Roselynn Akulukjuk was born in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, in the Canadian Arctic. In 2012 she enrolled in the Toronto Film School where she fell in love with being behind the camera. She wrote and directed her first film, the live-action and puppetry short The Owl and the Lemming, winning Best Animation at the 2016 American Indian Film Festival. Roselynn lives in Iqaluit.
Q&A with Roselynn Akulukjuk
We had a chance to ask Roselynn some questions about being a writer, and she shared the importance of listening to the stories shared by our families.
Where do you find the inspiration for your books?
I get my inspiration for my books from listening to elders telling stories.
What were your favourite books when you were a kid?
My favourite books were the books written by my grandpa and great aunt about their experience growing up as Inuit, learning from their parents and grandparents, and about Inuit myths and legends
As a young reader, did you see yourself in the books you read?
I didn’t see myself in the books I read, but I strongly believed the myths and legends.
What’s the most surprising thing you have learned when creating your books?
The most surprising thing I have learned when creating my books are the similarities of each of the stories told in different parts of the North.
What is a challenge you have faced as a writer?
The books that I have written are based on Inuit legends and from me being named after my great uncle. The most challenging thing that I have faced is making sure what I write is as accurate as possible.
What advice do you have for kids who are interested in writing?
Listen to stories that are told by your parents, grandparents and other people that tell stories in your life.
