The Buzz

On page 32, Oonark hears a “buzzing sound in the distance.” What could this sound be?

Oonark and Her Choice

Do you agree with the decision that Oonark made to get off the kamotiq with her daughter and let the others leave her there? Explain your position.

Scarcity

On page 30, the author writes, “The animals and fish had been scarce for too long now.” What does the word “scarce” mean? What are the implications of animals and fish being scarce for Inuit? What should Oonark and her children do?

The Roles of the Family

How does the death of Oonark’s husband affect Oonark and her children? Discuss the roles and gifts of different family members to reflect on how the loss of one person deeply affects the entire family.

Connecting Between Hunting and Clothing

On page 28, stop reading after the line, “A hunter is only as good as the clothes his wife makes.” Discuss what this quote means. How do the practices of making clothing and of hunting work together?