New Arctic Books!

Here's a small part of what Donat Savoie has to say about Tivi's new book on his life in northern Quebec (Nunavik):

This book of Tivi Etok's interviews and stonecuts is a valuable source of wisdom and teachings, worth of close examination. NON-INUIT will find in these pages the story of a courageous and artistic life, and a model for us all. Various photographs that I had taken during my stay in the community are also included in the book (these photographs are now part of Avataq archives).

Sounds like an interesting addition to anyone's library if they have an interest in this part of the world. Years ago I had the chance to visit Tivi's home town and meet some of the great people there. I'm going to try and get a copy of his book and catch up on the area. Contact the Avataq Cultural Institute for information.

The second new book out is Among Inuit and Whalers on Baffin Land, 1883-1884, the collected diaries of Wilhelm Weike who was with the whalers in the late 1800's. He wrote his accounts at the suggestion of Frans Boas, the famous anthropologist who was also in the Baffin area at the same time. There is a large section following the actual diaries of explanations and additional descriptions including his relationship with Boas. Again, another interesting book for the arctic historian. The diary is available from Mindener Geschichtsverein (Minden Historical Society) in a translation by William Barr.