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June 24, 2005

Marijuana destroys Inuit culture?

It took only 25 years to eliminate our Inuit heritage because of marijuana. We are losing our tradition very fast because of marijuana.

People tend to praise marijuana as a herbal medicine. That may be so, but it certainly has eliminated the heritage we had as Inuit. We had a very strong tradition where parents taught about living in a land and where mothers taught children how to make traditional clothing.

All these are gone now because we are only facing our electric stoves to smoke our dope. I have abused this for a long time and I have gone nowhere because of it.

The whole damn north is addicted to marijuana. I can say 90 per cent of the north is stoned 24 hours a day. People have to realize that dope is no help at all to any nation, nor anyone else except those who supply the dope to the North.

We spend $40 to $60 a baggy for it, but we still don't give a damn because we enjoy it. Our politicians have to realize that the North is totally addicted to dope.

Please do not legalize marijuana in Canada, for the sake of our next generation, despite already losing 95 per cent of our heritage.

Name withheld by request
Inukjuak


June 17, 2005

Many good teachers smoke marijuana

On June 8, the Vancouver Sun published an article concerning the opinions of the mayor, Larry Campbell, on another study about legalizing weed.

Many of the mayor's arguments echo my thoughts about legalization and the clear advantages for us that legalization would create.

Of special note to me were his comments concerning educators. Some of Nunavut's best and most dedicated teachers are users of marijuana and I believe the legalization would have a positive affect in enhancing ability to explore the topic "openly."

I want the best for our young people and this is one of many "best" chances they deserve!

Ed deVries
Marijuana Party candidate
Iqaluit


June 17, 2005

Victor Mesher praised for Montreal feasts

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Victor Mesher, who for many years has made life more enjoyable for the Inuit community here in Montreal.

Victor has made it possible, by his great spirit and generosity to help us in getting together every month to enjoy country food, good music, good company, good old-fashioned Inuit games, great prizes and many many more activities. Families, children, old friends, new friends, strangers, the homeless, the working class and everyone else would come to this event in Lachine and sometimes in Dorval to celebrate each other and to feel the warmth of being together in the big city.

My children as well as many other children loved this event and would look forward to it with excitement, knowing that they would see their friends on this special night. So on that note I would like to say thank you once again to a very special individual who had the time and patience to bring all of us together through his hard work and determination in bringing the Inuit community together.

I would also like to express the great sadness I felt when I heard that May 28 would be the last event. This is a very big loss to our community and affects us all in many different ways. I feel a sense of loss for both me and my children and am quite sure others feel the same way.

Victor Mesher has put a tremendous amount of energy into this event for five years and 9 months, so Victor please accept my gratitude on behalf of the Montreal Inuit community. We love you very much!

Pitsiulala Lyta
Montreal


June 17, 2005

Happy about Thomas Berger's appointment

I was very happy to hear that the former Justice, Thomas Berger, would be the conciliator for the stalled negotiations on the Nunavut land claims implementation contract, which has been going through it's usually "stop-and-go" process since 2001.

I have the highest respect for Mr. Berger, since I've always recognised his contribution to the advancement of aboriginal rights in Canada since he handled the famous Calder case in 1973, which forced the Government of Canada to acknowledge that Inuit, Dene and Metis have aboriginal rights, which have to be recognized and respected in the Canadian Constitution.

The implementation contract is more than just extra funds being set aside for training and increasing the employment of Inuit within the Government of Nunavut and Canada, but a contract to fulfill the obligations that had been negotiated in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which was proclaimed in Kugluktuk on July 9, 1993 and is not only constitutionally protected, but was negotiated as a tool to put in place all the provisions of the NLCA to work for the Inuit and Nunavut.

If you really had the time to read both the NLCA and the implementation contract, you would see how much power the Inuit of Nunavut really have with the NLCA, together with the creation of the Nunavut government.

In short, the Nunavut settlement area would have more powers than any of the existing provinces, which none of the territories have at the moment.

I would encourage everyone to support this process, as it will give you, the Inuit, and residents of Nunavut, the real powers you may not know you have until you've had a chance to read both documents that complement each other. The real powers are there, and if both are implemented, it would wake up some eyes in Ottawa as to just how much more work we all still have to do to fully appreciate the benefits that we're all entitled to.

