Editing Preparation Gjoa Haven Workshop (section)

=Day 1: Science-Presentations, Opening and Singing=

The previous evening, around the time of closing prayers, news had started to trickle into the room about a young women that had passed away that day due to an accident. People had been visibly upset the evening before, and still were so when they came back the next day. 

Elder Mary Aqilriaq, who was present to conduct the opening and closing prayers during this gathering requested to sing a song instead. 

We all got up from our chairs as Mary led us into song. It was an emotional moment of shared grief and many people started crying in the room.

''"Mary is gold. Even people here and there were telling me "I am so happy that Mary was here."'' 

''"Mary was perfect for us. It's really important that you pick the right person. There elders that are used to doing... being a master of ceremony, welcoming people, being the elder, you know. You used her. Her prayers are from ''the heart''. Singing with her voice, even it is broken down. Giving it all she got. That's priceless. If you could get that. Sometimes, words... You don't have to talk, ey? (Tuppittia Qitualik)"''