Jonathan Hiqiniq has lived to see 100 years, and he canSA国际影视传媒檛 believe it himself, his youngest daughter says.

SA国际影视传媒淗e used to tell us that he thought heSA国际影视传媒檇 never come to 100 years old,SA国际影视传媒� says Susie Hiqiniq. SA国际影视传媒淗eSA国际影视传媒檚 so amazed today that heSA国际影视传媒檚 still around.SA国际影视传媒�

Jonathan has close to 80 grandchildren, Susie estimates. He also has great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren.

He and his wife Martha, who passed away two years ago, had 13 children of their own. Seven of them are still alive.

Jonathan was raised on the land and came to Gjoa Haven when there was SA国际影视传媒渏ust a little store and a couple of houses,SA国际影视传媒� says Bernice Tavalok, JonathanSA国际影视传媒檚 granddaughter.

Susie remembers being a young girl and watching him go off to work as a water, sewage and garbage truck driver for the growing hamlet and then coming home at the end of his shift. Most weekends he would take the family out on the land, she recalls.

Sometimes, as the weekend wound down, he would leave them at the family camp and he would return to town by himself to fulfill his work obligations. Then heSA国际影视传媒檇 come back to join his wife and children once again.

He was fond of storytelling, Susie says.

SA国际影视传媒淥nce he told us that while youSA国际影视传媒檙e growing up, you guys always have to listen to your parents and grandparents, what they say. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 when youSA国际影视传媒檒l have a long life,SA国际影视传媒� she says.

She also remembers him teaching her how to raise dogs as he had a team to supervise.

SA国际影视传媒淚 learned a lot from my dad growing up,SA国际影视传媒� she says.

Bernice recalls Jonathan telling her how to travel in the winter among the snow drifts, how to make a shelter with a snow knife and where to watch for strong currents.

Jonathan also served as an Anglican minister in Gjoa Haven for many years, until his vision deteriorated and he was no longer able to read, says Susie.

Today, he resides in a four-bedroom house surrounded by family members, other relatives coming and going throughout the day.

SA国际影视传媒淗eSA国际影视传媒檚 been telling us that he wants to watch his grandchildren and his daughters and sons. He says itSA国际影视传媒檚 better to be in his home,SA国际影视传媒� Susie says. SA国际影视传媒淗e has a lot of supportSA国际影视传媒� heSA国际影视传媒檚 happy watching his family.SA国际影视传媒�

Bernice says, SA国际影视传媒淗eSA国际影视传媒檚 a strong man. HeSA国际影视传媒檚 still trying to do stuff on his own today.SA国际影视传媒�

He still walks on his own and carries on a conversation in Inuktitut, she adds.

There were two celebrations held in HiqiniqSA国际影视传媒檚 honour recently. His family gathered at his home on his July 27th birthday. They indulged in a small feast and played party games. He was given lots of gifts.

SA国际影视传媒淲e know he doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 go out hunting anymore so we give him cups, water bottles, teapot, socks, sweaters, slippers,SA国际影视传媒� Susie says. SA国际影视传媒淓verybody had a fun time. It was nice to see a lot of people.SA国际影视传媒�

Then on July 29, a function was held at the community hall that included a traditional drum dance. Close to 60 people showed up, says Bernice.

SA国际影视传媒淗e really enjoyed that,SA国际影视传媒� Susie says.