10 year old time capsule opened in Baker Lake, contents now on display

Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School (JASS) opened their 10 year old time capsule on April 10, 2019. The time capsule was created and sealed at the graduation ceremony in 2009. The contents of the capsule were filled by students from kindergarten to grade 12 at the time. The JASS 2009 graduating class entrusted the time capsule to the grade 2 class to be opened in their last year of school in April 2019.

Kimberly Aqigaaq, a member of the JASS Student Council, describes the event:

On April 10 in the JASS gym, the student council hosted the opening of the time capsule created in 2009 to celebrate Nunavut at 20. The event was open to the whole community.

Before the capsule was opened speeches were made by members of the community. The JASS principal, Chris Snow, mentioned how important it is to reflect on the last 20 years and where we are going. A member of the Baker Lake District Education Authority felt the excitement of what was inside the box. Former principal, Bill Cooper, summarized it by talking about how the event brought the community together.

There were various items in the box: a few of them included a pair of rubber boots, a CD full of pictures and a grad’s graduation jacket. There were also various class pictures and student memories. After everything was taken out we laid them out on tables in the school atrium for display. The community will be able to go see them until the end of April.

The event was a huge success bringing together the current JASS students and staff, JASS Alumni, and the community – all eager to see what was put in the box 10 years ago. The Hamlet of Baker Lake Wellness Committee helped out by financing the prizes for the event and the District Education Authority and Hamlet Council both sent representatives to speak at the event. The JASS cooking classes provide the cookies for the snacks.

JASS is hoping to refill the time capsule and put it back in its spot in the school main office for another 10 years.

(left to right) Rachel Tagoona-Tapatai and Rhoda Parker with their grade 2 class photo. Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School (JASS) opened their 10-year-old time capsule on April 10, 2019.

Photo credit: Department of Education