Hope you're all enjoying your spring out on the land.

Allen Maghagak
Ontario
okonak@sympatico.ca


June 17, 2005

Peter Katorkra's memory will live on

I would like to say how sorry I am about Peter Katorkra's death. I want to dedicate this letter to my friend and my mentor of Naujaat-Repulse Bay, who just died at the age of 74 years.

Growing up in beautiful Naujaat, I remember Peter very well. He was part of that group of Inuit who call Naujaat-Repulse Bay, heaven. My mother, Irene Katak, had Peter and I call each other, Piitauqatigiik - "those two who share the same name, Peter," so all my life I called Peter Piitauqatigiga.

In 1982 when Piitauqatigalu and I went to Barrow, Alaska, we joked around a lot; because that is what Inuit do. Our Alaskan brothers and sisters enjoyed our company, and during one of our trips to the flow-edge to look for arviit (bow heads), one of the Inupiat called us Naumiunahaa! I asked him what it meant, he said, it means you guys are "fun to have around, because you are humours."

Ever since then, each time Piitauqatigalu would see each other or talk to each other on the phone, we'd say "naumiunahaa". Each time, I would call him in Naujaat, his little daughter would tell him, "it's naumiunahaa."

Peter Katorkra was a man of great vision. His ancestry is from the Nattilik region of Nunavut, and he grew up in Arviligjuaq (Pelly Bay). He cared dearly about Inuit culture and language. We would talk a lot about how to keep and save both Inuit culture and language and how we both felt; we needed to promote Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.

Peter helped many people in Nunavut and in the South. He was often on CBC Radio during phone-in programs, whether talking about how to keep the Inuktitut language alive or how to be a search-and-rescuer. Peter chaired the Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal and that took him traveling between Naujaat-Repulse Bay and Ottawa. And he did a good job of it. Peter was also part of our delegation in July 1970 in Coppermine (Kugluktuk), when we first discussed aboriginal rights in Nunavut, Nunakput and Nunavik.

One of Peter's major accomplishments is Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. A few years ago, First Air asked me if I knew anyone who knew about building an Inuksuk and the meaning of Inuksuuit. I chose Peter and we went to Ottawa to build an Inuksuk for the Ottawa International Airport. Our Inuksuk is traditional and has a "window" to look through.

Using an age-old expression of the Nattilingmiut dialect, the words on the plaque read: "Ingilrattialhaalujjavuhi - May you have a pleasant and safe travel." The window on the Inuksuk faces where the planes land and take off. I will remember Piitauqatiga through the window of that Inuksuk at Ottawa International Airport.

Since its creation in 2000, Peter was also heavily involved in the Huqulajiit Committee (Drum Dancing Committee). Peter traveled to Talurjuaq, Ursuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven), and Kangiqsliniq (Rankin Inlet) to help celebrate life with drum dancing festivities.

Peter had many endless talents. Just by being there, you can tell he was an elder and was respected by those he met. The last meeting I attended with Peter was at the end of April in Kangiqsliniq where he was part of a delegation to contribute ideas on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to Heritage Canada.

He was successful in meeting his objectives. Peter's memory will live on for many years to come and no doubt, he will be greatly missed by Nunavummiut and Canadians whom he knew. Youth of today will benefit from Peter's traditional knowledge and his wisdom. You just need to follow his footprints.

Peter Irniq
Iqaluit


June 17, 2005

Bank customers beware

The other day, my mom, a customer for 30 odd years, went to the Royal Bank machine here in Iqaluit to take some money out of her account.

Her card would not work, therefore she went to the bank the next morning when they opened. The teller advised her that the account was on hold. When she asked why, their response was "you are deceased."

Now her being an elderly Inuk, she did not understand what they meant, therefore the teller replied to her and stated "You are dead." That was it, no help, no looking into it further, just "you're dead." The teller did not even offer to get advice from anyone else, such as supervisor.

Well, I called for the manager who authorizes these hold accounts, but unfortunately he or she was away on holidays so I talked to the corporate account manager to find out what happened to my mom's account and her pay cheque.

Her pay cheque was returned to the employer again without confirming with her employer whether or not she is still living and working. I wanted to know who signed or authorized the closure of her account and, not surprisingly, he could not look that up.

