Teaching Animal Kinship: Inuit Sled Dogs (Qimmiit)

Presented by Adela Kincaid, Craig Ginn, and Tapisa Kilabuk

Join Craig, Adela, and Tapisa as they introduce the Animal Kinship Project (AKP) and the song Travel Without me with related curriculum focusing on Inuit sled dogs (qimmiit). The AKP is a multi-media educational resource designed to support Indigenizing the curriculum. This project was developed in relationship with Inuit perspectives and emphasizes the connections between Inuit understandings of a shared journey across human and canine existence, using song lyrics, the music video, and teaching plans for teachers to explore this interconnectedness. Through a braided approach that integrates both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, the AKP makes it easier for students to reflect on Indigenous knowledges and connect with animals. The presentation will also focus on the rupture caused by mid-twentieth-century sled dog killings and recent government apologies acknowledging the resulting cultural harms. Craig, Adela, and Tapisa will provide you with practical resources and ideas to incorporate this project into your own teaching, offering a way to explore ethical and environmental topics with your students.

Inuk co-presenter: Tapisa Kilabuk: Tapisa Kilabuk, an Inuk researcher, educator, and curriculum developer from Iqaluit, Nunavut, now resides in Calgary, Alberta. Her work centres on advancing Inuit perspectives in education through research, curriculum development, facilitation, and community engagement.  She collaborates with Indigenous organizations, post-secondary institutions, and community partners to create educational resources that centre Inuit ways of knowing and support meaningful, culturally grounded learning.  Tapisa is passionate about fostering relationships between Indigenous knowledge systems and education, particularly Inuit pedagogy, curriculum, and ethical teaching and learning practices.  Her commitment lies in creating thoughtful, collaborative, and community-rooted learning experiences.