Top Left to right: Elisapee Ishulutak, Anita Kakee, Elisapi D. Aningmiuq (my mom), Lucy Kakee, Paul Gordon, Jason Sudlovenick (my husband), Mary Wilman. Middle: Miali Coley-Sudlovenick. Front left to right: Mark Ishulutak, Anika Coley-Sudlovenick, Okpik Coley-Sudlovenick, Sheepa Ishulutak, Jushua Ishulutak, Janet Merkosak. © Sandra Omik
Becoming a playwright by invitation
LIKE MOST OF MY UPBRINGING, it was a challenge for me to place myself in spaces I was not invited. Speaking from when I was not particularly aware of my own presence, I would feel that sometimes my mere existence was welcomed. It was the way someone would look at me with frowned eyebrows, glances or the movement in their lips. The unspoken awkward silence, the idea that perhaps not saying anything is the only way of saying something. There are often no words required to know if you are welcomed or not.
When I was young, my ambitions were high and vibrant. I had a desire to make big changes and felt the energy in my body could help me make it possible. My involvement was specifically around helping youth. It was where I felt accepted, because somehow, I related to young people who were also seeking acceptance. Working to build those connections meant learning about myself as an Inuk Jamaican, having grown up between so many viewpoints and expectations. I want to tell you about an example of how I have moved through some of those spaces in my personal journey.
My mother is my champion. She, like many Inuit in her generation, have seen a very high level of contrast in the worlds she has lived in.
I am Inuk. My mother is my champion. She, like many Inuit in her generation, have seen a very high level of contrast in the worlds she has lived in. Born in a family camp, to a skilled hunting father, leader, and provider among many, my Grandfather Davidee Uluakallak was a well respected man in his time. Having lost his previous wife, he married my namesake Mary (Miali) Murray. She had resisted the partnership at first, having lost two husbands previously, but the unity was blessed. My mother was 8 years old when her family took a trip to Frobisher Bay, with plans only to stay a short time. The family settled into the small community run by Qallunaat and always yearned to return to their camp Ukiallivilluuk.
Miali-Elise Coley-Sudlovenick. © Sandra Omik
I am Jamaican. My father immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 10. Having been surrounded by people who looked like him in Jamaica to becoming the only Black student in his classroom was a very big change. It was the desire to fit in that gave my dad the focus and determination to participate in anything relatively Canadian. Having joined the Boy Scouts of Canada, hockey, and eventually finding his passion in dance, Audley travelled North to work and eventually went to school to pursue his dance dreams.
What was it about me personally that has allowed me to share my experiences. I am not any better, nor am I any more talented. I have been fortunate with opportunities. Since I was young, I have been very curious and engaged in my surroundings. When I would get invited to partake in activities or gatherings, I would agree. I decided from a young age that being a part of something was important. I enjoyed 4 years with Girls Guides of Canada, played a number of sports and throughout my teens went out of my way to take on after‐school jobs.
When I think back, why me? What was it about me that allowed me opportunities, like the most recent one as a Playwright for Obsidian Theatre? I enjoyed writing to express my thoughts from early on. I have written journal after journal. I have enjoyed writing blogs and articles which made being invited that much more special. Perhaps my genuine interest in writing was recognized by others, so putting myself out there gave someone else the opportunity to invite me. An invitation requires thought and the extension to give and also to receive. The action of accepting an invitation requires understanding and response. I was able to write my first Play called “Blackberries,” which is available on CBC Gem in the series 21 Black Futures, all thanks to the invitation by Obsidian Theatre.
Coming from a background of family members who have been colonially oppressed, I have learned the importance of being invited. Being given an opportunity to equally sit among others is something we all need to experience. Whatever that might look like, be it invited to apply for a job, invited to a gathering, invited to speak, invited to listen, being invited is really a beautiful and necessary gift. I hope that when you are invited, that you see it as an opportunity, a chance to grow, learn and build towards the things that make you feel connected and included.
MialiElise ColeySudlovenick is born and raised in Iqaluit (formally known as Frobisher Bay). Miali loves to write, socialize, cook and spend time with her husband Jason and their two girls. Being Inuk and Jamaican challenges Miali to learn about her two different cultures. As an Inuktitut speaker, born to an Inuk mother, Miali takes pride in sharing her language in her daily life, through a podcast called Tusaavii?. Away from writing and spending time on the land, Miali has been nspired over the years to celebrate both of her cultural backgrounds. Inspired by being part Jamaican, Miali loves to see life through her Jamaican father and her relatives. In a world that questions her identity, Miali seeks to share her voice, while staying informed and creating opportunities in her community and beyond.
Jason & Miali Family with Traditiional Dress. © Frank Reardon