So customer beware, the bank has authority to close your account without notifying the active customer, family member or employer. They, according to the account manager, can close accounts at any time by "word of mouth," "newspaper" and not in writing - legally.

The account manager was kind enough to apologize for the inconvenience my mom had to endure.

Eegeesiak Family
Iqaluit


June 17, 2005

Welcome to Snotville

The current rumblings by a few individuals about having to live near a homeless shelter, and the subsequent comments about revisiting the city's general plan gave me an idea. One individual suggested that in future developments of a subdivision, the city should note future use of a said lot for instances such as this.

I have a better idea. The city when developing a new subdivision should allow for segregated lots entitled "Snotville."

With this exclusive society come higher taxes, and the development of Snotville would be borne entirely by the lot owners (of course, still leased and not owned).

As for the threat of an election, shucks, for those bold enough to show compassion and humility for the homeless, rest assured you three will definitely get my vote and I am sure countless others feel the same way.

Thank God, Iqalungmiut voted against privatization of lands.

Gideonie Joamie
Iqaluit


June 17, 2005

Crown guidelines rejected in appeal decision

Having sat through much of the recent sitting of the Court of Appeal, I was quite surprised to see the interpretation given to the court's decision in the appeal of the sexual assault case from Cambridge Bay. According to the Nunatsiaq News article, crown lawyer Marian Bryant said that "the case was significant because the judges established the minimum amount of time for such crimes in Nunavut."

Ms. Bryant certainly asked the court to provide such "guidelines." However, the three panel court clearly rejected the invitation.

In a unanimous, brief oral decision, the court stated that the Crown had requested a sentence of five years at the time of the sentencing. The sentence imposed was four years.

While at the lower end of the range, the sentence was not demonstrably unfit. Accordingly, the crown appeal of sentence was dismissed.

While I am quite accustomed to news articles that do not always accurately reflect court proceedings, such an obvious misunderstanding as this should not go uncorrected.

Susan Cooper
Chandler & Cooper
Iqaluit


June 17, 2005

NPC's problems must be solved within Nunavut, NTI says

Like Nunatsiaq News, NTI is very concerned by recent reports about problems at the Nunavut Planning Commission.

As of your newspaper's coverage last Friday, we are all now in possession of a great deal more by way of accusation, counter accusation, and rumour. Some basic facts, however, have yet to be reliably established.

In the years since the coming into force of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the NPC, and the Commissioners and staff who constitute it, have done valuable work on behalf of the people of Nunavut. Out of respect for that work, and out of fairness to the individuals involved, we should insist that judgements are well-grounded.

Your editorial begins with the observation that the problems of the NPC should not just be laid at the feet of the Minister of DIAND. NTI agrees.

The creation of a set of resource management boards for Nunavut through the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement - indeed, the creation of Nunavut itself - rests on the proposition that Inuit and other residents of Nunavut have the will to make tough decisions for ourselves and the courage to take responsibility for those decisions.

While the Minister of DIAND has a legitimate interest in ensuring, in cooperation with the Government of Nunavut and NTI, that public moneys are appropriately spent, it is up to those of us who live in Nunavut to show the primary initiative in acknowledging problems in our midst and in finding constructive solutions to those problems.

The effective operation of resource management boards is essential to the proper implementation of the NLCA. Effective operation means, among other things, boards operating with a high degree of independence, transparency, and efficiency, and their sustaining public confidence.

NTI firmly believes that the Chairman, board and staff of NPC has the ability to function on its own. Appropriately, if perhaps belatedly, a review of the NPC operations by outside consultants is now underway. In the short term, the most appropriate approach would be to await the completion of the report.

At that time, longer term solutions can then be weighed and adopted. The current Commissioners and staff of the NPC would best meet their responsibilities to the public by finding a way to work together to oversee the completion of that report.

Paul Kaludjak
President
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.


June 17, 2005

NPC security system installed before board crisis

I am writing in response to the articles and editorials about the Nunavut Planning Commission in the June 3 and June 10 editions of Nunatsiaq News.

You say that your stories are based on a "package of documents leaked to Nunatsiaq News."

Unfortunately, you appear to have received only part of the real story from a selection of documents. I cannot immediately provide you with the documents that would refute the allegations of wrongdoing, as that would go against board policies on confidentiality. I am sure that you would agree that it would be improper for the chair of the board to break the board's policies simply because it would be convenient.

