Umiaq

Long ago, the Inuit lived in a small coastal village where they relied on the sea for everything—food, travel, and even shelter. The Umiaq, a large boat made of whale bones and covered with seal skin, was the most important tool for hunting and journeying across the cold waters.

One day, a group of hunters set out in their Umiaq to catch seals. But as they paddled farther from shore, a terrible storm suddenly appeared. The winds howled, the waves grew tall, and the sky turned dark. The hunters feared they might be lost forever.

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As the storm raged, the leader of the hunters, an old man named Pukak, remembered an ancient story his grandmother had told him. It was said that the goddess of the sea, Sedna, watched over those who respected the ocean. Pukak, knowing their lives depended on the sea’s kindness, raised his arms and prayed to Sedna.

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“O great Sedna, we are your children. We have not forgotten you. Please protect us from this storm,” Pukak called out.

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Just as he finished, the wind suddenly stopped, and the sea grew calm. The dark clouds parted, and a soft light shone from the sky. The hunters looked around in awe, realizing the storm had passed. They knew that Sedna had heard their plea and had protected them.

With grateful hearts, they returned to shore safely, and from that day on, they always offered thanks to Sedna before setting out on the sea, knowing that the goddess would watch over them if they showed respect.