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Nunavut language commission needed?

For a number of years now I have been quiet about the ever-increasing loss of the Inuktitut language.

Now I feel I must voice my convictions again; it is so important to keep the Inuksitutut language alive and write it accurately. In the past five years I have noticed an increase of misspelling in the Inuktitut language. An example is a notice that I ran across and it says: "Alilajuq uvunga ililugu - put the paper here."

I support the establishment of Uqausilirijiit Nunavutmi - Nunavut Language Commission. I believe that the work of the Nunavut Language Commission (NLC) could be similar to that of the French Language Commission that is located at the Sorbonne in France. In the 1990s, when I was deeply into advocating for the accuracy in spelling and use of Inuktitut, I got the idea that we could have a similar body to protect the Inuktitut language. NLCs would review the use of existing words, participate in the development of new words as they are required and determine the correct spellings. Its responsibility, would be to help save the Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun languages. The NLC might make a listing of traditional words that are no longer in every day use; they might also have a repository of names held by persons and the meaning of these names.

Traditional names of communities, rivers, and places on the land could be reviewed according to the local pronunciations and dialects. There is a lake called Imnaqtuuq (one with big cliffs) in Inuktitut, 100 miles from Naujaat, where my family and I used to caribou hunt, but it was misspelled and now called Imaqtuuq (has big water). What have we done to change it back to its original name?

Companies and government agencies who want to use Inuktitut words for their businesses or departments could consult with NLC to make sure their company or business name is accurately spelled and truly reflects the meaning they wish to give to it. I believe that this would help to ensure that our language stays alive and vibrant.

The notice that says, "alilajuq uvunga ililugu" is supposed to read, "get your prescriptions here" or "I&uarsautitaarvik". Our language is a simple language but it is very accurate in its descriptions. It has been like that since time immemorial and we have survived with it. We all must aim to preserve it like that, because it provides us with the knowledge of our past and it will be the strength for our future.

Peter Irniq
Iqaluit

Is road dust safe to breathe?

For the past several summers, I have often wondered if the dust we breathe and the same dust we suck in when it's spilled into our mouth (when it rains, I mean, for those of us who ride a four-wheeled vehicle) is safe.

I am sure there are professional medical people out there who could answer this question.

I would very much appreciate it if someone can answer this question. Thank you.

Jake Ikeperiar
Hall Beach

Chip-sealing on Apex road reduces dust

Thanks to the City of Iqaluit for their efforts on the Apex Road.

The dust problem is greatly reduced, as will the need for a grader to groom the road every day.

However, the huge amount of very expensive crushed rock now sitting on the shoulder has to be salvaged and used for other roads in great need of surfacing before the snow flies.

Another issue with the Apex and other roads throughout the community is the enthusiastic skill of the bulldozer operators in scraping every blade of grass, every other living thing on the side of the road, totally denuding this precious blanket of vegetation from our road side and further contributing to his already ugly community.

With a little effort and care, this city of ours could look a lot better than it does now.

Bryan Pearson
Iqaluit

Booze profiteers use charity to ease their consciences

I must say that I really do see the "great help" that the sale of booze gives the community, as was pointed out in the letter to the editor "Sale of booze helps community," by Bryan Pearson.

I see hoards of people staggering out of the Legion, Storehouse or any of the other watering holes, and then falling into a taxi for the umpteenth time in the month. I see a lot of money drunk every night by a lot of people. Many of these people have a problem with alcohol and cannot really afford to be there, but their money is so welcome at the local watering holes that they keep coming back night after night, drinking away their pay cheques.

I see their kids going hungry, without proper clothing and left unsupervised night after night so the parent or parents can go and "enjoy" themselves. I see women being abused physically or sexually by drunken boyfriends or husbands. I see elders being abused by their grown up children who want more money to go drinking.

I see young girls being sexually assaulted by drunken male relatives. I see men going to jail for the stupid things they did while drunk. I see the women's shelter full of abused women because it isn't safe at home anymore due to the drunken boyfriend or husband. I see people too hung over from the previous night's drinking to go to work.