I can, however, assure you that allegations of withholding information, refusing to call meetings, and any other allegations of wrongdoing are misguided and untrue. The proof will come out over the next few weeks as independent impartial contractors complete the annual financial audit and a management audit that has already been commissioned. Both of these documents will be publicly released, and will allow people to see for themselves that there is no impropriety at the commission.

With regard to the suspension with pay of the NPC's finance manager, the reasons for the suspension cannot be discussed without compromising the privacy of the person involved. I expect to make a more final determination on her future once I have reviewed the results of the financial audit.

The errors in your articles are numerous. For instance, you claim that "soon after, the locks are changed and a motion-detector system is installed at NPC's main office, in Cambridge Bay." The finance manager, who you cast as a person conspired against, was the person who had initiated the installation of a keyless entry system.

We do not claim that our board is perfect. All boards have their misunderstandings and disagreements at times. In the meantime, I would urge you, and other members of the public not to rush to judgments based on partial information.

My focus is on getting the board back to work. I hope and presume that is also the focus of the other board members.

Bob Lyall
Chairperson
Nunavut Planning Commission


June 17, 2005

Thank you for welcoming me

I came up here as a visitor and temporary resident, to see what professional opportunities could come my way. It definitely took courage to leave what is known to you and come to the tundra wilderness of the Arctic Circle.

Having been here for eight months I learned about life in Iqaluit, the land, culture and people.

I have to say it is definitely a tough life here. The winter is cold and dark and sometimes things are very boring. It is also beautiful, the land, the mountains, and the northern lights. The fresh air is none like any other. As well, your land is untouched. There is not the interruption of traffic, advertisements, and many people. It is open and vast.

One thing I have come to appreciate is the people of Iqaluit, the Inuit. I have to come to see how open, welcoming and honest you are. You are a friendly and wonderful people. You have something here that I don't feel is anywhere else in the world. As well, your people are like no other.

My stay is temporary. However, I have come to see that life can be full of surprises and unexpected turns. As well, one should not go to a land to just gain something and not give back to that land as well. This land has given me rest at a time when I needed it, insight, and reflection, and has opened my eyes. This land has tested my spirit, endurance and faith and I survived.

I hope as a substitute teacher I have given back to your land by inspiring your children in some way - reminding them they have opportunities and chances and are capable of just about anything. Remember, your people have survived the harshest weather and life for thousands of years. What are you not capable of?

I am aware that you have problems within the communities. I feel your people coming together and looking at the roots of the problems will be the surest way for change. I hope that with the problems, you do find your solutions and look at the many chances you have.

This letter is to say thank you for welcoming me. But not only for welcoming and being open to me but to the others who see the wealth and beauty of your land and people. I wish you all the best. Nakurmiik!

Meseret Gyesus
Iqaluit


June 17, 2005

RCMP shouldn't investigate itself

The letter, "Bossy bosses" by someone from Iqaluit in the May 27 issue, is right on in its criticism of Tagak Curley and his religious views.

I agree with the view that a politician's religious beliefs should not be forced into the public, and especially so, now that the same-sex law is finally giving breathing space to the sector of Inuit society that has been marginalized for so long; ever since we Inuit emerged ourselves in Christianity. As Inuit, we have been known to be tolerant of individual differences, a tradition so eloquently articulated in "Arnaasiaq...", by Karla Jessen Williamson, in Nunatsiaq's April 29, 2005 issue.

In the larger picture though, what I would like to press to "name withheld" is that his or her criticism of "Bossy Bosses" misses the entire point.

For one thing, Tagak Curley's views on religion are his, and it is up to the public to accept them or not. For another, I did not tell the RCMP what to do, and nor did I tell them to not conduct the investigation.

However, my criticism of the RCMP conducting an internal investigation into its killing of qimmiit is quite legitimate. Any police force investigating itself cannot be regarded as doing a proper investigation and it is sure that the Canadian population is in agreement with this. We should all be rolling our eyes about the Liberal government's decision to not conduct a proper public investigation headed by a judge. This type of investigation would at least be impartial to the RCMP point of view and to the Inuit point of view.

