Sanaaq

More about the book

Sanaaq tells the intimate story of an Inuit family navigating the changes brought by the arrival of the qallunaat, or white people, in mid-nineteenth century Quebec. Structured in 48 episodes, it follows the daily life of Sanaaq, a strong and outspoken young widow, her daughter Qumaq, and their semi-nomadic community. They engage in traditional activities like hunting seals, repairing kayaks, and gathering mussels under the blue sea ice. The narrative captures the essence of their lives, highlighting the formation and dissolution of relationships, the birth and naming of children, and the presence of violence from a fearful husband or a hungry polar bear. The spirit world is vibrant, and interactions with non-humans are treated with respect. However, the encroachment of the qallunaat and the conflict between Catholic and Anglican missionaries threaten to disrupt Sanaaq's way of life. In the early 1950s, Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk began writing at the request of a priest in Kangiqsujuaq, initially documenting Inuttitut phrases. At just twenty-two, she created characters and events, ultimately penning the first Inuit novel over two decades. Thanks to the efforts of French anthropologist Bernard Saladin d’Anglure, Sanaaq was first published in syllabic Inuttitut in 1987, with a French translation following in 2002. This English translation now introduces this significant work of Inuit literature to a broader audience.