Yes, indeed, the sale of booze really helps the community.

The donations to the food bank, the daycare, the fire department and the van for the women's shelter are merely done to help ease the conscience of those who rake in hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars from the sale of alcohol to people in Iqaluit.

They try to make themselves look like community benefactors when, in fact, they are a blight on the community. They prey on people's weakness and profit from it to the detriment of all in the community.

It is a disgusting shame to see what the sale of booze has done to our community.

I wish to have my name withheld as I work for the GN and do not wish to be berated or chastised in my workplace for my personal opinions and views.

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

Thank you from Miss Nunavut 2005

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many residents and local companies of Iqaluit for supporting me in the 2005 Miss World Canada competition in Toronto as the Miss Nunavut contestant this past month.

Many individuals and companies provided financial contributions towards the "Beauty with a Purpose" challenge by making charitable donations to the Canadian Cancer Society to help fund children's cancer research.

Under the guidelines of the contest, organized by the Miss World Canada organization, the contestant that raised the most money was fast-tracked to the Top 15 of the competition. Although I did not win this particular award, I was among the top five fundraisers and the only finalist from outside of British Columbia with a grand total of close to $3,000!

In addition to the financial contributions that were received, I also value the kind words of support and genuine encouragement from residents, co-workers, friends, and family members. Attending the 2005 Miss World Canada contest representing such a beautiful and unique territory has been a tremendous honor and something I will never forget. I am also grateful to Ashley Dean, the 2004 Miss Nunavut and regional director, for helping and encouraging me.

I recognize that my official sponsors helped to ensure that our territory was represented in the 2005 Miss World Canada competition. Canadian North was extremely generous and provided me with a return ticket to Ottawa. Not only am I grateful for the transportation, but also for the level of service, support and encouragement I received from both the management and airport staff. Although I know most Nunavummiut are aware of Canadian North's tremendous contributions to various events, individuals, and causes, I wanted to personally thank the organization for their sponsorship.

In addition to Canadian North and their amazing contribution, DJ Sensations also sponsored a significant portion of my experience. Claire and Stu Kennedy did not hesitate in providing funding on behalf of their company for my return airfare between Ottawa and Toronto, taxi fare, and hotel. Their generosity is greatly appreciated!

Once again, thank you for all of your support and good luck to all future Miss Nunavut contestants!

Fauna Kingdon
Miss Nunavut 2005

Remembering Enook Petaulassie

We were privileged to have Enook Petaulassie as a husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. We loved him dearly and we will miss him very much. We know and we're told by a lot of people that he was a kind and generous man. Dad will always be in our memories and our hearts.

We would like to thank Joe and Susie Baines, Pitseolala and Jimmy Manning, Rhoda and Pallaya Ezekiel, Aksatungua and Joamie Ashoona, Kanayuk Bell, Myra Kingwatsiak, Jane and Andrew Tagak, Mary and Ashevak Ezekiel, Quaraq and Mark Pitseolak, Layli Noble, Rebecca Hutchings, daycare in Cape Dorset, NTI, Department of Justice Canada, RCMP, Maliigarnik Tukisiniarvik, the people of Cape Dorset, Social Services, Co-op and Northern in Cape Dorset, and people in Nunavut and Nunavik for your prayers and support in our time of need after our great loss of Enook Petaulassie.

Thank you.
Annie and Peter Petaulassie, Kadla, John, Susan, Janice, and J.J. Tagak

My beloved brother, Matthew

This is the one and only poem I wrote to my beloved brother, Matthew Lapage.
We all miss him and will never forget his jokes. Here's my poem to all my family and friends everywhere:

Looking at the times we had Matt,
it is memorable great and funny,
I hope you had some time remembering that.
Although you're far away somewhere now,
you'll always be in our hearts,
and we'll meet again somehow.
Rest in peace my only brother, uncle and son,
may God have mercy on your soul,
our life without you has begun.
With endless love, your sisters, Connie and Erika.

