Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast
Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast
Volume 1: Hubbard Point is now available!
Travel to the vibrant ecosystems of Western Hudson Bay in the new graphic novel series Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast. Each volume tells a different story of the deep connection between the lands and waters of northern Manitoba and the Peoples that live and harvest here.
Johnny Mamgark learned to harvest along the shores of an ancient hunting ground.
In volume one of Qilalugaq, Mamgark, an Inuk hunter and knowledge keeper from Arviat, Nunavut, recounts the rich history of Hubbard Point and shares the memories of hunting beluga with his father and grandfather in Western Hudson Bay—experiences that continue to shape who he is today.
Across the Arctic, harvesting remains a vital part of Inuit cultural continuity, food security, and wellbeing. For generations, communities have lived in harmony alongside beluga and other species, with harvesting practices and Inuit Quajimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge) guiding important conservation and stewardship efforts.
Learn more about this connection in the new graphic novel Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast. Download your free preview here.
NOTES ON THE TITLE
Qilulagaq (pronounced qi-lah-lug-gakh) is an Inuktitut word for beluga; several different spellings appear, varying according to different Inuit dialects. “Qilalugaq” is the spelling preferred by Volume 1: Hubbard Point narrator Johnny Mamgark.
The name for Hubbard Point in Inuktitut, Qikitaarjuit, which means “place of small islands,” also refers to other similar locations. The Cree name for Hubbard Point is Long Point. Currently, Hubbard Point is the preferred name and spelling for this specific location, according to Johnny Mamgark and other Inuit harvesters. This name, however, appears as “Hubbard Point” on official maps.
Contributors
Johnny Mamgark is an Inuk hunter from Arviat who knows the Western Hudson Bay landscape intimately. He grew up out on the land with his parents and grandparents, staying at a camp near Nunalla (near the Manitoba-Nunavut border) during spring and summer. Johnny is a long-time advocate for the protection and stewardship of Hubbard Point. Johnny narrates Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast | Volume 1.
Joe Karetak is an Inuk researcher and community leader from Arviat, Nunavut. He works to integrate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit with contemporary Arctic research and education. Through his work Joe advocates for culturally grounded, community-led research that supports the well-being and heritage of Inuit. Joe writes the Appendix and Afterword of Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast | Volume 1.
Jonathan Dyck is an award-winning illustrator and designer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His books include the graphic novels Shelterbelts and The Secret Treaty, which was created in collaboration with elder David Scott from Swan Lake First Nation. Jonathan illustrates Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast.
Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast is made possible through partnership with Oceans North.
ORDER QILALUGAQ TODAY!
Qilalugaq: Tales from the Manitoba Coast is available for purchase at McNally Robinson Booksellers’ Grant Park and Forks locations in Winnipeg or online at mcnallyrobinson.com
Questions? Please contact Aaron Janzen (ajanzen@oceansnorth).