Arsaniq Deer

Arsaniq travels from Montreal to Igloolik where she is picked up by Monica. Arsaniq and Monica watch a film by Bernnard Saladin to accurately design Monica’s tattoos. The film made in 1975 interviews the first Atuat, Monica’s great-great-great grandmother. Susan brings archival photos and they all look at the poke tattoos, discussing the names for each facial tattoo.

Susan plays Ajagaq while Arsaniq sets up for tattooing. While Arsaniq is preparing her needle, Susan prepares the Quilliq and Sula makes tea. Once Arsaniq is ready, Monica stands while she disinfects her skin, getting ready to begin tattooing by placing the stencil on Monica’s shoulder.

Arsaniq begins tattooing, working along the lines of the stencil. Monica tells stories about talking to Susan about facial and body tattooing practices. Monica talks about how her tattoos are personal, how they are for her family and herself, carrying on family tattoo styles. Susan tells stories while Arsaniq works on the tattoos.

Arsaniq preps her tools for another tattooing session before beginning to stencil and then tattoo more designs working down Monica’s arm.

This part begins with Susan telling stories about the area the cabin is located on and memories of seeing an Orca nearby when she was a child, while Arsaniq sets up. As Arsaniq begins to trace her stencils, Susan fills the quiet of the cabin with songs Madeline Ivalu taught her and stories she has collected over many years.

As Arsaniq works down Monica’s arm, adding more and more tattoos to the design, the women all discuss the differences in dialects and word meanings throughout Nunavut. Arsaniq also talks about her first experiences tattooing and her continued love of the art despite the physical pain she deals with. Susan prepares a feast of country food while Arsaniq works and then they all eat together.

We travel with Susan out to Zacharias’s cabin where she teaches Monica how to light the Quilliq. Arsaniq spends some time designing more tattoos before sitting with Susan and spending time together talking about family and earrings.

Arsaniq continues the tattoo pattern down Monica’s arm while Susan shares stories with everyone. Susan sings as Arsaniq begins on Monica’s facial tattoos.