Connie Lapage
Kuujjuaq

Thanks from Leah Qavavauq's family

Our mother, Leah Qavavauq died in Montreal on April 27, 2005, and it seemed impossible to carry out her last wish to be buried in Arctic Bay next to our late father, but the loving kindness of people who helped our family to get to Arctic Bay for our mother's funeral made it possible.

We would like to thank everyone who helped in fundraising as it was very important to be together during such a tragic time. It would have been impossible to have done that without the donations and the support we got from many people.

It seems too small to say thank you to everyone because it meant so much to all of us, to the people who donated and people who offered support and were there for us, thank you very much, and to the people of Arctic Bay for their never-ending kindness and support and to MLA Levi Barnabas and First Air who made sure my mother made it home to be buried in Arctic Bay.

Our deepest heart felt thanks to: Sheena Qaunaq, Hershie Enoogoo, Anna Qaunaq, Sakiasee and Martha Qaunaq, Tim Reid, Moses and Sipporah Oyukuluk, Rod and Geela Reid, Ron Elliot, Olayuk and Martha Naqitarvik, Bobby Levi, Irene Willie, Sherry McLean, Bill & Tabitha Hughes, Sandra Demcheson, David Kalluk, Joanasie Naqitarvik and family.

To the people in Iqaluit, Montreal and Ottawa: Rebekah Uqi Williams, Bev Tanner, Gilberte Racicot, Paula Massa, Karliin Aariak, Leesie Naqitarvik, Carol and David Akeeagok, Randy Miller, Annie Pisuktie in Montréal, Joanasie Akumalik, Lucy Qavavauq, Salome A. Qaunaq, Tocasie Burke, Tom Martin, Clare Daitch and family, Bo Brown, Cheryl Martin, Komangapik Ipirq and John Bens and family, Christine Bens, Wendy Bens, Jordon Bens, Annie Shappa, Tina Shappa, Ipeelee Shappa, June Shappa, Esigaitok Ipirq and family, and to those people who donated but didn't leave their names at the Royal Bank.

And to the following organizations: Arctic Bay Alcohol Education Committee, Whah Ayie Committee, Arctic Bay Anglican Vestry Group, Arctic Bay's Womens Auxilary, Arctic Bay Full Gospel Church, Ivaluvuut Woman's Group, Arctic Bay Youth Justice, Ikpiaryuk Services, Montreal Native Friendship Centre, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Taqqut Co-op, Atta Suvaguuq Radio Society, Arctic Bay Hunters & Trappers Organization, and the Public Trustees Office in Iqaluit.

From: Tapesa, Judy, Irene, Richard, Philip Jr.; Grandchildren: E.J., Samantha, Koonoo, Nicholas, Dave Ipirq, Richard Jr., Tanya, Scott, newborn Leah, Chadley, Nicole, Susanna, Brian; Great Grandchild: Troy.

Tocasie Burke
Iqaluit

Acknowledgement of thankfulness

On behalf of the Epoo family, I would like to thank all the people who came to my father's house when our mother left us on this Earth.

Thank you to those who called and to those who sent us sympathy cards as well as those who have been constantly praying for us. To those who might not have heard about my mother passing away, she died in the hospital in Puvirnituq on July 6, 2005.

I want to especially thank Caroline Ingersol, Annie and Danialli Aupaluk for always visiting my mother when she needed company during her stay. I also want to thank Miss Sallualuk for being with my daughter during my mother's passing away. Thank you also to Arnnait Ikajurtiiqataujut of Puvirnituq.

She was so beautiful and peaceful. For those of you who knew her, she always said "praise the Lord and dance for me when I go home. Don't be sad but rejoice, for I now I have overcome the hard life on this earth." And she certainly is right. She is not suffering anymore. We miss you very much my annaapik.

Thank you Nunatsiaq News for allowing us to have space to say what we needed to say. May God bless you all in Jesus's precious Name everyone. From Dad, eight children, 28 grand-children and 21 great-grandchildren.

