Beyond What Seems to be Determined
“When an elder tells you something while you are a baby it becomes true. You have to be very careful with your words”, says an elder from Kivalliq. Forher, and many other elders, the birth of a child is a period of transition marked by instability and fragility. Relations between the newborn and a namesake certainly influence the infant’s personality, but there exists a latitude beyond what seems to be determined. The acts, gestures, sentiments, words that are spoken or thought about a newborn have particular power. For better or for worst, these practices « shape » the Inuk and will have great impact on his/her life.