Current ads
Jobs
Tenders
Notices
General

Click below

September 30, 2005

Nunavik needs houses, not marine infrastructure

Every time I go out berry picking, I always pass by the big sign near the sewage dump site near Inukjuak.

The sign says, “The realisation of the marine infrastructure project in the 14 Northern Villages of Nunavik, the Quebec Government participated in $44 million dollars for the project.”[sic]

It really makes me upset, because in Nunavik, we have a lack of housing, not a lack of marine infrastructure. Why not set up houses to rent in Nunavik? Due to the lack of housing in Nunavik, we are having major social problems with our own loved ones because we are crowded in our houses.

It’s not possible to have four adults in one three-bedroom house. It is destroying our relationships with our loved ones. I think the number one social problem is the lack of housing, because relatives are being enemies to each other.

And what is wrong with our marine infrastructure that is already there? Why do we need more when we are dealing with problems with our own relatives? Our politicians are not aware of our social problems, because they make a good living, never mind those ordinary people who are trying to be at home suffering from a lack of housing.

We as voters have a right to complain about what is not right and what is wrong. I can say this because I applied for a house to rent more than 10 years ago.

Another social problem is that when one is elected to be on a housing committee, his or her relative becomes the first priority to get a new house to rent when very few houses are built, never mind those who applied for a house to rent 10 to 20 years ago, and when their relatives get a new house to rent, the committee member resigns his position because they have taken advantage of their position. It’s true, they remove themselves when their relatives get a house.

We are told that Nunavik people have too many rent arrears, which is why the government cannot provide new houses. Living in a crowded house is not a healthy living mentally and physically. Lack of housing causes social problems, it can even lead you to think of committing suicide, violence, verbal abuse to loved ones.

Who can we turn to about these issues as voters and as beneficiaries? I just wish that $44 million were for houses to be built in Nunavik instead of marine infrastructure.

(Name witheld by request)
Inukjuak

September 30, 2005

Katrina catastrophe a warning for Nunavut

The current crisis in New Orleans serves as a warning to all northern communities during emergencies. An effort should be made to ensure the safety of each and every person living in these isolated places.

Individuals, as well as government departments, should take measures to provide adequate care should they become isolated for long periods during inclement weather.

This Arctic climate can at times become very unfriendly and cause terrible problems, such as the 10-day blizzard of 1978. Iqaluit was a much smaller place then, and was not spread out all over the place. During that storm, winds reached 100 km/h and the temperature was -40. It continued for 10 days without let-up but fortunately there was no loss of life.

Storms and blizzards are only some of the problems that can face an isolated community. Aircraft emergencies, power plant failures, major fires, etc. can all pose serious situations that could require evacuation of the entire community, whether it be Iqaluit or one of the many small villages in this region. The same storm of 1978 blew 21 houses away in Pangnirtung.

Without tried and tested programs in each community to deal with such emergencies, the risks are increased. All aspects of such measures should be published and made available to all residents in all communities, so that everyone is aware of his or her role in the event of a catastrophe.

Iqaluit has grown. Should a major storm occur, the residents in the Tundra Valley area, for example, would be at great risk. Those who rely on trucked service for water delivery and sewage pick-up would have a difficult time. There are no large buildings to which people could go for shelter.

All major buildings should be designated as emergency shelters, residents of the community made aware of them, and what shelter they could offer. Individuals would be well-advised to have an adequate supply of emergency rations in their home and perhaps a source of light and heat.

This Arctic land can be very unforgiving. Be prepared!

Bryan Pearson
Iqaluit

September 30, 2005

Thanks for supporting female hockey

A couple of weeks ago I attended the first ever all-female Hockey Skills Development Camp.

There were 26 other female players from Kugluktuk, Panniqtuq, Iqaluit, Igloolik, Cape Dorset and Arviat. These players gathered in Iqaluit with the help of First Air and Calm Air, and with funding from Hockey Nunavut, Sport Nunavut and the Iqaluit Amateur Hockey Association. Several participants, including me, took the coaching component that was also provided by Shannon Donovan and Trina Radcliffe from Hockey Canada.

