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February 25, 2005

Friendship centre working hard in Montreal

In response to this article (Nunatsiaq News, Feb. 18), as an urban aboriginal person who lives in the city of Montreal, I think it is important to state a few facts that are not mentioned.

First of all, the memorial service which was at the centre of this article was organized by the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal (NFCM).

Secondly, in response to the words of Ms. Ida Labillois-Montour, I believe that she perhaps should do more research before stating claims about the urban aboriginal population of Montreal. I work for the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal and I know that there are a number of projects run by the NFCM in an attempt to address this need.

Projects like Hep C HIV/AIDS Outreach, Ka'wahse Street Patrol and the most recent addition, Montreal Urban Aboriginal Homelessness. The NFCM works tirelessly developing proposals for funding, identifying the gaps in service and attempting to meet the demand. All of these projects provide services to the urban aboriginals of Montreal.

More information on all of the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal's projects can be found on their website www.nfcm.org. The NFCM is providing services to over 1,200 urban aboriginal people and the NFCM is only seeing this number grow. As well, the NFCM works to create partnerships with other organizations to further answer the needs of the urban aboriginal. Currently the NFCM is working with the Heart of the City Centre, which recently opened by Cabot Square.

Partnerships with Medecin du Monde to bring onsite testing, vaccinations and information services to the urban aboriginals on the street and at-risk.

I feel sorry that Ms. Labillois-Montour so quickly dismisses the hard work that many of the homeless and at-risk for homelessness urban aboriginal people in Montreal have done to better themselves through the many projects offered by the aboriginal organizations in Montreal such as the EPOC Life skills training provided through the NFCM, and the Native Women's Shelter. The NFCM is currently finishing a seven-month life skills training program which has approximately 20 urban aboriginals ready to graduate at the end of March.

In addition, the NFCM will offer this program again in early fall and a further summer program to assist in job readiness. I believe the NFCM has taken a leadership role in addressing the issues of the urban aboriginal people. The NFCM is open and ready to provide information on current and future projects to any organization that requests it.

In conclusion I would like to invite Ida Labillois-Montour to visit the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal and learn about the services the NFCM offers and what the NFCM developing. The NFCM is always ready to partner and-or provide support with individuals or organizations to bring change to Montreal.

Celeste Hayward
Montreal

Editor's note: The above-mentioned article did not criticize the work of the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal, but rather, the rampant unjust social conditions that make that centre, along with other aboriginal friendship centers, so essential.

February 25, 2005

Thanks for your support

To family and friends of the Eegeesiaks and the Metuqs.

Thank you so much for the support we are receiving after the sudden death of our son, our brother, our cousin, our grandson, and our friend, Makibi. We are sure Makibi is impressed with all the fuss of flowers, food, visits and especially the hugs and kisses.

We hope this does not end all the countless visits his friends made to our home with Makibi. Your presence is comforting and reassures us that you are okay.

The Eegeesiak and Metuq families
Iqaluit

February 25, 2005

Arctic Bay resident thankful for GN visit

The residents of Arctic Bay just had a visit from Premier Paul Okalik, the Honorable David Simailak and the Honorable Peter Kilabuk.

I'm grateful that they took the time to come to Arctic Bay and listen to community concerns in regards to the closure of the Nanisivik Mine. I think this was the first visit of its kind that a premier and two ministers made to a community to listen to concerns.

In respect to that, I'm proud to say we have a unique government that is willing to work with the people. Some comments were that they were too late to visit, but I don't think so. We can't do much now with all the demolition of the buildings in Nanisivik, as the plans were to leave Nanisivik at its natural state, and we can only hope that there won't be any contaminants left behind once the clean-up is completed.

With the visit, I've come to realize how much our designated Inuit organizations have done for us here in Arctic Bay. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the agencies under QIA have provided available funds to communities that Arctic Bay has taken advantage of. For example, the funds we receive from Kakivak that are important to us are for: the youth friendship centre; the day care; small tools grants for carvers; and small business grants and loans.

Our youth committee receives support from the QIA, the hunter support program from NTI. There is so much more that the DIOs have done for our community that the government has not done.

You see, because we had Nanisivik, the government ignored Arctic Bay for many years. The government building in Arctic Bay was finally condemned last year as it was one of the first buildings built in Arctic Bay, so they renovated an old portable school and made it into a government building.

The infrastructure in Arctic Bay is old. There is no community hall, so the school gym is used for everything, and it is now too small for the whole community to fit in to.

The school closes down often due to problems with the sprinkler systems and the pipes, which freeze up. There are some public housing units that are so old that they reek of mould. That's why I think this was the perfect time for the government officials to visit Arctic Bay.

They have seen with their own eyes what we need, and I'm happy to hear that they will be setting aside money for a five-year capital plan geared towards Arctic Bay. Thank you for your visit. I hope you'll visit us again in five years.

Anna Qaunaq
Arctic Bay

February 25, 2005

Traditional? Says who?

