On the shores of Hudson Bay, Eva Suluk honours the memory of her late mother through family gatherings, country food, and time spent outdoors.

Every time I return to my camp on the western shores of Hudson Bay, I feel like I am coming home. The land has a way of slowing everything down. The sounds are different here. The air is different. Even after all these years, watching a fire burn and a pot of caribou simmer over the flames brings me a sense of comfort that I cannot find anywhere else.

This place holds many memories for me because it was one of my late mother Simona’s favourite places to be. She loved spending time on the land, away from the noise of the community, surrounded by family and the things that mattered most. Whenever I am here, I think about her. I remember her stories, her laughter, and the lessons she taught us about respecting the land and appreciating the life it provides.

Cooking caribou over an open fire is something I have done for many years, but it never feels ordinary. There is something special about preparing food this way. The smell of the meat cooking, the warmth of the fire, and the sight of smoke rising into the northern sky create a feeling of connection that is difficult to describe. It reminds me that our traditions are not just memories from the past. They are living practices that continue every time we gather together.

Connecting across Generations

This special place has also allowed us to share our way of life with a much wider audience. It was here at camp that we filmed our six-part television series for Inuit Makers with Isuma and Uvagut TV, focusing on the traditional process of drying caribou meat. Having the opportunity to tell that story on the same land where my family has gathered for generations was very meaningful to me. It wasn’t just about filming a television program. It was about preserving knowledge, celebrating our culture, and showing younger generations that these traditions remain an important part of who we are today.

Today, I share those experiences with my children and grandchildren. They spend time with me at camp, helping with meals, tending the fire, and learning by watching and participating. Out here, there are no distractions. We talk, we laugh, and we spend time together in a way that feels natural. Some of the most important lessons are passed on during these simple moments.

I often think about how knowledge travels from one generation to the next. My mother shared her knowledge with me, and now I have the opportunity to share it with my children and grandchildren. Whether it is preparing country food, understanding the weather, respecting animals, or simply appreciating the land, these teachings become stronger when they are experienced firsthand.

The land has always been a place of healing and renewal for our people. When life becomes busy or difficult, I find peace here. Sitting beside the fire, watching the bay and listening to the wind, reminds me of what is truly important. It is a chance to reflect, to be grateful, and to reconnect with family, culture, and community.

As I watch my grandchildren grow, I hope they will carry these experiences with them throughout their lives. I hope they remember the taste of caribou cooked over an open fire, the stories shared around camp, and the feeling of being on the land with family. These are memories that stay with us. They become part of who we are.

For me, every meal cooked at camp is about more than food. It is about remembering my mother, honouring the generations who came before us, and ensuring that our traditions continue for those who will come after us. Around the fire, with family gathered close and Hudson Bay stretching out before us, I feel connected to all of them.