An impartial decision, which would prove to the government that the dog slaughter happened, would indeed make it necessary for the Liberal Government to act on the past wrongs the government did in the 1950s up to the 1970s. Namely, it would have to apologize to the Inuit and compensate them for the loss of their dogs. This is what we are aiming for, for the Inuit of Nunavik and Nunavut.

Pita Aatami
President
Makivik Corp.
Kuujjuaq


June 10, 2005

More attention should be focused on males

We read with interest the article titled "Two girls for every boy at GN" and the editorial "Where are the men?" (Nunatsiaq News, May 27) which highlighted the education and employment differences between males and females working for the Government of Nunavut. Education is known to be a major determinant of health, having an impact on many aspects of personal and community health.

The same issue of men's lack of participation became evident in a survey conducted for our discussion paper titled: "What Sculpture is to Soapstone, Education is to the Soul: Building the capacity of Inuit working in the health field." (www.naho.ca/inuit/english/soapstone_report.php)

The survey showed that male high school and post-secondary enrolment and graduation rates were much lower than for females. It is important that attention be focused on the reasons for this, in order to develop strategies for balance and positive change.

The Ajunnginiq Centre of the National Aboriginal Health Organization in Ottawa focuses on Inuit health-related issues. We are encouraging Inuit education in health careers, through initiatives like our discussion paper, and a related information and resource database entitled Qaigitsi. However, there must be a focus on strategies that engage males and ensure their successful participation.

We commend you for bringing public attention to this very important issue.

Tracy O'Hearn,
Director, Ajunnginiq Centre
National Aboriginal Health Organization
Ottawa


June 10, 2005

High school teachers don't choose scholarship winners

This is in response to the open letter to the minister of education that was published in Nunatsiaq News on June 3, 2005.

As a recipient of the Millennium Scholarship and a graduate of Inuksuk High School I am confused by the argument made in the open letter to the minister of education.

First of all, the faculty of the high school are not involved in the selection process. I have witnessed the efforts made by Sheila Levy and Bryon Doherty (among others) to encourage students to fill out applications for awards. At every meeting of graduates, Bryon Doherty and Sheila Levy would hand out applications. Students who chose not to attend such meetings would not get these applications, but the applications were always available in the school office, or Sheila Levy's office.

To say that there is not equal access to these scholarships is simply ridiculous and incredibly false. Perhaps the students who you spoke to about scholarship information are the students who never show up to graduate meetings and are the students who do not contribute to the efforts made by the rest of the graduating class.

It is wrong to place the blame for how scholarships are awarded on faculty of the high school. Scholarships are awarded to students who deserve them. The scholarships that you claim are being handed out to members of the high school faculty's children are awarded nationally, not only in Nunavut.

Perhaps it is necessary to actually go to the high school and ask students (those who attend school and the meetings of graduates) or teachers, to see how this process is completed before embarrassing those hard-working students who have rightfully been awarded scholarships.

The solution to this problem you have is to encourage the students you are concerned about to attend graduate meetings that are scheduled weekly. Also, these scholarships are not simply handed out to anyone. One who applies must meet the required criteria.

I feel your claims are entirely wrong and completely ill-researched. Have you looked to the student as part of the problem in not receiving a scholarship? Or is it in your interest to make it everyone else's fault?

Alex Solski
Inuksuk High School Graduate 2004
Iqaluit


June 10, 2005

Praise for Anglican Diocese of the Arctic

I would like to applaud the Anglican Arctic diocese's position on same-sex unions.

It is very apparent how northerners feel about same-sex unions and I am very encouraged by the fact that Anglican Church leaders are taking a moral stance on this issue in compliance with the Bible teachings as well as the majority of its congregation. There is hope yet in this world.

To be sure, there will be condemnation amongst the minority gay-rights movement. Is it not enough that they were granted civil marriage rights?

After all, the main purpose of their movement, in large part, was to be recognized and to gain access to government benefits as any other married couples. What pride? You don't see heterosexuals flaunting their lifestyles unabashedly in a public event.

Uqittuk Mark
Iqaluit


June 3 , 2005

Open Letter to the Minister of Education

I am a parent with a teenager attending Inuksuk High School. For the second time this year I have learned of a student in the High School receiving a very substantial scholarship for post-secondary education.

The interesting thing is that both of these students are the children of teachers at the school. This is not the first time I have heard of such large scholarships being awarded to the children of teachers, guidance counselors, principals, and otherwise employees of the Department of Education.

