Ending of my Wemindji Adventure - April 19, 2014

Packing for home- the final week in Wemindji:

Last Thursday (April 17, 2014), was officially my last day as substitute teacher to a lovely grade 2 class (although I can still do a few casual subbing days).   To add some spice it was "Pirate Day" and we were all to dress up as pirates.  Aidan, my daughter and partner teacher, handed me a striped top and big earrings and an attractive scarf to tie around my middle as a belt.  As soon as I was in character, out of my mouth came words like," Aha me matey!"  and "walk the plank" etc.  The eye patches that Aidan made for each of us to wear completed the look.  My kids laughed and giggled when I greeted them as Captain Philippa!

                               

From left to right:  Captain Philippa, Captain Monika, Captain Aidan and Captain
Marsha.  All doing our best pirate impersonations.

It was a day of fun and laughter.  Later, after lunch, Aidan had prepared a wonderful party for our two classes to share in.  There were cupcakes, chicken nuggets, veggies and dip and three layered jello for everyone.  The kids painted and dyed easter eggs and got to watch "Hop" a funny kids movie.  It was bittersweet to say goodbye.  Some of my kids realized it was my last day with them and gathered round to hug me and I will treasure those hugs for years to come. 

The experience of teaching these children had many benefits.  I had to focus all my energies at every moment on them and keep the little rascals in order.  The key to success was class management.  Once I realized how chaotic they could make my day at school I knuckled down and whipped them into shape.  Teaching was relatively straight forward after that.  I'm of an age where children tend to expect authority and life experience and I leveraged this as much as possible.  At the same time I could spot a kid who needed a hug and up here in Wemindji, gentle little hugs of encouragement are permitted even expected.

My dear friend Eleanor left shortly after my return and I missed her company.  However, I was determined to continue painting and practicing all the skills she imparted to me.  Most of my paintings are of local landscapes and they serve to remind me of this beautiful place and the significance it has in my life's journey.

   
 Beau and I taking a stretch on our way up to Wemindji on the James Bay Highway in January.


I will drive home with my daughter on Friday, April 25th and we'll stop over in Amos for the night.  We'll continue to Oakville the next day and be home by supper time hopefully.  The weather has been milder here and I hope it continues for the drive.  The James Bay highway is a long stretch without any service stations or houses, so you're in a nasty spot if you blow a tire etc.  Eventually someone usually comes along and get help to you.  I loved flying in and out of Wemindji because of the view from the sky but I really unwind during the long drive through the simple, rustic beauty that is northern Quebec.

I am considering starting a program of studies at McMaster in the late summer early fall but other than that, have no firm employment plans.  Hoping the wind will blow me somewhere just as interesting and insightful as this last location.  Change keeps you young I've found. The opportunities are endless for those with an open mind and young spirit.

I'll continue to blog from time to time to share my journey with those who are interested.  Cheers and here's to a healthy, prosperous Spring for everyone.

 
 Kids "sliding" in Wemindji.  They use that expression here, cute heh?  There's been nothing but snow since I arrived so most of my art has the same seasonal theme.

 

 

Just did this little painting the last time Eleanor and I painted together in March.  These trees aren't found this far north but I was practicing sunsets then.  What the heck!

 This was a gorgeous sunset on Thursday night.  Had to try my hand at it. 


All for now friends.  Be well all and talk again soon.

Back in Wemindji - April 6, 2014

A return to Wemindji - April 6/14

For those of you who may recall I came up to Wemindji to fill a substitute teaching post in January, you may also know that in March I had to leave my post and return home to be with my Dad who had very suddenly been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.  By suddenly I mean he was diagnosed in February after being hospitalized for a few weeks in Oakville.  It took a while for the doctors to determine if there was a course of action or not.  Sadly, they weren't able to offer Dad any treatment and he remained in Oakville Trafalgar in palliative care until his death on March 12th surrounded by my sisters and I.  He was 84 years old. 

I had a valuable opportunity to spend time with my Father and help him record his memoirs on tape for 3 weeks before he became too weak.  We listened to his favorite music and talked.  I also had time to visit with my sisters,  daughters and close friends.  It was an intimate time and one that many families don't experience together.  Dad was aware of his diagnosis and so we could be real with him.  He got to say things about his life. He talked to his closest friends and to his family.  I'm grateful for that time.