Lizzie Epoo-York
Kuujjuaq

Women suffer too

Women suffer, too - I am Maryann Sheutiapik. Remember on Oct. 15, Kakkasie Mitsima died on me and my nine kids. We had seven in the house.

My life is hard. I miss him so much.

The Mitsima and Sheutiapik family and me would like to thank everyone for being so kind and for their sympathy and gratitude in our hard times of losing our loved one.

We would also like to thank the people of Iqaluit who kept bringing food to us, especially the elder who gave me a word of advice: to be strong.

But it is hard to be strong. I miss him so much. My goal is always drinking and drugs. I have to avoid the drinking, but this is so hard for me because I'm always scared and lonely. Why? Because he's not here right now.

I'm always scared and lonely, but somehow I have to stop drinking, but it's hard for me. I'm always sorry for myself - why? Because the late Kakkasie Mitsima is not here.

Sometimes I think he is going to come home form hunting, but he's not going to come home.

My wish is to stop the drinking and the drugs and have a new life, but this is hard for me!

Healing takes time after a loved one is not here.

I pray that I may have the faith to expect miracles. I pray that I may be used by God to help change the lives of others.

Maryann Sheutiapik
Iqaluit

Sale of booze helps community

Iqaluit City Councillor Glenn Williams should do his homework before making statements that will upset a lot of people. For many years, the residents of this community have benefited from the generosity of the service clubs.

The Royal Canadian Legion has donated the cadet hall, a very valuable asset to Iqaluit. The First Steps Daycare centre was founded by the Legion. Money went to the parish hall.

The BPO Elks have the hearing-impaired facilities in the schools. They have also made very generous donations to the Frobisher hospital. Even the city's own fire department has received money for equipment.

All of this is made possible by selling booze at the various clubs.

It's unfortunate that Mr. Williams' views are held by the other members of council.

When private agencies commit themselves to raising money for worthy causes, they should get as much support as possible from the city government.

We sincerely hope Mr. Williams will never be in need of food from the food bank. However, in the mean-time, we suggest that he think before he talks.

Bryan Pearson
Iqaluit

From America with love

Throughout my travels it has always amazed me: the warmth and hospitality brought forth by peoples and cultures, with Inuit culture, particularly the community of Clyde River, setting an even higher standard. On May 19, 2005, after reaching the summit of a beautiful unclimbed and unnamed 2300-foot sheer rock face in Baffin Island's Stewart Valley, I watched helplessly as my cousin and favorite climbing partner fell 700 feet to his death. It was the worst day of my life, one I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to forget and the years ahead always remembering.

It seems to be that the sweetest acts of kindness always come from tragedy. Truth to be, in the days that came after my worst, Clyde River demonstrated the best. I would personally like to thank everyone in Clyde for his and her warmth, kindness, and heart that was expressed upon my arrival from Stewart Valley. Walking through your community I was showered with words and gestures expressing your heartfelt sorrow and genuine sincerity. You demonstrated a deep regret for my loss and welcomed me into your homes for the much-needed comforts that one only can wish for during such a difficult time. You should all hold your heads high for you are an amazing community filled with incomparable benevolence and untainted compassion, one from which the world should set a standard.

I would especially like to thank Jake and Shari Gearheard for the much desired and amazing dinners which climbing expeditions usually lack. Your friendship expressed during a time I felt so lonely is one I will always cherish.

Corporal Randy Slawson and his wife Vera Saltzman for so willingly housing and feeding a tired, cold, and stinky climber. You both provided me with the comfort and solace that only parents could have given, Thank You.

Clyde River RCMP officer Eric Ootoovak, for all your help with the extraction of my cousin and myself from Sam Ford Fjord. My family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

I would lastly like to thank Levi Palituq and everyone involved with Palituq Outfitting for giving both Drew and myself the chance to live and do what we love in the land in which you live. It was climbing that brought us to Stewart Valley, but it was you who gave us the chance to live our dreams.

