A Brief History of Angik School
By Mary Ruben-Bennett and Jessica Schmidt
Angik School has a unique history as the school actually began in the home of Nora Ruben in the late 1960s. Nora had books sent to her from Inuvik and she did her best to teach any interested children from her own home. Bertha Ruben would help Nora as well.
In 1975 Sister Manning arrived to open the school in Paulatuk. Comprised of a small trailer, Sister Manning was the only teacher and taught grades 1-6.
In 1977 Tom & Rose Kirby arrived and took over from Sister Manning. Tom was the Principal and taught grades 4-6. Rose taught grades 1-3 and Agnes Ruben was the school’s Classroom Assistant. Over the next few years an additional trailer was added on to accommodate an increase in student attendance.
In 1985 the new school building was built and named after Angik Ruben, a very respected elder and Father, Grand Father, Great Grandfather and Great Great Grandfather to many of Paulatuk’s residents.
Angik School’s very first graduate was Justin Ruben, who graduated in 2001. Shortly after that, Angik School no longer offered grades 10-12 and students who wished to finish their high school education were sent to Inuvik or Fort Smith.
In 2005 grade 10 was reintroduced to Angik School; in 2006 grade 11 was, and in 2007 grade 12 was. Consequently Angik School had its second graduating class in 2007 where 3 high school students, Craig Ruben, Tracey Wolki & Jerrita Thrasher, graduated. This year there were 2 more graduates; Aaron Ruben & Stacy Wolki.
Angik School has seen many changes over the past 30 years. In 1987, Elizabeth Kuptana was hired on to teach the students Inuvialuktun and about the local culture. Liz spent 20 years at Angik School and retired in 2007. Full time Kindergarten was introduced in 2001 and has been a great asset to the school and community, preparing kindergartens more for grade one. In 2006 all students and staff at Angik School were placed into House Teams to instill some school spirit and pride. The teams consist of students from all grades and each have a local animal mascot and colour. The Amaruq team (wolves) are the yellow team; the Nanuk team (polar bears) are the blue team; the Qavvik team (wolverines) are the red team; and the Ookpik team (owls) are the green team. Students remain on the same team every year and as each year passes they become more loyal to their teams.
The addition of cultural activities has been a focus for Angik school over the past few years. Students are given many opportunities to participate in different activities that reflect their local culture and we hope to add even more each year. In 2006 & 2007 a major focus was placed on drum dancing. Students were taught the songs and dances to many drum dances during Physical Education classes and were given the opportunity to present them during the Christmas concerts and other celebrations throughout the year. In 2007 & 2008 new traditional drum dance outfits were made by local elders and teachers in the school and students helped to make 8 new drums as well.
The students have also learned to make mukluks and rabbit mitts; as well as new jiggling sticks for ice fishing using the school’s new wood turning lathes. The high school students made 4 new sleds that will be used for out annual whole school ice fishing trip.
This year the H.E.A.R.T. team was developed at Angik School. H.E.A.R.T. stands for Health Education Awareness and Response Team and is comprised of junior high students interested in dealing with health related concerns that affect Paulatuk. Their first initiative was an HIV/AIDS and Hep C awareness Campaign that helped the community to understand the dangers of HIV and Hep C, as well as how to prevent the spread of these diseases. Next year we hope that H.E.A.R.T. will tackle many more health related issues and have a very strong voice in the community.
ANGIK SCHOOL
General Delivery
Paulatuk, NT XOE 1NO
PH: (867) 580-3201
FAX (867) 580-3105
