-29_SM.jpg photo-2-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-28_SM.jpg photo-2-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-28_SM.jpg [] [.text] [.+paragraphs] [] [] [] :skip ****** standalone text ****** :endskip [.slide] type: text [.text] [.+paragraphs] Reconseal provided 60 kilograms of meat to Isaruit’s barbecue. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 5_file name 30 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-30_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-30_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-30_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: true fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 5_file name 5 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-5_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-5_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-5_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: true fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] Mother Jessica Ruano brought her adoptive daughter Joy Apitak, an Inuk from Mittimatalik (English name Pond Inlet). “Our country has a well-documented history of colonial violence involving separating Indigenous peoples from their families and traditions,” Ms. Ruano said. “At Inuit Day, Joy has the opportunity to listen to Inuit elders, enjoy throat singing, eat country food, and take part in Inuit games and crafts.” [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 6_file name 7 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-7_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-7_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-7_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: true fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] Inside a tupiq, or tent, at the barbecue, Elder David Erkloo led Joy through a game where players spear a target made of bone. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 7_file name 21 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-21_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-21_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-21_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] Erkloo also teaches students at Isaruit how to carve the traditional soapstone oil lamp called a qulliq. [] [] [] :skip ****** diptych 20 and 22****** :endskip [.slide] type: diptych aspect-ratio: 3-2 [.diptych] photo-1-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-22_SM.jpg photo-1-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-22_SM.jpg photo-2-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-20_SM.jpg photo-2-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-20_SM.jpg [] [.text] [.+paragraphs] [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 8_file name 17 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-17_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-17_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-17_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: true [.text] [.+paragraphs] Felicity Tugak, who works at the centre, wanted to learn the proper way to light the qulliq, so Mr. Erkloo’s partner, Elder Asenath Kannutaq, shared her knowledge. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 8_file name 14 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-14_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-14_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-14_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: true fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] Asenath began by pouring Canola oil onto the qulliq’s curved surface (animal fat is used in the North). “Traditionally the qulliq would be used to keep the house warm so we can sew,” Ms. Kannutaq said. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 8_file name 15 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-15_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-15_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-15_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: true fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] “My mother also taught me how to walk inside the house. When someone passes by it creates wind and smoke, so she would teach me how to walk, to not move too fast.” [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 8_file name 19 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-19_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-19_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-19_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: true fullscreen-desktop: true [.text] [.+paragraphs] Ms. Tugak observed her elder closely. Many Inuit traditions aren’t required for sustenance in the South the way they would be up North, so Inuit youth don’t learn to practice them. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 8_file name 23 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-23_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-23_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-23_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] In Isaruit’s sewing room, Gwendolyn Palluq sat on the floor, pinning ribbon to handmade stockings. The fabric was printed with ulus, traditional all-purpose Inuit tools. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo grouping 8_file name 24 ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-24_SM.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-24_LG.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-24_XL.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false [.text] [.+paragraphs] “I love it here,” she reflected on living in Ottawa. “It’s my home. I made it my home. It means the world to me to live here.” [] [] [] :skip ****** photographer bio ****** :endskip [.slide] type: bio label: About the photographer photo: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/ON-Reconseal/ON_MAZZARELLO-35_SM.jpg photo-credit: Justin Bull bio: Alexa Mazzarello is a Canadian photographer and artist specializing in portrait, documentary, and fine art photography. Alexa’s photographic practice is primarily concerned with highlighting the stories of under-represented people. She is a current member of Women Photograph and 44.4 Mother/Artist Collective. Alexa’s work has been exhibited in Canada and the U.K. She lives in Ottawa with her husband and two children. [] :skip ****** credits ****** :endskip [.slide] type: credits [.+credits] Photography and story by Alexa Mazzarello Editing by Lisan Jutras Photo editing by Clare Vander Meersch Visuals editing by Liz Sullivan Digital production by Sarah Palmer Online strategy by Moira Wyton Interactive design and development by Christopher Manza [] [] [] `; !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r