Hi! Me again. I know it tends to get a tad redundant hearing the same people say the same things over and over again, but I get so much amusement value out of reactionary nattering trying to justify losing arguments that I just have to share.

On Feb. 11, you published a letter by Gord Nixon where he gives one of the more common excuses making the rounds these days when it comes to same-sex marriages: it's traditional and for making babies.

First, I really doubt Mr. Nixon will ever see this response, since his letter to Nunatsiaq News was merely one of the numerous, identical letters he spammed to newspapers across the country (I checked), so I rather doubt he reads many of the ones he sent it to.

Getting to the letter itself, well several things come to mind. The first is that it is factually wrong. Not, mind you, that people getting their knickers in a knot over the idea of same-sex marriage really worry to much about facts getting in the way. It's so much easier to be sure of your position when you don't let evil, contrary evidence get in the way.

Marriage has, in many cases, had reasons that had nothing to do with procreation. My late grandmother, after many years of being a widow, married a man she had fallen in love with when she was in her 70s. Procreation was obviously not a factor or a reason. Marriage has been used as a tool of diplomacy, as a business arrangement, as a way of committing crimes, as a way to cover up crimes. So please spare us the sanctimonious nonsense about how special and untouchable it is.

As for tradition, well, for quite a long time a woman who married became, essentially, the property of the husband. She couldn't own things separately from him, couldn't legally make decisions. She couldn't even protect herself in law if he sexually assaulted her.

I think most people these days, except perhaps the men who prefer the wife barefoot, pregnant and mute in the kitchen, are rather glad society moved past this traditional view.

Keith Morrison
Cambridge Bay

February 25, 2005

Family breakdown at the root of Nunavik's problems

I am aware of the overwhelming problems in the North, not just in Kuujjuaq, where it might be more polarized or noticeable in that community because alcohol is more readily available.

I don't care how many years of university degrees you have or how many millions of dollars the government pumps into Nunavik or how many hundreds of live radio shows we have with our leaders, I don't think it will help unless we as individuals do something about it.

I strongly believe the root of the problem is the breakdown of the family system. If a family is a strong unit I believe children will grow to be strong productive human beings. It is a basic foundation for all humans. If the foundation is not solid, everything else will be shaky.

Just one example: there are so many single-parent children growing up with a lot of difficulty. Single-parent children can mean also children growing up with two parents, but one who is emotionally unavailable. I have first-hand experience in this, since I have a child living with me alone. Yes, a lot of praying has helped me and my child go through from day to day plus a lot of support from my friends and my church family.

Vickie Okpik

Montreal

February 25, 2005

Kangirsuk raises funds for tsunami relief

The volunteers were Lucy Haukai and Elena Airo, who helped fundraise for tsunami relief.

They opened an account at the co-op as well as selling raffle tickets, and holding dollarama sales, etc.

On one night, Jan. 6, 2005, $1,009.72 was raised by selling raffle tickets, and the money was send to Oxfam Canada.

On Jan. 10, 2005 money was raised again in the amount of $3,687.94, which was senT to the Canadian Red Cross.

Organizations also donated:

• CNV of Kangirsuk sold raffle tickets for a ski-doo, $2083.80;
• Canadian Rangers sold raffle tickets, $170.00
• Landholding corporation donated a cheque, $250;
• Anglican church donated $552;
• IPL students raise money in a bingo game and gave 25 per cent, $120;
• The Kimattuutik women's group donated $200.

Some donated money through the co-op and some by personally giving cash.

Overall money that was raised was in the amount of $5,048.17 from the Kangirsuk Makitautik halfway house, donated money by Internet, and also the Northern store, which is collecting money for Tsunami relief.

Lucy Haukai and Elena Airo
Kangirsuk

February 25, 2005

Should cruise tours be a priority for Nunavut?

Your editorial last week (Feb. 18) on cruise ships raised some valid points. This is a tourism sector that brings very well-heeled travelers to Nunavut and has the potential to have a major economic impact.

The approach Makivik is taking, leasing their own ship, is new, but there has been work done with cruise ships before.

In the mid 1990s the then Baffin Tourism had established a cruise ship committee and was working with existing lines and the communities to determine ways the communities could reap a larger benefit from ships visiting communities.

Discussions were also underway with a company that would bring a cruise from the northeastern U.S. up past Newfoundland to Iqaluit. Iqaluit would be the end or start point of the cruise, much like Anchorage is for Alaskan cruises. This was a joint effort with the company, Newfoundland and Baffin at the time.

This effort was progressing nicely but over a few transitions at Nunavut Tourism, and changing priorities, it was dropped.

Ships coming into communities can bring dollars, but they can also bring havoc. There were instances in the 1990s where ships pulled into a community and the passengers were told it was a "living community" which they interpreted to mean a museum. This meant they walked into homes uninvited and thought everything was "staged" displays.

For any cruise enterprises to work effectively it has to be a partnership between the communities, tourism promoters and the cruise lines. Perhaps it is time that this again becomes a priority for Nunavut.