There was even an inspiring pep talk on the various on- and off-ice opportunities for women in hockey. It was amazing to see so many young girls interested in the sport!

I would like to thank local businesses, including the Grind and Brew, Baffin Gas Bar, Northmart and Pizza Hut, all of which donated either food or beverages to keep the players energised.

Thanks also to the Frobisher Inn. City of Iqaluit and their arena staff, who kindly made themselves available on such a beautiful long weekend. And, finally, thanks to Mike Courtney and Robert Kavanaugh for their commitment, encouragement, and guidance.

With the kind of support seen above, I hope and expect to see a growing number of female hockey players in Nunavut this season and in the near future.

Laurie-Anne White
Iqaluit

September 30, 2005

Michel Petit was a tireless worker

We would like to bid farewell to Mr. Michel Petit, the director of social services in Cape Dorset, his lovely wife, Michelle, and their children, Jake and Tony.

Mr. Petit has tirelessly given his time to our community, and has worked harder than any director that we have come across. He will be missed.

We only hope that we may have learned a little bit of what seems to come naturally for him, to be kind and courteous, even in unforgiving situations or under fire.

We hope for you and your family all success, wealth and health, because you deserve it. And we hope the polar bears in Churchill respect you too.

From: R. Qavavau, N. Teevee, U. Samayualie, M. Oshoweetok, A. Aningmiuq, S. Suvega, and all the casual staff.
The Staff of Social Services
Cape Dorset

September 23, 2005

Nunavut’s gambling epidemic damages children

There is an epidemic going on within Nunavut that is harming the small children. The children themselves are unable to do anything about it.

However, the municipal governments, social workers and mental health workers certainly can do something about it if they really want to.

This is one definition I can find that seems to fit this sickness: “Addiction is an uncontrollable compulsion to repeat a behavior regardless of its negative consequences.”

This destructive behavior is gambling; whether it’s with cards or board games. Some mothers are out every single night playing cards, some are extremely aggressive in defending their habit and some children are completely neglected.

Just because you feed or clothe your child does not mean they’re looked after. They need their mothers to stimulate their minds, be taught about the land, the past, the history and most of all they would really like it if you involve yourself in their present. You leave it up to the teachers to teach your children everything, such as reading, doing math, physical education and you have to be paid something to speak in their schools.

Sometimes mothers will have the attitude of “children from the South are so much smarter than our children because they have the tools to be taught everything.” Guess what? You yourself have the tools also; you’re just playing the victim because of your addiction.

Municipal governments can tax the gambling houses and the social workers and the mental health workers can set up group self-help meetings for those who wish to seek help to stop their addictions. Don’t wait to be asked to do it, volunteer to start a self-help group.

I am sure the severe addicts can be sent down south for professional help, and send only the ones who are really ready for help so they don’t waste airfare by wanting to return right away. Perhaps the long-term consequences of you asking for help right now will result in less suicide within Nunavut.

If you want to quit gambling, don’t decide within yourself that you are going to do it by yourself — ask for help because you might not succeed on your own. Any gambling places should be taxed or licensed, whether it’s in the communities or in the boarding homes in the South.

I wish to remain anonymous because I have too many relatives who are gamblers and I can’t seem to connect to them like I used to before their gambling habit got too far out of hand. Besides Social Services being able to help you, there are also the places of worship where you will find solace when you feel helpless.

(Name withheld by request)
Winnipeg

September 23, 2005

Thank you from the youth of Kuujjuaq

I would like to extend a thank you, on behalf of the youth and The Uvikkait Dome, to the following businesses and organizations that have helped us out over the past year.

