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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