I feel that the public of Nunavut should all be aware of the process involved in competing for these scholarships. I have had two children graduate from Inuksuk High School and have seen very little information in respect to scholarships available. I have asked other students also and received the response that they too have received little information from the high school. How are students at the high school being made aware of these scholarships? Is the high school promoting these scholarships to all students without discrimination?

I feel that it is unfair that students of employees of the Department of Education should be the only ones to benefit from these scholarships. Parents of children attending the high school must be assured that all students have equal access to these scholarships.

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit



June 3, 2005

Marijuana candidate apologizes to Legion

I am writing to thank Nunatsiaq News for their interest in giving the Marijuana Party and, I guess, myself, space in the paper to speak to the people of Nunavut.

I feel I must apologise for a comment I made about some of the behaviour stemming from attendance at the Legion. The comment was not meant to offend, nor meant to slander the good work the Legion does, and the great many ways it and the people who frequent it contribute to our great community.

This whole marijuana debate has been going on forever and it's not gonna stop being a merry-go-round of shame and punishment to all of us until we get off!

Marijuana was here long before I was and it's gonna be here long after I am gone. So are we - the people of Nunavut - going to continue to feel shame and persecution? The people I know that use this herb recreationally are not criminals!

I guess I kinda think like this: "don't give me something to enjoy or help me and then shame me for doing just that!!" And please, please stop persecuting us as though we are criminals!!

Ed deVries
Marijuana Party candidate, Nunavut
Iqaluit


June 3, 2005

Calling all musicians!

This letter is directed at all of you musicians out there.

If you have a band or are just a single act, this is for your information. The Aqpik Jam committee is looking for new bands or acts, or if you just haven't been discovered yet

We are searching for bands or acts to invite to the upcoming tenth annual Aqpik Jam music festival in Kuujjuaq, Que.

If you would like to be invited, please send a demo to the address below:

Municipality of Kuujjuaq
Box 210
Kuujjuaq, Que. J0M 1C0
Attn: Aqpik Jam Committee
Phone: 1-819-964-2943
Fax: 1-819-964-2980

This will be our tenth anniversary, scheduled for Aug. 16-19, 2005. We are looking to have a great jam, so if you have a band, we want to hear from you.

Sammy Koneak
Aqpik Jam Committee Member
Kuujjuaq
skoneak@nvkuujjuaq.qc.ca


June 3, 2005

ITK supports Yupik bowhead hunt

To the people of Sivuqaq, Alaska:

First, as the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Canada's national Inuit organization, I would like to express deepest sympathy and pass on condolences on behalf of all Inuit in Canada for the tragedy that struck your community in April.

The Inuit of Canada and the Yupik of Alaska share common ancestry. Our language, our traditions, and our roots all share a common foundation. It was the tradition that Jason Nowpakahok was continuing that allowed my ancestors to move, thousands of years ago, from what is now Alaska east into what is now Nunavut. Without the bowhead whale, and the bountiful hunt it provides, the Inuit of Canada wouldn't be here today as we are. In fact, my home community of Repulse Bay, Nunavut is preparing for their own bowhead whale hunt this summer.

So when I read the comments made by Paul Watson and his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society regarding the accident, I shared your community's disbelief and outrage. I was also saddened that he attacked the tradition of passing on hunting knowledge to children so they can practice the old ways. It is imperative that we educate our children, to keep the traditions moving forward in time to their children and to the generations yet to come.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami publishes Inuktitut magazine, and I have a column on the back page where I can say my piece on any issue that is important to me. I was compelled to write about the tragedy in Sivuqaq, about the transfer of knowledge to our children, and the comments from Watson. But my space in the magazine is limited and I wanted to write this letter to the Yupik people of Sivuqaq to express my personal condolences, and the solidarity the Inuit of Canada feel with you in this trying time.

What happened in your community on April 27 was a tragedy. Watson couldn't see that, but the people of Sivuqaq can take solace in the fact that he is part of a small minority.

We - the Yupik, the Inuit, and other aboriginal peoples of the Arctic - cannot let the severely misguided comments from one fanatical man force us to abandon our ways. The future of our traditions, and the future of our children, depends on our resolve today.

Jose Kusugak
President
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami



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