Following his funeral, I returned to Wemindji with a lousy cold and vertigo, a sure sign that the previous 5 weeks had been emotionally draining.  Body never lies.  However, the little students that I'd had the privilege of teaching before my sudden departure were returned to me for the rest of the month. I couldn't be happier.  I've already had a painting session and a long catch up with Eleanor and I've been reminded of how precious life is. 

 

Arriving at Wemindji airport on March 26th 

It doesn't look like spring up here with snow all around and frequent storms still - but it is sunny.  I miss the greenness of spring and the buds not to mention the warmth but I feel a new season is upon me metaphorically.  Not sure what the future will bring yet but I'm excited.  I'll return to Oakville at the end of April by car with my daughter Aidan and, of course, with my little dog Beau.  Beau had to remain here with Aidan while I was away as flying with a dog is very impractical. He's subsequently transferred his affections to her.  Although he's happy to see me and wags his tail vigorously - he has discernment and gauges who is the more dependable one.  Clearly abandonment issues!

Today Aidan took me and two teacher friends to Radisson - a village 2 hours away.  We had a nice little lunch but discovered that the lovely Native arts shop was closed.  It is the only store in town and has a vast collection of handmade crafts including rabbit fur slippers, seal skin mitts, coats, boots along with jewellery.  Although the items are expensive they are well made and original.  That was a bit disappointing but to make up for that we spotted two caribou on the road back.  What magnificent animals they are.  I am going to try to paint them this week if I can.  I'm still a learner but it's fun developing a new hobby.

                      

Anyway will blog again as soon as there's more news.  Cheers

A detour from Wemindji - Feb. 4, 2014

Return trip to Oakville.

It's always a gamble when you leave elderly parents for a fairly lengthy time that something unexpected will occur.  In my Father's case it was the diagnosis of terminal, lung cancer last week.  He was hospitalized a few weeks ago but the findings were inconclusive and therefore all my sisters and I could do was speculate.  Unfortunately the specialist finally met with my sisters to deliver the pretty hopeless news of lung cancer.  Due to my Dad's advanced age and poor health (triple bypass 18 years ago and COPD), he wasn't a good surgical candidate.  Chemo and radiation were also off the table.  They offered only palliative care.

After late night chats with both my sisters we decided I'd better come home.  I boarded a 30-seater Air Creebec plane at the little Wemindji airport and started the trip back.  I reflected as we took off, the sadness I was feeling leaving my temporary grade two class of students, our last art class we did painting together and chatting.  I was going to miss that and my wonderful art lessons and profoundly interesting talks with Eleanor as well as the new workshop series she'd just begun in the evenings.  I would miss my Daughter Aidan who made my decision to return to Oakville easier and helped me function at school when I was trying to process the news of my Dad's prognosis.  What was particularly poignant for me on Monday night, while I was hastily throwing my clothes in a suitcase, Aidan gave me my birthday present early as I wouldn't be with her to celebrate. She presented me with little reed birds that are specially handcrafted by the Crees.  That turned the tap on for me.  I felt a wave of such sadness for all the events that I was doomed to face in the near future and the loss of incredible peace I've felt in Wemindji. 

I'm quite accustomed to adversity in my life and find I can be quite functional when faced with it again.  I reframed this event so that it was quickly becoming a new life experience instead of the terrible drama I could have made of it.  For example instead of freaking out on the little "puddle jumper" air plane, I adored it.  Discounting the frigid cabin temperature which never rose above 10 degrees and we were all wearing our coats and gloves the whole trip, I didn't experience any fear of flying in the little plane.  I was captivated by the beauty of the landscape below - the icy rivers, tundra, vastness of it all.  I was in awe.  My eyes barely left the little cabin window.  I was soaking up the experience of seeing the north from a unique perspective. I felt like I was in an episode of National Geographic.  This was one of many silver linings that always accompanies even the worst crisis.  I felt enormously present and grateful. Thanks Melanie for using your Aeroplan points to fly me home. 