Colleen Dupuis
Peterborough, Ontario

February 25, 2005

Don't use javex!

In the Feb. 18, 2005 edition of the Nunatsiaq News a letter to the editor about using Javex and water as a mouth rinse to cure bad breath was printed. The use of Javex as a mouthwash to cure bad breath is a very dangerous thing to do. Javex is a corrosive chemical and can cause serious health effects if swallowed.

Javex (bleach) is a chlorine based chemical that if swallowed can cause: Burns, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shock, coma or death.

If you swallow bleach follow the first aid directions on the packaging and contact your health centre or physician immediately.

Chronic bad breath can be treated with good dental care and good oral hygiene. If you have concerns with chronic bad breath consult your dentist

Never use bleach as a mouthwash.

Dr. Geraldine Osborne
Associate Chief Medical Officer
Department of Health & Social Services

February 25, 2005

What about the victim?

The front page of your recent issue (Nunatsiaq News, Feb. 4, 2005) filled me with sadness, for the victim who probably suffered by the hand of a man depicted in color, free and smiling.

This subject could have been worth an article, but not such a tribute to a man, yes, not guilty unless convicted of such, but where doubts exist and, more important, criminal charges too.

Once again, the message sent to the victims is non-supportive. How would you react seeing your abuser in front of you, smiling at you as you try to sip your coffee, as you try to go on with your life? A little support for the victims would have been expected, to encourage them to talk and denounce with courage. No, that picture was too much, too late.

Mylene Lariviere
Kuujjuaq

February 25, 2005

Parents use teachers as punching bags

I am a school teacher and I am fed up being used as a punching bag.

Too many times, and too often, teachers and principals are abused by parents. The forms of abuse are verbal and physical or threats, or all of the above. We accept it because we have children to look after and educate.

I have observed children disagreeing amongst themselves. They say the most horrible things to each other. However, they will naturally forgive each other and solve their own problems.

As adults, we tend to hold grudges toward each other a lot longer, whereas kids forget their disagreements in a matter of minutes.

Children have their own culture. They are natural at fabricating their own stories; in fact they are famous for it.

Furthermore, some parents are famous for believing their children, word for word. For this reason, a parent fuming with rage confronts a teacher or a principal. Usually a parent makes a fool of himself after learning the real story.

And some kids are good at manipulating their parents and enjoy being a spectator while their mommy or daddy is dumping personal problems at school personnel. Children see, children learn.

This kind of behaviour is tolerated by many Nunavut educators. In reality, teachers and principals are such easy targets. We tolerate a lot. But our tolerance can only go so far.

Teach your child to be self-confident. Make them resilient. You can't fight their battles all the time. Otherwise, your child will grow up without adequate coping skills.

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

February 25, 2005

Cleaning up the neighbourhood

I wonder how residents of part of Iqaluit feel about having their own city administration describe their residential neighbourhood as "undesirable." (Nunatsiaq News, Feb. 18, 2005)

City council did right by refusing administration's request to sell their staff housing and centralize senior city manager accommodation in a new 10-plex in the attractive Lake subdivision.

You can be certain it would have been luxurious and expensive, and it would have completely removed senior staff from the workings of the community and some of the problems of its less-affluent areas. Perhaps it could have been called "Little Westmount."

Here are two better ideas:

Find some innovative ways to improve the neighbourhood in question. Paint it. Clean it. Spruce it up. Have some free recreational programs. Do something positive for the area.

Finally, follow your land claims obligations and hire and train local Inuit to fill these senior jobs that you want to recruit southerners for. Local Inuit need the jobs and have an entitlement to them. Hire local. And don't assume that qualified local people have their own housing - they usually don't - they're usually sharing in overcrowded conditions. Provide them the existing housing, wherever it is, as a staff benefit.

Kenn Harper
Iqaluit

February 25, 2005

Too many aboriginal people die in Montreal

The article about the deaths of aboriginal people in Montreal was very disturbing. Life in the big city far away from home appears good at first but in reality, the city is a scary place.

Alcohol, drugs, gambling facilities and prostitution are everywhere and it is sometimes very easy to end up in this vicious circle.

Aboriginals can be found almost every night at the many bars on St. Laurent just south of St. Catherine just a short walk from the native friendship centre. Maybe the native friendship centre should remain open during the evening when more people are in the area that can use their help. I have noticed an NFC patrol car in Montreal several times but what I believe is that they should send their staff into the bars to check-up on patrons.

We need to take action now before anyone else dies on these streets.

(Name withheld by request)
Montreal

February 25, 2005

Kangiqsujuaq teachers worked during school closure

Following the Jane George article that was published in your February 4, 2005 issue entitled "Attack on principal shuts Kangiqsujuaq school," we feel we have to set the record straight about a few facts.

First of all, it was mentioned that Arsaniq school closed down for three and a half days. That is false. We did not teach for three and a half days, but we worked, as everybody said: "like we never worked before." We had meetings to find the cause of all this violence, find ways to prevent it and make the school safer and happier for all concerned.

