Overheard in the Arctic

"Yesterday, I watched the Oprah show on TV. They showed us how animals are killed down South. It's really gross, made me want to stop eating meat. You see how they place it on the hook, and the big knife and they kill one, and they kill two, and they kill another... Nothing is clean, it's filthy !

- It's funny to hear you say that, usually it's Southerners saying that inuit seal hunting is gross and barbarian

- No, inuit way of killing is fine. We make it clean, it's personal and it's well done. The knife is always washed. I could always eat only country food. I don't think I can eat your meat again."

***

"So there is a student here, her mom is in prison. Remember the woman who cut a man's penis last year ? She found that guy in a pool of blood. He had abused her several times, and her daughter. He's a relative. I was told he had also abused me when I was just a baby. I don't remember. I always said it was better like that because if I ever remember I would kill him. Now I'm glad because he's dead, so I don't risk killing him, and I won't go to prison."

***

(Helping me with my Canada Goose zipper)
"You white people always buy big clothes instead of good inuit ones. That's why they break and you get cold.

- Actually it's a gift someone gave me.

- Oh, I see. Well come see me tomorrow, we'll put a needle through it and I will fix it for you."

***

"I think women who throat-sing can't be racist.

- Why so ?

- Because it takes a lot of time and energy, and good throat-singing takes all your free time."

***

"Anick, do you want the second half of my sandwich ? I won't eat it !

(pondering whether it's ethical to do so)
- ...

- If you want, I can put it in the trash for you and you can pick it there. I know you love trash !"