The plane made 5 stops to drop off and pick up new passengers in communities south of Wemindji before we made the last leg of the journey to Montreal.  As I left the north and approached the big urban centre I felt a sense of dread.  Thankfully, the airport was quiet and we got processed  quickly.  I was able to move my departure time up an hour making my Pearson airport arrival time a bit more appealing to my middle daughter Eryl who was picking me up.  I sat with a handful of other Toronto bound passengers, all of us silently checking our phones or ipads or whatever. 

Finally we boarded and the flight was uneventful weather wise.  If I'd flown a day later, my plane would have been grounded like a thousand others due to snow but I guess this was silver lining number two.  At midnight, I found myself shovelling my way driveway before I could actually unpack and go to bed.  I missed my little dog Beau who I'd had to leave in Wemindji.   Aidan said Beau sat watching the front door expecting my return all evening.  Not having him with me is probably less complicated given the long hours I'm spending at the hospital. 

On a happy note, when I arrived at my Father's room finally, he was moved to tears (not an uncommon state for our good old Dad).  We talked for almost 5 hours.  He went for a walk (something he hadn't been doing), read from his new Bobby Orr autobiography I gave him at Christmas as I sat listening and knitting.  I guess that's silver lining number 3.  Not each visit will go this well I'm sure but it still made the return trip home more than justifiable.  Dad's entered a stage of profound anxiety and melancholia.  He is very candid and needs to talk about things as much as I do.  In that way, we are very alike.  Unlike my memories of my dear Mother's death some 25 years ago, also due to cancer, Dad is allowing us to actually speak our feelings and say our goodbyes.  We're having some sad moments but also many enjoyable reminiscences.  He started recording his life before all this and has asked me to bring in his tape recorder so that he can continue.  I said it will be our project.  For me this is silver lining number 4.

I have a return ticket to Wemindji and hope to go back in the near future.  I'm not able to focus on that right now for obvious reasons but the school principal there knows of my intentions.  I will probably continue this blog to record this chapter of my life. 

All for now.....

January 29, 2014 A blog update from Philippa

Greetings from Philippa on a cold, Wemindji night.

It's been a busy time for me up here.  The classroom teaching and preparations are demanding but keeping my interest.  I'm pretty exhausted by the end of the day.  Just enough energy to make supper, Skype with family or talk to them by phone. 

I've enjoyed my watercolour painting classes with Eleanor.  Just finished a second painting trying to capture the houses of Wemindji.  I find my work a bit crude but it's still an excellent outlet and Eleanor have wonderful chats the whole time.  There's barely a subject we haven't discussed.  She's my lifeline and inspiration.  Tomorrow night I'm attending a life skills workshop she's conducting for the Cree women.  She has great aspirations for me as a Life Coach and this workshop will be my first venture into the world of coaching.  If I enjoy it, I'm considering taking an online certificate program on Life Coaching.  I'm open to new possibilities and hope I don't lack the courage to pursue something completely different. 


 

Eleanor is an amazing Readaptation officer/ counsellor, teacher, life coach, author, artist and friend.


This past Monday there was a PED day for staff and, although I couldn't contribute anything, Iwas required to be at the school all day.  I got some work done and also enjoyed a wonderful potluck lunch with everyone.  Aidan and her colleagues Monica and Marsha (both grade 1 teachers) spend the day developing IEP's (independent educational plans) for students who have challenges.  They are an awesome group of dedicated teachers who spend hours planning each class and keeping things interesting and educational each day.  I'm impressed by the energy they all have long after the school bell rings at the end of the day.

 

 

Monica and Marsha teachers who could quit their day jobs for stand up comedy - seriously!

 

Aidan took a secret photo of me teaching the next day using the "smart board".  Technology I never dreamt of when I was in school.  Pretty neat when it works.  Each classroom has one and all of the other modern teaching tools. 

That's me standing in the middle of the frame, almost blending in with all the background.  It's a busy classroom visually.  Don't remember having anything like this when I was a 7 year old.  Lucky if we had heat and desks.  Well maybe not that primitive but you get my drift.