We created a student lounge, a time-out room, we washed away all the graffiti, we set up a security agent position, we developed a new code of conduct, a new good morning music system and many other novelties. On Jan. 17 in particular, we worked from 8:30 a.m. until almost midnight!

The other issue we have with the article is the emphasis you put on music. While it is true that music played some role in the specific incident that started it all, the issue at the root of violence is the lack of special education resources that the Kativik School Board is providing.

That is why we waited three days to meet with Kativik School Board representatives so we could ask them for funds to hire one special education teacher, since we presently have none, contrary to what was stated many times in the article. We also want to explain that after acknowledging our problem, the Kativik School Board sent us letters explaining that they could not help us with that demand.

We also feel it's important to point out that in its official news release about the educational council meeting in Kuujjuaq from Feb. 15 to 17, nowhere is it mentioned that teachers are invited. Shouldn't teachers be at the heart of "school success?"

We felt we had to make sure your readers understood exactly what we did and why we did it. We did a lot of good as a team and continue as a team. It is therefore as a team that we sign this letter.

Teachers of Arsaniq School
Kangiqsujuaq

Editor's note: If no teaching took place, and no child attended any class for three and a half days, then, as far as the public is concerned, the school closed. Our story is accurate on that point. And if there is an "emphasis" on music in the story, it is the school centre director, Mark Tertiluk who supplied us with it. When a school official organizes the burning of rap and heavy metal albums at an evangelical church, that's a news story anywhere in North America. Finally, we aren't responsible for the content of KSB new releases.

February 25, 2005

Justice? What justice?

Is it only in the north that this happens? Why? Who is responsible? I demand answers from those responsible as they are suppose to serve us citizens in this very important issue.

Are we to just stand there when someone commits murder? Of course not, but the courts are just doing exactly that in my opinion when sentences such as that are handed down!

Believe me or not, when I say that I am ashamed to be served by the system that is currently in place. Am I supposed to accept that a murderer only gets six years for literally executing another human after attempting to kill his own uncle and cousin a month prior to the murder he was able to commit?

And how long is this time shortened by his preventative custody and his so called "good behavior" during his sentence? Delays in the courts also are a major problem for victims and their families and a benefit for the victimizer themselves.

This allows so called "strategies" and ways to get out for the offender to get a lighter sentence. This system needs a big clean up and I mean big. We, the citizens must speak up before it happens to us.

I sure hope that the justice system acts soon before more people begin to feel that it is okay to kill or injure others. Because I feel that this is the message currently shown by the system.

(Name withheld by request)
Kuujjuaq

February 25, 2005

Inuit have hard time in university

I am glad that Nunavut health department is trying to help Inuit pursue the health professions.

Currently I am in upper-year university and I want to apply to medical school. I will have the privilige to apply this summer.

I am not sure if I will be accepted, because of low marks. The Government of Nunavut, especially the Department of Health and Social Services and Department of Education should review the education system of Nunavut.

Inuit students like me really have a hard time at university, I think if steps are taken it would be easier. Inuit students should really take advantage of this funding. Stay in school!

Robby Qammaniq
Peterborough, Ontario

February 18, 2005

Thank you from the Ittukallak family

My name is Annie Ittukallak from Puvirnituq. I am writing to say a big thank you with all my heart that the people helped us at the camp when my father Jackusi Ittukallak had a ski-doo accident on June 19, 2004.

If we were only the family that time at the camp, for sure my father would not have made it, but with the help from you guys he did make it and I want to say a big thank-you to all the staff at the hospital in Puvirnituq especially the doctors and the nurses and all the staff of Northern Module at Nunavik house in Montreal.

Right now my father isn’t supposed to be alive but God is a miracle, he gave him another life. I am so happy that I’m still going to have a father.

Thank you once again and God bless all of you.

Family of Jackusi Ittukallak
Puvirnituq, Nunavik

February 11, 2005

MLAs should keep religion out of politics

Mr. Curley, as one of your constituents here in Rankin, I am dismayed by the personal religious comments you made on Jan. 26, 2005 on a CBC North TV newscast.

As my elected representative (actually by acclamation) it was totally inappropriate of you to give your personal religious views speaking in the capacity of MLA for Rankin Inlet.

You represent all people in your riding. Not everyone shares your personal religious views. Religion and “state” must and should be kept separate in any government. Nunavut and Rankin Inlet are part of Canada and we Canadians pride ourselves on being a multicultural, tolerant society. This is why we have a Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Mr. Curley, again, Nunavut is part of Canada, no exceptions.

Last week saw the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz where one million Jewish men, women, and children, handicapped people, gypsies and, yes, homosexuals, were viewed as less than animals and were mass-murdered, tortured, experimented on, and worked to death by the Nazis during the second World War. This crime against humanity happened because the Nazis thought that they were a more superior people and race than the above-mentioned people.

