First Visit to the School

Hello! I'd like to say that the reason for me not blogging excessively is because we're always doing something or exploring, and there's always something to see out here!
Last night, after our arrival in Resolute and check in at the hotel, instead of turning out the lights to go to bed, I put their screen covered by a black garbage bag up to the window. And this was 11:30 at night - still light out! However, the dogs seem to know when to go to bed; the dog outside my window was curled up to keep warm while the winds blew. There's a vastness that is the view.. all the way to the horizon, white and flat, but with ridges sheltering part of the town.
When we arrived we went out on a walk around town (which didn't take very long, mind you!) we got a glimpse of what life up here is like. While we all enjoy taking pictures, we still have to remember that this is their town and homes, and their yards we're photographing so we need to be respectful. Polar bear skins and skulls sit outside of homes that the locals have hunted. Andy, one of the teachers, gave us a breakdown on the native people of Nunavut and their culture which was helpful. Pierre, one of CANDACs members, told as about the PEARL research base in Eureka. Actually, when we were still in Yellowknife, a Nunuvut architect came and spoke to us about his career and projects, which I found just fascinating!
This morning, we visited the school (Monday). Typically they would have school today, but this was an exception as just about everyone in the community was at a funeral ceremony for the recent passing of an elder. The community here really is tightly knit. Brian, the school principal, spoke to us and welcomed us at the school with other staff members. Everyone in Resolute is addressed by their first names. We also had RCMP come and join us!
The communication in Resolute has a lot to do with body language, facial expression and eyes; if some one simply raises their eyebrows or squints, that is a yes or no respectively. I would assume that having to watch the body language of others is a more honest way to communicate emotions.
I loved walking through the school; their walls are decked out with drawings, pictures and captions of the accomplishments of the students and community. There are photos of the skinning process of a polar bear, igloos, fantastic beadwork, throat singing... only to name a few! We put our parkas and boots back on near to the entrance - which were very necessary for our short walk to and from the school. However, the locals have adjusted to the weather and would not need our heavy duty winter boots.