I read a story every morning to my students after we do the regular morning routine.  I picked a Jillian Jigs story about the antics this little creative child gets up to constantly making a mess in her bedroom as she comes up with brilliant make-believe plots with her friends.  I well remember making a tent with my blankets?  I asked the kids if they ever made up games and costumes etc., and they stared blankly at me.  Apparently another sign of the enormous generation gap.  It was akin to asking them the theory of relativity!  I feel sorry for any children who get all their entertainment from X-boxes or TV.  No wonder, learning is so difficult.  They hardly make up any games of their own, no creativity tapping here.  However we found a CD that had a bunch of children's songs on it, one's even I knew like," Itsy Bitsy Spider " and "Polly Put the Kettle on", etc.  Of course, I knew all the words and they thought I was a genius.  Heh, now you're in my territory kids!  Polly and I go way back.

Anyway, things continue to amaze me and I remain resilient.  I have adapted and that's a pleasant discovery.  Aquafit classes start on Sunday, got to counteract the comfort foods that are my all too constant companions.  Got to get back to my meditation and stretching.  The cold is hard on the joints. 

Might paint more Wemindji scenes in future as there is a demand here for them.  Apparently, some people would actually buy these little sketches of mine.  Who knew?  Here are some local houses and other scenes of interest I'm considering.  Until the next installment, stay safe and warm.

Philippa

The river is frozen at this time of the year and quite exquisite.  Working on getting some snow shoes and maybe a guide to walk me over. 

 

The sweetest little cemetery, each plot marked by a little white picket fence.

A genuine teepee, see these in many gardens,  The Crees still use them and you also see them at their hunting camps.  I'm trying to learn what takes place inside.  It's hush hush.

 

Round houses, yes interesting architecture.  Must be a pain to furnish.  They have full basements and are popular homes.  All painted in different pastel colours.  Very cute.



All for now folks!

News from Wemindji- Sunday, Jan. 19 2014

"When the student is ready the teacher appears"!

After a long but fairly productive week of teaching I had a rewarding afternoon with Eleanor, my new friend and mentor.  Among other things, she paints and instructs painting to anyone interested.  I jumped at the chance as I've always wanted to paint in water colour and it's been years since I picked up a brush other than to home decorate and they are not the same thing. 

Eleanor gave me the brushes, the paint and the canvas to create an evening, winter landscape that looks like Wemindji to me.  I was thrilled that it actually looks like a landscape. It's strange how we drop the creative outlets because they seem frivolous in the face of our busy lives. Wonderful having my very own coach praising every stroke and filling me up with encouragement.  This, we've decided will be a weekly activity - more often if I choose.  I'm in bliss. 

Coming to Wemindji has given me new responsibilities and much greater opportunity to explore myself.  With little else to do here, one turns inward and rediscovers old interests.  I may write an article for a native journal.  I'm turning this idea over in my mind.  I may wait a bit until I have a few more experiences under my belt. 

Tuesday evening I joined a native women's craft group and carved a soap stone Inuksuk.  It was another great evening and a rare learning experience with wonderful ladies.  The nice thing about joining groups here is the interesting conversation one has.  I sat next to the local pastor's wife who happens to be a social worker and spends time helping the youth and their families.  Apparently she is Objiwa and hails from Peterborough.  We discussed the impact of residential schools on the native culture. That conversation morphed into a political discussion around the table - right up my alley.

 My impression of the women I met there was of an open, warm, fun-loving group.  They gladly spoke to me as they knitted, stitched, beaded together.  They were most welcoming.  Needless to say, I shall be joining this lively group for their next session.  I'm hooked now. 

My first Inuksuk. Guess what everyone's getting for Christmas?


I'm on an emotional roller coaster in the classroom.  First priority is learning the material myself and teaching according to modern methods.  The second priority is managing the classroom behaviour and that's been the biggest challenge of all.  Who knew these 7 year olds had so much sass!  Cree culture doesn't particularly recognize educators as valued and therefore, one endures a little indifference and arrogance.  I think it's somewhat understandable given the history of the outsider and our affect on the Cree.  So I'm trying to practice humility and am trying to develop patience.  I'm having to be very creative with incentives and rewards to motivate them to work and listen.  This Friday for example, if the class is well behaved, we will see "Frozen" the new Disney movie.  Can't believe I'm reduced to blackmail!

On a side note, there are some little ones who are clearly starving for some attention and affection.  Issues at home seep into the classroom regularly.  I've heard of dogs eating the homework but, "Mummy was drunk and spilled her wine on my book", is a new one!   The school administrators and staff try to accommodate the most difficult situations as sensitively as possible.  I'm getting my mind opened regularly and it wasn't particularly closed to begin with. 


Anyway, I have no regrets about coming here.  I believe I have much to gain still and perhaps, give.

All for now....

 Guess what everyone's getting for Christmas presents?

The teaching is my biggest challenge obviously.  Behaviour problems occupy most of my time as I am not just teacher but social worker, mediator and referee.

January 14/14 - Philippa in Wemindji

Sadness visits Wemindji:

I've just returned from the funeral of a young Cree teenage girl (Angela) who died last Wednesday.  It was deeply sad and moving to see the out-pouring of family and friends.  I realize that the passing of a young person usually generates a big response but I've never seen so many relatives.  The families are large here and quite close.  Impact was far and wide.

The funeral service was held in the little Anglican church this morning after an open casket viewing that generated deep and painful sobbing by visitors.  Although I didn't know this young person, I was brought to tears just witnessing the grief.  Words were spoken in Cree and English.  Familiar hymns and songs such as "Amazing Grace" were sung in both languages.

Tender messages and stories were read by two aunts in both languages for all to hear.  No one was an outsider today.  No barriers existed, we all felt the family's loss deeply.

It was much more poignant hearing familiar hymns that I grew up hearing sung to Cree words.  We could sing along as they were printed out for us phonetically.  I joined in the singing until I was overcome with emotion.  The minister and his minister wife did an excellent job reaching out to the congregation about the importance of speaking about pain and anxiety instead of hiding those sometimes destructive feelings.  Angela died due to a momentary lapse in judgement and the feelings of hopelessness that affect many young people both here and all over the world.  She didn't reach out at that moment but it seems many were ready to help her if she'd done so.

One wonders how this event will impact the families of Wemindji.  Work is being done to educate people about healthy coping strategies to fight the prevalent dependence on alcohol. Today's tragedy demonstrates the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.  Wemindji struggles with many of the same issues that more populated, modern, urban communities struggle with.  Too much change, too much stuff and the abandonment of traditions that taught resilience.  Changes have been forced on many cultures historically but perhaps none so fast as those facing Natives. 

I was touched today by the expression of affection and warmth shared by the community.  The bonds are very strong here.  The women are the glue in the families.  However, the men folk turned out in great numbers and their grief was without restraint.   

Had to share this experience with you all.

January13/14 Blog- A week under my belt in Wemindji

I have been in Wemindji now for a full week and in my classroom for 5 full days with the grade 2's and they've enjoyed breaking me in.  I had no idea of how much work this would be with the little darlings.  Exhausted, that's just the half of it!  Stumped sometimes but determined to read every book Aidan has given to me to learn out to stimulate, engage, amuse, discipline, structure and get every possible ounce of talent out of these children even if it kills me.

Seriously, I am beginning to realize what it must be like to speak and think in one language and be expected to think and speak in another.  After finishing what I proudly believed was a simple lesson about data collection and surveys, I ask if everyone understood at which time they stared blankly back at me.  Interesting!  One forgets the nature of the 7 year old after stepping away for 19 years. I must have had a great deal of patience at one time. 

While my little lovelies were writing a story about sliding (that's the term used here to describe sledding) I popped next door to ask Aidan a question and found her students doing their "chores".  Yes that's right, chores!  Some were sweeping, some doing the dishes from breakfast.  There was a pleasant hum in the room.  It was like visiting a classroom in Stepford.  How was this possible?  My confidence sunk.  Surely I had the ability to achieve the same harmony.  What is the secret?  I can assume experience accounts for some of the productivity and a vice like grip on the kids.  Aidan rules!

