Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Kannujaq Siaraili Kannujaq
Kannujaq Siaraili Kannujaq
In Skraeling, Qitsualik explores Inuit culture and history through the story of a young
Inuit boy named Kannujaq, who is taken captive by Siaraili. Through Kannujaq's
experiences, the story illustrates several key Indigenous ways of knowing, including the
relationship with the land, interconnectedness with animals, and intergenerational
transmission of culture.
Firstly, the relationship with the land is a central theme throughout Skraeling. The Inuit
people have a deep and spiritual connection with the land and the natural world,
viewing it as a living entity that provides for their physical and spiritual needs. This is
evident in the story when Kannujaq, who is knowledgeable about the land, uses his
understanding of the natural environment to navigate and survive in unfamiliar territory.
For example, he knows how to find food and shelter in the harsh Arctic landscape and
how to read the movements of the animals to predict weather changes.
Overall, Skraeling demonstrates how Indigenous ways of knowing are deeply connected to the
land, animals, and intergenerational transmission of culture. Through the character of Kannujaq,
the story provides a glimpse into the rich and complex worldview of the Inuit people and their
enduring connection to their ancestral lands and traditions.
There are significant differences between Indigenous ways of knowing and
Western ways of knowing. Here are some of the key differences: