Photo Andy Harjula.
Matilda showcases a pair of mitts she created.
Matilda Karpik is an Inuk resident living in Nain, Nunatsiavut. She is pictured with a pair of mitts she made for a Peterborough resident. The local person very generously donated her mink stole to Matilda. Matilda in turn made these mitts with the fur trim from the mink stole. In total, Matilda received eight fur coats from local residents. Matilda expressed her “thank you” via volunteers from Cavan. The volunteers visited the area to try to establish a food security program.
Nain is a remote village at the north end of Labrador. In fact Nain is the northern most village on the coast. It can be reached with a three day ferry ride or a 90 minute flight. The residents only have supplies delivered by ferry in the summer and by aircraft in the winter. During one period of inclement weather, the residents were on food rations because the aircraft deliveries were cancelled for 18 days.
Anyone who would like to purchase similar mitts, slippers or mukluks or anyone who would like to donate their fur coat or hides (especially bison hides) to Matilda, are invited to contact the writer at 705-277-1825.
By Andy Harjula
