'Grab the knowledge with your hands': Igloolik elder still teaching at 82

Low on oxygen? No problem.

Atuat Akittirq is a determined elder from Igloolik, Nunavut, whotravels across the territory to teach Inuit traditional knowledge.

But she has issues with breathing and needs the help of an oxygen machine.

"It's just the oxygen in her blood becomes a little bit too low," said David Akittirq, Atuat's grandson, who's been assisting her during her trips.

At the age of 82, her determination was only slowed down not stopped by anincident back in January that affected her lungs.

Atuat was in Clyde River, Nunavut, preparing to teach another course. She became sick and was medevaced to Iqaluit.

"She didn't need an oxygen tank back then. After she got medevaced, she needed one ever since," said David.

But Atuat came back to Clyde River, this time with a machine to help her breathe, and began teaching again in February.

I cannot teach youth what I created myself. However, I can teach what I was taught growing up.- AtuatAkittirq

It was also David's first time taking a course taught by his grandmother.

"I learned a lot about my roots," said David. "Whenever I ask her about something, she puts in a lot of details that I've never heard of."

The course left adeep impression on David.

"Ever since that course... I told myself I'll help her out in whatever way she needs," said David.

Younger generations 'need to learn'

"Grab the knowledge with your hands," said Atuatin Inuktitut, to her class in Iqaluit earlier this month.

"There are younger generations that need to learn."

Atuatsaid the biggest lesson she tries to teach is traditional parenting skills.

"It starts from a unborn child formed in a mother's womb. The child knows through bloodstreams and thought of the surroundings, even in the mother's womb," she said.

Atuat, who began her teaching journey in 2001, says she didn't create her course material.

"I cannot teach youth what I created myself. However, I can teach what I was taught growing up I was told if I see an elder in need of help, whether it be assisting them with carrying bags or delivering them water, to always respect and help them."

After Iqaluit, Atuatwill be off to the community of Arviatin August.

But after that, she says she'd like to take some time to spend withfamily.

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