Ruben Anghik - Last Story 

2001
Brazillian Soapstone
34.4 x 57.0 x 26.2

Collection of Terra Capital Corp.

This is from my memories of when I was a young boy aged 4 or 5. It happened in the mid-1950s when my Grandfather was on his deathbed. He had called all his sons to come to his house so that he could give them some last advice and his idea of what was going to take place in the future and in his family. I followed my father into the house and was told by my father's older brothers that only the sons could be there. My grandfather told them that it was important that I be there too. I sat with my father and can remember everything that was spoken in that room.

My grandfather spoke of his life before and after settling in the Paulatuk area. He spoke about the hardships of bringing up a family and the changes that took place in his time. He was most concerned about the changes that were coming with the building of the D.E.W. (Distant Early Warning) line, and the arrival of missionaries and traders. He wanted to pass on some of his insights to ensure that his sons and their families would be prepared to fend for themselves. He told them they needed to adapt to the changes that would happen in order to prosper. He had grown up in the nomadic lifestyle but because he had dealt with the traders, the missionaries, and the RCMP, he had an understanding of how his sons should carry on afterhe passed away.

That was the last time I heard my grandfather speak. His words that evening had a strong impact on me and I have used his advice as a guidepost in my own life.

The pictographs on the back of the sculpture are based on those of the village of Noatak in the Bering Sea where my grandfather was born. The incised drawings are both prehistoric and contemporary, with images of drum dancing, spirits, and animals.