It all started when one person started putting down another person who was different and thought themselves better than the other person in question. All the wars in the world are caused by the intolerance of people who do not share their race, culture, religion, and are envious of others’ resources. We are all human beings worthy of respect and tolerance. We are all beautiful in our own way. Have we not learned anything? Will we ever?

Johanne Coutu-Autut
Rankin Inlet

February 11, 2005

How was IQ incorporated in polar bear quota?

It is stated a few times that the new numbers for the overall territorial quotas have been determined by traditional knowledge, then it says in the figure caption that the numbers are based on scientific information.

Two questions come to mind:

a) How have the numbers been determined for the increase for clarification?

b) If traditional knowledge has been used, then how has it been incorporated?

I am sure that there are plenty of departments within the GN that are eager to try the incorporation of IQ into their activities, but have not quite found the appropriate means. If the Department of Environment “cracked” that code, I think it would be worthwhile to elaborate on that for us all in Nunavut, and possibly it would warrant another interesting article in Nunatsiaq News.

Markus Dyck
Iqaluit

February 11, 2005

Excellent MIT lecture by Ida Saunders

Her information and knowledge was impressive to say the least and Ms. Ida Saunders placed the Inuit in a very good light. I hope she comes back again next year for another interesting and informative lecture. Thank you!

Kevin Walker
Boston

February 11, 2005

Small community equals lots of nepotism

I live in a community in Nunavik of no more than 500 people. I have been living here since the relocation to this site.

I want to write and feel as if I have been heard. I am hoping this letter is going to make changes.

Our community has a low employment rate, lack of housing and a very high cost of living. Many of us depend on government assistance programs along with support from family and neighbours for meals.

We have children that go to school hungry.

At the same time, we seem to have nepotism among the council when it comes to getting a job and a house.

You do not get hired because of your credentials. You get hired because you are a family member of a councillor. The council is in a position of power to say who gets a job and who does not.

And then, when it comes to getting a house like the new ones built a few years ago in our community, if you are from the council, you are likely to get a house.

We now have new houses with no stairs, which I thought were good for physically challenged people, but these new houses went directly to families from the council. The families who really needed them did not get the houses.

What we do best is start to put down a person and start ganging up against a person or family.

It is easier to look at other people than to look at ourselves. We do not get to see the progress and the positive choices people have made for themselves.

I am full of questions. Does this kind of behavior only happen here? And what can we do to change our community into a positive leadership community?

Because if we keep fighting each other with our tongues firing back and forth at each other, we will never get anywhere, to where we all deserve to be, that is, living the way we all deserve to live.

We do have our young generation that get to see and hear what we say and do. I want them to be able to become autonomous, responsible people. At the same time, I know it takes more than an overnight change and it’s not easy.

I hope that whatever feedback I get from you readers will also change the way I think and believe to be the way it is to live in the community where I am from.

(Name withheld by request)
Inuk resident of a Nunavik community

February 11, 2005

Tsunami victim thanks Arctic fundraisers

Dear Students of the Arctic:

I have tears of joy in my eyes as I just finished reading the article “A Flood of Goodwill” by Jane George on the Nunatsiaq News web site.

I thank you for your love and compassion. The tsunami, at our end, has caused some irreparable damage to both human and natural life. The topography of the islands of all countries affected has changed. There remains a quiet disheartened affect of this natural force, innumerable orphans and further disruption of relations.

A natural calamity has a way of leaving things unanswered.

But nature has its own way of taking its course. And with the support of people like you, we stand up again and begin to rebuild what we can.

I thank you on behalf of all Indians — children and adults, young and old, for opening your young hearts to all of us.

Warmest wishes and deepest regards.

Devika Gamkhar
devikad@ndtv.com

February 11, 2005

Qikiqtarjuaq HTO member opposed to Masiliit Corp.

Despite the HTO’s argument that the Qikiqtarjuaq people are “not fighting the BFC,” the perception is clearly to the contrary.

I also feel bad about how the HTO is handling Masiliit in that the HTO is not protecting itself or Qikiqtarjuaq more by at the very least setting up this corporation with a lawyer of its own.

The HTO is letting the “mysterious” corporate partner to Masiliit handle all the legalities in this corporation without any public consultation or disclosures to the public.

What is the HTO hiding with this non-disclosure? What are they afraid of? Or are they afraid of what the public members of the HTO will do to the HTO board by not having a public consultation as to how the corporation will run? How can the HTO properly run Masiliit when they cannot even get an AGM together? What’s the rush in this corporation and why is it so important to announce it before its registration is complete or before the AGM?

Moreover, how can the HTO succesfully run Masiliit when they cannot even professionally address the “peace mission delegation,” composed of officials from NTI and BFC?

This recent meeting in Qikiqtarjuaq became very hostile and personal at its end, by the HTO members against members of the delegation.

As a result, Masiliit appears more so as being developed personally against the BFC rather than being a decision based solely on business, and professional merits. Where are all the business plans of the HTO substantiating this particular partnership?