Last Friday after lunch, we took two grade one and two grade two classes to the magnificent swimming pool.  I was to meet one of the other teachers there to help manage the changing into swim suits etc. while two teachers waited at the school to bring any stragglers who missed the bus.  Well my partner teacher's vehicle got stuck in a snow drift and needed to be pulled out unbeknownst to me.  I had a rather large group of kids to corral and keep in order all by myself while we waited.  Thank the Lord for a very capable life guard who had the kids sitting on their hands against a wall listening to the rules of the pool in utter silence.  Not one child so much as wiggled.  Swimming is a huge treat for the kids and they knew not to upset the life guard.  I was, again, impressed by how important experience can be with children. 

Eventually all the teachers and straggler children arrived and we proceeded to the change rooms where hair had to be tied up or somehow inserted under rubber swimming caps (a nightmare I'd as soon forget) and the girls lollygagged and chattered and took forever but we eventually got to the pool for further instruction on rules of conduct.  I had considered swimming with the kids but thankfully decided I'd be able to manage them better if clothed and on deck.  The "watch me", "watch me" requests started almost immediately.  It took me back to the days with my own children when they were so excited to have an audience for every little accomplishment in the pool.  We always indulged them and I have no regrets.  You're only a kid once right?

 (I'm the official swimming cap, goggles and other non-essential items holder as well as supreme cheer leader! I knew I would find a vocation here! )

After our hour was up and the other grade got to swim, we got our gang dried and dressed and in the gym for games.  I kicked a soccer ball around with some of the girls who are a little shy and we had a hoot.  They enjoyed playing with me and all wanted to sit next to me for another game.  How easily one can earn the trust and admiration of children!  So cute.  I loved the fun they had and stoically excepted defeat and sat down when they were called out.  Very good sportmanship.

On a slightly more sombre note:  last week a 17 year old girl died here.  It seemed to be more through misadventure than intentional and involved alcohol and drugs.  Attempts to save her here in Wemindji and Val D'or were unsuccessful.  In an urban centre she would have survived but in a remote community there isn't enough equipment for these kinds of extreme emergencies.  I was encouraged to speak to my class and ask them if they had any questions.  They were aware of the girl's death and some were related to her.  It was a poignant conversation as we touched on the effects of alcohol and the importance of reaching out.  They were most concerned that she was in heaven.  They are little old souls these children.  They spoke of other losses and how they felt.  The conversation was a bit rushed as they had another class. I was not prepared to have that conversation but I was nevertheless, comfortable to be there with them at that time.  Tomorrow the school is closed for the funeral.  The community has dealt with this tragedy in its own way.  There are grieving circles and many of the high school teachers who knew this young woman and her peers are spending evenings talking to students in groups in their own homes, sometimes all through the night.  The funeral will be at the Anglican Church (Wemindji is a Christian community).  I shall attend out of respect.

I had the privilege of spending an evening on Friday with a senior teacher/counsellor named Eleanor who enthralled me with her stories of her fascinating life for hours.  She is a published author, a columnist, a dedicated teacher who spent years helping the severely handicapped in Montreal and then teaching in another native community before coming out of retirement to come up to Wemindji as a "readjustment" counsellor.  She explains that she works with the primary school children to mediate between their teachers and parents and be a kind ear who helps them problem solve and work through difficult issues they may be having either in school or at home.  She will retire this year to do respite work in Montreal with the Cree school board.  This will involve bringing children to stay with her for 3 weeks to help them refocus, continue their school work etc. and then return them to their families. A unique position. The goal is to keep families together.  I can honestly say that I know I was meant to meet this woman and learn from her.  I already consider her a friend.

On Sunday Aidan and I had a dinner with Monica, Carmen (two of her teacher friends) and two senior teachers Eleanor and Ingrid.  We talked about the Cree culture and the challenges that come up on a daily basis - it was the most interesting conversation.  Ingrid has been here for around 20 years and regaled us with her memories of how Wemindji was back then when there was no road access and one had to fly in.  We laughed at the huge leap of faith new teachers took coming up here but how well cared for they were by the school administration. Apparently everyone that comes up here has an independent spirit and vocation for teaching.  The village takes care of you.