My cousin Drew Wilson died doing what he truly loved in a place he truly felt spectacular. After he fell, an all too familiar Arctic storm blew in carrying his soul onward towards his next life. Drew's last weeks were spent on the side of a beautiful unclimbed and unnamed mountain, one which he and I worked incredibly hard to summit. Before his death, we had decided to name the particular route Grin and Barrett (Barrett after the middle name we share) and grade it VI 5.11 A4-. Drew, our family and myself would be honoured if the same rock formation that took his life also took his name. We feel Will of Wilson Wall appropriate.

I left many emotions in Stewart Valley, which I hope to someday face again. From America with love, I send my heart and deepest thanks to the community of Clyde River. I look forward to the day we will see each other again and will always remember the great acts you demonstrated during such a difficult time of my life.

Deepest thanks,
Kyle Dempster

Proud to be born in generous Iqaluit

Having read through your paper the recent happenings regarding Palluq Manning I have a few comments to make.

I am apalled that no governmental bodies seem interested in helping a citizen receive the care and attention that he so obviously needs. It is disturbing to think that someone is suffering so needlessly because of bureaucrats who hide behind ridiculous policies and jargon hoping that these issues can be swept under the carpet and be forgotten.

I remember Palluq from my days in Iqaluit as a child. My father Brian often brought him to our home to visit and he was close to us all. I would like to extend my most heartfelt wishes to Palluq for him to receive the care he needs as soon as possible.

Despite having left Iqaluit as a seven-year-old, I still remember the town and the people and I am not at all surprised at the outpouring of help and support for Palluq. It makes me proud to have been born there.

Bahiya Lambert-Brew
Dublin, Ireland

Thank you to our ancestors

I've been comparing thoughts between two worlds: our great-grandparents, who lived in igloos and tents, and today's families who now live in modern homes.

I give great thanks to our ancestors for surviving the harsh winters, and hunting for survival like it was an employment, using tools to hunt from our land.

Today we have jobs to feed our families or to buy motors to go out on the land for spring-time hunting and camping. We are now accustomed to using rifles, boats, ski-doos, and quads.

Storytelling was done without books or pictures.

When I think about my ancestors and how much hardship they went through, like starvation, especially their little babies or children, I get a big lump in my throat, because they did not have any other source of food, when it wasn't available.

Today most babies are bottle-fed, even if the infant is with the natural parent. Our ancestors fed the infants broth when they adopted them.

They survived. That is why we are here today. Thank you to my anaana and ataata.

Haikilaq
Gjoa Haven

Health worker "flabbergasted" by Manning's plight

Bravo for your editorial on Palluq Manning (July 29) and bravo to Palluq for having the strength and courage to tell his story.

As a friend of Palluq I too have tried. I have written the Nunavut health minister twice and have received no replies. I have also contacted a minister in the Ontario government.

As a health care worker myself I am completely flabbergasted at this situation. No one should ever have to undergo this.

To me it sounds like a bureaucratic mess involving a young man's life. If Palluq decides to return to Nunavut his demise will rest with those who failed him.

I pray daily for him.

Kathy Morgan
New York City
morgan1@un.org

Teenagers need your help

I am a teenager. And I would like to say something about the young mothers and fathers.

The reason why most teenagers are young parents is because they have nothing to do. And most teenagers start to take drugs and alcohol at a young age. They also start smoking at about 12 years of age. That is a big problem.

Most teenagers have nothing to do most times, unless they have work or join activities. But not all teenagers have that. They need to keep themselves busy. But they also need help.

So I am wondering if the school gives enough effort to do this each year. They can have some teenagers go to elementary schools and do aftercare for the kids until about 5:00 p.m.

Or have the teenagers help with day-care. Or after school, have activities at the elementary schools for the kids to do. Or they can organize a homework club with middle school kids.

That way teenagers can help themselves gain confidence, and hope for them to be healthy again. Do you think the high school would do this? Or will they just ignore the idea?

Not only during the school year, but they should also have something for the summer and other school breaks. That way teenagers can have something to do besides taking drugs or alcohol. This is what the schools should do for the teenagers. They are the future for Nunavut. Teenagers need your help!

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

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