Nunavummiut, I feel bad that Qikiqtarjuaq is moving in this direction without Nunavut’s full support and against the collective Nunavut fisheries objectives.

How can Qikiqtarjuaq say that they are proud of Nunavut, when the first chance they get they run away from it, as demonstrated by running away from the BFC?

Leslie Nukiwuak
Qikiqtarjuaq HTO Member

February 11, 2005

Traditional definition of marriage should be kept

Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was in force in 1999 when the House of Commons overwhelmingly approved (216-55) a Reform Party bill designating marriage to be the union of one man and one woman. At that time, the Liberal party, with its large majority, did not believe that this definition of traditional marriage violated the rights of homosexuals and lesbians.

Now, six years later, a Liberal minority government strongly believes that this traditional definition of marriage violates the rights of homosexuals and lesbians.

Why? No rights have been taken away from anyone. As the state has the power to authorize social benefits and also protect individual rights for any of its citizens, there is no need to change the law on marriage. This traditional structure of marriage — the union of one man and one woman — was designed to procreate, nurture and protect children. It is a structure shared by Canadians of different cultures and faiths and it has served Canada extremely well for countless years.

I have asked my representative in parliament, Aileen Carroll, to uphold marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

Gord Nixon
Barrie, Ontario

February 11, 2005

FANS strands man

My name is Tommy Owlijoot, I am a Nunavut student studying at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary. Before I became a student here, I was unemployed in Arviat, living on EI.

I decided to come down here because of its quality professional cooking and commercial courses. But I could not find my high school transcripts from Churchill Vocational Center which I left in 1970 to join the military as a cook. In fact, there’s no record anywhere to be found for those of us who spent our years at CVC in the ‘60s.

The College (SAIT) refused my application twice in as many years because I have no proof of my high school education. So I decided to apply for their Transition program at SAIT in order to study math, English and computers to meet the entrance requirements in cooking and baking this coming year, September 2005.

Because I am from Arviat, where FANS’ offices are, it was easy for me just to walk there and commence the process for a funding application, which one of their officials (Jesse Kaludjak at the time) approved. So here I am in Calgary.

I have been studying at SAIT for about a month now and to my surprise, no funds will be coming for my living expenses, because later on they found out I am in the wrong category for funding. The mistake is not mine. I came to study in good faith; I was not the one who made the mistake at FANS.

The latest communications I received from FANS this morning told me they will be seeking other avenues and departments to see if there are any funding sources for me, unless I want to explore the avenues myself.

I had frustrating e-mail communications with this GN department, FANS, over the past three weeks. Thank goodness I did not delete any of them. I feel this department has abandoned me after I got down here to study in Calgary.

This is a big city and I have no funding sources at the moment and I am getting a bit frustrated at FANS and how they handle me as if this whole mess was my idea and my doing. I am not being a cheapskate, I just don’t have funds to take me through my courses.

I wonder if I am the only one mad at FANS because of their refusal to admit their mistake.

Tommy Owlijoot
Calgary

February 11, 2005

The court system sucks

This is response to the sentencing that was just given to the young man who killed David Nowdlak.

I am so upset and embarrassed, even more then ever.

When I say I am embarrassed, I mean for us Inuit. It seems like we have been getting away with murder just because we are in Nunavut and not in the United States.

I say that because no matter what, even if you are a young offender, black, white etc., you should never get away with murder.

This is starting to show more and more that the court system in Iqaluit sucks.

This will hurt David Nowdlak’s family, or is already hurting them because the guy who killed him is going on with his life.

Something is very wrong with the courts to let this murderer get away with this, because now he thinks for sure that if he does kill again, he’ll know now that he can get away with it.

If his excuse was alcohol, the courts automatically should make sure he doesn’t ever drink alcohol again, because killing a human being is not a sport while intoxicated.

Anyway, I hope at least this guy will have enough sense not to ever touch alcohol or drugs after he gets out.

There was not enough jail time spent for this guy at all, and that is going to make other people think that it is okay to kill as you will only spend a little time in jail for it.

In six months, this killer is getting out. There is something very wrong with the justice system.

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

February 11, 2005

Make way for the Wack-Wacks

I was pondering on a new name for the Qallunaat and thought that we could more aptly be named “Wack-Wacks,” and here’s why.

It is a rare Qallunaat who can pronounce Inuktitut words and phrases, and especially names. Names like “Qaqqaq” become “Qwakwak”, and places like “Qikiqtarjuaq” become “Qwikitarjwak.” Another classic is “Ickalooit.”

Some of my Inuk friends often poke light fun at the Wack-Wack’s pronunciation of some of their words. It’s time to do away with the name Qallunaat; bushy eyebrows and big bellies does not describe the majority of the Qallunaat of today.

However, the sounds emanating from our mouths when trying to speak Inuktitut is Wack-Wack all the way.

Joe Boisvert
Iqaluit

February 11, 2005

Kuujjuaq needs professional help!