I am going to join the native women's beading/craft group.  Calls are being made on my behalf to introduce me I guess and I aim to blend in somehow.  They may adopt out of pity when they see how lousy my beaded jewelry looks.  I hope to be able to ask about their lives here and am sure I'll get an education in one way or another. I've already made a friend with a native special education instructor named Mary.  She's shared lots of personal insights and the story of her life - what a thrill to hear.

Well all for now folks!  Over and out!

First Day teaching grade 2's in Wemindji - Jan. 6, 2014

Jan, 6, 2014 - First Day of School

It's pretty dark in the mornings up here and at this time of year, there are always new deposits of snow or snow that has drifted up the driveway and steps to each house.  One has to rise a bit early to do some escape shovelling.  I'm not the primary digger due to suspect back, that job goes to Aidan, my daughter.

Tried walking my dog Beau yesterday wearing his expensive, boutique booties guaranteed to protect his little paws from frost bite and cold.  Two steps outside and he was barefooted.  When will they invent thigh high boots with straps or something?  Nevertheless we took a spin up the street for him to relieve himself and get a little stretch before Aidan and I left for school to prepare the breakfasts for the students (7:40 a.m.).  I opted to join her for this to see what was involved and get to the school early.  The students all get either cereal or a croissant with yogurt and a fruit if available.  Alternatively they will get cheese and a fruit cup along with milk.  Aidan and her colleague Monika, volunteered to prepare each class' breakfast basket, quite generous of them when I'm sure they'd much prefer to sleep in.  The breakfast program entices students to get to school on time, and have a full stomach doesn't hurt either.  It appears to be a success.   I was impressed by the large, well stocked kitchen with several stoves and fridges as well as washing machine and dryer.  Apparently this is a classroom where some of the Cree studies take place but it looks like an elaborate home economics room similar to the one I remember in my high school.  

At 8:45 we waited in the hallway for the bus to arrive that delivers many of the students to school each day.  Some are driven by parents and some walk.  The grade 2's tentatively lined up where I stood staring at me with curiosity.  I greeted them with a smile and a Happy New Year!  Still they stared.  I've noticed that the Cree people are quiet and watchful.  They don't speak loudly or quickly to strangers especially English speaking strangers.  As English is not their first language this is understandable. 

Next we walked to our classroom to take off the layers of clothes and boots to start breakfast.  With the amount of clothing we all have to wear one has to anticipate this slow process.  Nothing is done quickly remember!  Takes me back to the times my three girls were in kindergarten.  Doing up zippers, buttons, pulling boots onto the correct feet and wrapping their little faces up for the cold took forever it seemed until they learned to do it themselves.

The introductions went well.  We followed an established routine put in place by the permanent teacher.  This was their first day back after a nice long holiday and they were meeting me for the first time so I didn't expect things to zip along flawlessly.  I read them a story which apparently only I thought was hilarious about Amelia Bedelia.  Their chocolate brown eyes studied me - God knows what thoughts were running through their heads?  Perhaps, are we really stuck with this red-headed, white woman for 3 months?  She sounds funny (I've got a slight English accent even though I've been in Canada most of my life now).  Alternatively, perhaps they were thinking about recess and snack time.  Who knows?  I made a vow to myself not to over-analyze.  Go with the flow etc., etc., etc.

After lunch we did language arts, a bit of spelling and a formal Q/A time for them to ask me any questions they wished.  Mostly they wanted to know where I came from, was it near Niagara Falls? - a place some of the children had visited.  They were amazed I was Aidan's mother (cool!).  They were particularly interested in how many children I had other than Aidan, how many siblings, all about my parents and pet.  That was interesting for them and for me.  They are bright kids.  Cautious and smart.  They show no natural awe for adults.  Respect has to be earned and teachers are called by their first names. Cuddling and hugging students is perfectly normal practice, something not allowed in Ontario schools. 

Age is just a number!  I come from a long line of traditionalists who did predictable things at my age.  Stepping out of this pattern is interesting a little scary but exciting too!  I'm middle aged and feeling like a new college graduate with my life ahead of me.  It's just a perspective and now a reality.

