Unakuluk Dear Little One

Rooted in tradition adoption is a reality that all Inuit families have experienced In Inuit culture adopting a child from a relative friend or acquaintance is a common practice MarieHélène Cousineau the adoptive mother of Alexandre Apak lived in Igloolik a small island southwest of Baffin Island in the Arctic for many years This documentary which she directed in collaboration with Mary Kunuk an old friend and colleague explores Inuit family relations through the personal histories of women who have experienced adoption in one way or another In a parallel thread the film documents the creation of an intricate felt wallhanging that depicts key moments from their lives All skilled seamstresses these women of Igloolik use fabric to draw cut and embroider their personal life stories an intimate portrait of family ties and a vibrant illustration of the role adoption has always played in Inuit culture