I want to say so much but it’s very hard since the topic is so painful. I want to talk about Kuujjuaq. I’ve lived there for many years and it has such beautiful land and many people who are very good people. It’s sad to have good people who want to help being ignored and harassed by the sick people who need help. It seems to be getting worse.

First of all, everyone knows all the social problems with drugs, alcohol, and abuse. It’s like there are different kinds of people in Kuujjuaq: the alcoholics, the ex-alcoholics who turn to religion, which is also an addiction, and there’s the people who quit drinking but have one big binge a year and make a fool of themselves. I mean not everyone, but the basic population.

This is a bad mix of people in a small village. Then, there’s racism and people who have power trips, I mean there’s so much to discuss. We need professional help!

The province of Quebec has the highest rate of suicide in the world because of Nunavik. People are getting eaten by dogs. People are beating on the ones they are supposed to love and protect. The system is corrupt.

There is something we are not doing obviously. The court system is extremely easy on Inuit offenders. Someone who committed attempted murder was let out and he killed, this happened twice now. I mean, are these judges doing what’s best for the people of Kuujjuaq?

Yes, the police help but is anything really getting better? There are programs for drug and alcohol abuse, but are they all really qualified to help? Many use religion to help drug abuse, but what if you are not religious? You still want help and counselling.

Yes, praying may help but what really helps is speaking up and getting involved. Are Kuujjuaq and Nunavik leaders giving their all? Are they trying and fighting so hard that they become emotionally involved? I don’t know.

Doesn’t it make you sick to your stomach when you hear someone committed suicide again or someone was murdered or found dead in a ditch? It is not normal. Most people who live in civilised societies have never known someone who was murdered or committed suicide.

In Nunavik, every person has a friend or a loved one who committed suicide or died in some tragic way. The thing is, a lot of people are getting used to bad news. When something bad happens, it doesn’t seem as shocking any more. Seems to be becoming part of life up north.

Over my lifetime, as an example, around 50 people I knew personally, passed away, and not by natural causes. Maybe we can’t do it as a community, maybe we need a lot of professional assistance, people with university degrees, not just someone who’s uneducated and who needs a job. We need to take these problems to the highest level possible. Do you want your children to be murderers or to be suicidal or to get killed or to drunk drive or beat up their loved ones? Nobody wants that.

Maybe we should have live radio with our leaders on the air for questions and comments once a month or something. The public needs to know what is going on in their town and what is being done. Maybe this will be a good start to a better life in Kuujjuaq and Nunavik. Thank you for listening and I hope we can all do our part in making our small villages more safe, happy, and brighter.

(Name withheld by request)
Kuujjuaq

February 11, 2005

Musicians: be aware of copyright issues

I would like to clarify that we Inuit probably do not understand much about copyright music. There are a number of occasions when APTN or CBC North Radio play music that is copyright protected, and it is hard to know whether the musicians ever asked permission to copy their music.

Once the music is copied without the consent of the original musician, the companies that air the music or the musicians are usually sued by the original musicians, so therefore, we have to be very careful whether it is copied without the consent of the original artists.

It is a number of times that I have heard of Smilin’ Johnny’s music sung by Mr. Charlie Panigoniak, titled “Aikiiwanna,” and the lyrics are changed to Inuktitut. Another song is “Jambalaya,” sung by a lady with Inuktitut versions, and I am sure there are others we have to be careful of. Just to be on a safe side. Thank you.

Charlie Kowcharlie
Inukjuak

February 11, 2005

A consumer of Arctic news

Nunatsiaq News’ web site is a very informative place for some southerners like myself, to be aware of the goals of the northern peoples.

I am mostly generally interested in the culture and nature of this vast country of ours. It is rare in Canada to find a site of this magnitude, perhaps it has made a precedent. Thank you for the many stories and news on the Arctic situation.

Alex Bartolo
alexbartolo@msn.com

February 4, 2005

City lawyer clarifies lottery licencing in Iqaluit

Thank you for your balanced and thoughtful editorial of Jan. 14, 2005. Unfortunately, it raises many large issues that are beyond the scope of the City of Iqaluit's responsibilities under their lottery licensing bylaw.

As the City's solicitor, I shall confine my remarks to making a few clarifications.

First, the GN does not get municipalities to do their bingo licensing work for them. In most communities, license applicants must still go through the GN. There are approximately a dozen communities, including Iqaluit, who have had licensing authority delegated to them by territorial regulation. In Iqaluit, that means the territorial Lotteries Act no longer applies and City bylaws are the law.

City council and administration must apply the law as it is written. They cannot make subjective decisions based on the potential long-range impact to the entire territorial justice system, nor can they canvas numerous justice groups in coming to their decision.

They can only apply the rules as they are set down in the bylaw and examine the materials submitted to them by any license applicant, not just the John Howard Society of Nunavut.

One last point: the editorial states that the JHSN is a charity, but that is not true. JHSN is not registered with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, the only organization in the country that can confer charitable status. It is a territorial not-for-profit organization, but that is not the same as being a charity.