I'm leaving now for school and let's see what surprises are in store for me?  I'm quite enjoying this new challenge.  Settling in quite well, already have a dinner invitation from a lovely teacher/counsellor at the school who looks to be a bit of an intellectual/guru.  Nice to have weekend plans.

The following are some pictures taken on the way up to Wemindji and on arrival.

Swirling snow squalls made visibility poor once we crossed into Quebec.  Salt rarely used in temperatures this low so one is basically skating along.  Didn't slow other vehicles down in the least.  These Quebecers are tough!  Hunting season prevails and no time for sissies!

 

 The convoy of other teachers that travelled with us back to Wemindji.  Long stretches of open roads without a gas station or town in sight warranted travelling in groups just in case of car problems etc.


                                                 

We packed Aidan's van with her supplies, my luggage, teaching materials, hamsters and their food and all Aidan's Christmas presents.  We still had to ship some boxes as we were short of space.  Although food is delivered regularly to Wemindji by truck, certain items are scarce and very expensive.

Beau made himself comfortable spots to sleep, sometimes on my lap and sometimes on pillows between our seats. His highness slept like a log.

We stopped frequently to stretch and let Beau have a run.  He thoroughly enjoyed these breaks as you can see and so did I. This picture was taken at a stop on James Bay Highway.  Gorgeous and pristine.

 Ahh! Tim's steeped tea.  My last one for a long time.

That's me on my first day at the school.   

Here I am in my classroom........ and the journey really begins!

Stay tuned!

January 4, 2013    - The Trip up to Wemindji

Due to unanticipated amount of "stuff" that two of us needed to take to Wemindji, we had to delay our intended early departure in order to box and ship through Canada Post.  That meant waiting for the shipping store to open, pack up boxes and then take to the post office.  We left Oakville around noon. 

The drive up to Amos couldn't have been nicer in terms of weather.  Sunny and crisp all the way!  Aidan did the bulk of the driving with me as relief.  Beau ( my faithful little dog) behaved extremely well and soon nestled into some pillows between our seats. The motel in Amos was warm and comfortable and we just collapsed into bed in order to be up by 6 the next morning for an early departure with the "convoy".  This consisted of three other vehicles driven by Marsha, Carmen, Brandy and Shawna ( all teacher friends of my daughter Aidan).  Weather turned and we were now driving through conditions people had warned me about.  Poor visibility and ice.  We made frequent stops to let our respective dogs relieve themselves and their owners too.  The last stop had frozen plumbing so we all had to evacuate ourselves behind various out buildings.  I have no modesty left!  One adapts!

The fun part came as we were barrelling along James Bay highway trying to follow the vehicles in front through blowing snow, ever mindful of the caribou who were said to be in the area.  A slight turn of the wheel and we slid off the road almost into tundra.  Luckily Aidan did some quick steering and there we were, tottering on the edge.  Well, that got our adrenalin pumping and my blood pressure soaring.  We were pondering what to do and just when it looked sort of hopeless, along came two handsome native hunters.  They pulled over and asked if we needed a hand.  I almost wept with gratitude.  They towed us up onto the road in 15 minutes after trying a few attempts at pushing the van.    Thanks Ron and Emanuel!  Such chivalry.

Within 5 minutes of getting back on the road we managed to almost hit a small herd of caribou as they casually sauntered across the highway.  Quite a spectacular sight for an Oakville girl like me.  But a bit inconvenient for drivers. Makes me appreciate how humans have encroached on nature and nature is snubbing its nose at us.

When we arrived in Wemindji it was dark and freezing but we still had to unload the car and get Aidan's hamsters indoors.  One of the little darlings had escaped from its cage and hidden in the undercarriage of her van.  Aidan was beside herself.  I suggested she use the flashlight to entice it out and sure enough, out it came.  That's three bits of bad luck so we should be done for now. 

Tomorrow we head over to the school so that I can familiarize myself with the classroom in which I'll be teaching and the course materials.  Very exciting and a little nerve racking at the same time.  I'm very fortunate to have Aidan leading me through this part.  On Monday morning I shall meet the students and get into my new routine.  Pictures to follow.  Thanks for the well wishes of all my family and friends back home, without which I might not have decided to embark on this adventure!  Love you all... more to come.