I was born in Terror Bay, NWT, eldest of nine siblings. I grew up on the land in Gjoa Haven with my family. My first introduction to formal education was at the age of three when I was first sent to a residential school in Inuvik, however, they soon realized I was too young and I returned home until the following year at age four.  It was only when I arrived to Grollier Hall, Inuvik, that I learn my name. The nuns referred to me as “Stupid Eskimo” because I resisted speaking English and required an interpreter most of the school year. I stayed at Grollier Hall to complete my high school education, but was soon forced to leave in order to help support my family.

The story of my education didn’t stop there, I returned to school as soon as one was built in Gjoa Haven.  I soon applied and was accepted into a nursing program at the University of Lethbridge, but my husband did not want me to go and I wasn’t confident to travel to a new city alone.  Eventually I completed a bachelor degree in education, which has led me to this new chapter in my life starting with this M.Ed program.