Thank you for the opportunity to offer these clarifications.

Karen Lajoie
Barrister & Solicitor
Peterson, Stang & Malakoe
Yellowknife

Nunavut needs permanent resident pediatrician

Pediatric residents complain about having to come to Iqaluit. ("Doctors' newspaper paints unattractive portrait of Nunavut," Nunatsiaq News, Jan. 21) As a parent, I don't want them here. We need a permanent pediatrician.

When young children have to be taken in to see the pediatric resident, provided there is one at the time, we have to deal with a different person each time. And each time we have to go through the same spiel of giving patient history.

Once this is done, the follow up care is poor, because one resident doesn't know what the previous resident has done, even with a file in front of them.

As for their living conditions, doctors should remember that they are coming to work in a territory that is, in many ways, akin to a Third World country. If they want to live in luxury, they should pay for it, not us.

Like so many transient government workers, the doctors appear to just want to make their fortune and run without contributing to the improvement of health care in the community.

With the high turnover rate of doctors, it feels like a cattle call when it comes time to see the doctor. I know the doctor I see one week will not be the same one I see the next time I go, so why bother establishing a good doctor-patient relationship?

Recently, I learned that five years worth of different doctors consistently failed to read a simple thyroid function test correctly. It took Dr. Stubbing to notice that I've been on the wrong dose of medication for all those years.

Thank goodness for caring, long-term doctors like Dr. Stubbing. He is the kind of general practitioner that we need. Other doctors should aspire to the dedication and commitment he has shown Nunavummiut.

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

We're longlining, not trawling, Nattivak says

We thought that the article that was written in the January 28 Nunatsiaq News was very good and very accurate except for one point.

Qikiqtarjuaq is not planning to fish with a factory freezer trawler but with a longline factory freezer vessel.

We understand this oversight as many people have made this mistake in the past, but we thought we should correct it as it is a major difference in the fishing approach between the community and the BFC.

There is a world of difference between the two fishing types. It is the Baffin Fisheries Coalition that is fishing and continues to fish with large factory freezer trawlers that are taking up to 30 tonnes a day of turbot in the waters just outside our community. Last year these vessels were allowed by DFO to take over two times the legal amount of small fish. With longliners, we will only take five to six tonnes a day of the more mature fish.

This is better for the environment and will allow us to have a healthy and sustainable fishery for years to come. We feel it is unfortunate that NTI, the Nunavut government and DFO support the BFC plan, but we have received support and encouragement from other communities for our plans and we are moving quickly ahead.

Also, as you know, Qikiqtarjuaq has 80 to 90 per cent unemployment and the BFC trawlers have only employed a few Inuit to date and have provided only a few jobs for our community. Some of our fishermen have said that they do not like working on BFC boats, have not been paid on time, and that they are not going to work on them in the future. Our boats will have mostly Inuit crew - 25 to 30 from our community - and will have the kind of work and cultural environment that we are used to.

We are not against the BFC, but when they and NTI came to Qikiqtarjuaq on Jan. 19, their goal was to get us to re-join the BFC and allow them to fish our 0B quota with their trawlers.

When the BFC was formed, they promised that they would be fishing only 60 per cent of their quota with trawlers and the remainder with longliners. At the Jan. 19 meeting, they said that last year they fished most of their quota (96 per cent) with trawlers and only 4 per cent with longliner or gill net vessels. In 2002, they said they fished 67 per cent of their quota with trawlers and 33 per cent with longline vessels, so it appears that their fixed-gear strategy is going down and their trawler strategy is increasing dramatically.

This is why we feel we must move now with our own longliner, because if this keeps up, the turbot will go the way of the cod fish down south.

Their eight stated BFC objectives at the Jan. 19 meeting also did not mention longline vessels, so the impression was that this has gone away and that they are favouring the factory freezer trawler vessel approach, but this may have been an oversight on their part and we do not want to speak for them, so maybe we shouldn't be so critical on this point. They should be the ones answering this.

This is our fish and Inuit need to protect them from interests like the BFC who want to take as much as they can and leave us eventually with nothing. Sadly, this has been the history for Inuit for years and we need to take a stand and stop it now, so we are going fishing with our own boat that will be able to bring in the much-needed dollars and jobs for years to come without ruining the fishing grounds.

We have had to get our own licence because the NWMB has given the Nunavut groundfish licence to the BFC, which now only allows the BFC to fish our 0B quota. This licence will also allow Inuit to fish in waters that have not been open to Nunavut before, so we feel that we are doing something for all of Nunavut. Our licence is a Canadian-wide licence, which is unique to Nunavut.

We do realize that the BFC is trying to get a big business started, and we wish them luck, but we do not want to be part of their plans, which could ruin Inuit fishing grounds forever. We hope that the BFC changes their strategy and leaves some fish for Inuit before it's too late.

Koalie Kooneeliusie
Chairman
Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Association
Qikiqtarjuaq

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