Without your support we would not have been as successful as we were and continue to be:

Northern Village of Kuujjuaq
Northern Store
Depanneur Newviq’vi
Air Inuit
Atai Air Charters
Nunavik Rotors
Auberge Kuujjuaq Inn
CKUJ FM Radio
Jaanimmarik School
Pitakallak School
First Air
Hydro Quebec
Kativik Regional Government
Makivik Corporation
Nunalituquait Ikajuqatigitut
Kativik Regional Police Force
Kuujjuamiut Inc.
Taqramiut Nipingat Inc.
CBC North
Tivi Galleries and Transport
Tullik Inc.
Kuujjuaq Recreation Committee
Taglin International
Black’s Embroidered Sportswear
Quality Suites Pointe Claire
Air Canada
Seaworld Adventure Park Orlando
Girl Guides of Canada
Boy Scouts of Canada
Johnny Brown’s Theatrical Supplies

Also, I would like to say thank you to all the parents for their continued support for all activities and fundraising efforts. Your encouragement and interest in your children help to keep the youth center functioning. Without you we would not have such successes in our youth.

Finally to all my staff and volunteers, without you we would not be able to open every day and have so much for our youth in Kuujjuaq. You are truly making a difference in their lives. Thank you so very much.

Jennifer Matchett
Youth Center Coordinator
Kuujjuaq

September 16, 2005

Inuit language authority already on the way

Recently, Mr. Peter Irniq wisely said that Nunavummiut need a language authority to oversee the protection and promotion of Inuktitut. I fully agree and I would like to describe the steps already taken to establish one.

Beginning in 2000, the Office of the Languages Commissioner began to develop recommendations for changes to the Official Languages Act and for the creation of an Inuit Language Protection Act. Since then, a cooperative working group has worked hard to develop the new legislation. This working group includes members from my office, the Department of Justice, the Department of Finance, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth, and from NTI.

The new Official Languages Act is now being drafted. This act will establish the Inuit language on equal terms with French and English as official languages of our territory. The Inuit Language Protection Act is also being developed by the working group. We expect to have these drafts finalized by 2006, at which time they will have to be passed by the Legislative Assembly.

The Inuit Language Protection Act will establish an Inuit Language Authority. The Inuit Language Authority will have the responsibility to develop and approve terminology, maintain and document historical terminology, standardize writing systems, address dialect issues, and develop policies to promote and protect the Inuit language throughout the territory. The ILA will also work with the GN to establish a system to qualify and certify interpreter/translators.

I want Nunavummiut to be assured that we are well on our way towards an Inuit Language Authority for Nunavut. I look forward to the very near future when it will be in place. Our languages are strong and vibrant, but we must work hard to keep them this way. Now is the time to speak our languages, to teach them to our children, to relearn them as adults, and to maintain our cultural heritage with commitment and pride.

Johnny PT Kusugak
Languages Commissioner of Nunavut

September 16, 2005

Jailbird decides to lead life right

Jail is a tough place to be in, especially when you don’t know how long you are going to be inside. It’s my first time and I have been in remand for nine months.

Remands mean I am waiting to see what is going to happen to me when I get to court. My lawyer says I’m facing three and a half years in jail.

What changes in this place? Nothing. When I hear people say “what’s up?” what answer do I expect? Same old, same old. When I wake up in the morning, what am I going to do? The same thing today as I did nine months ago.

I wish I never made that wrong choice I made. That’s all I think of, because even though I want to help my family by going out on the land and hunting or doing other things for them, I still have to serve my time. When I was free I had the chance to help other people, but I picked alcohol and drugs.

I used to be a friendly, easy-to-get-along-with guy until I started booze and drugs. It changes your life big-time but does it help you get back to that other person? In my experience — no. You might think that it takes away your anger, but it only ends up adding more anger to your heart after you find out how you acted when you were blacked out.

My parents told me a lot of times to stay away from drugs and liquor and not to hurt my common-law, but I never listened to their advice. That’s why I’m here. It hurts inside me that I’m in jail. Some people learn from their parents or friends or elders and some learn the hard way (and I mean the hard way). That’s how I had to learn.

I thank God for bringing me to a place where I could learn before I hurt someone else. I wanted my own way but my own way led me into jail. Now I am going to lead life right.

Jail is not the place to be in and I’m not joking about that. I am not coming back to this place because I already experienced it and it’s not the place for young people. I’ve never seen true happiness in here.

I ask myself why did I do such things to my common law? I see that I deserve to be here and I confessed to my parents and my common law’s parents that I deserve to be here. Even though I have changes, I have to accept what the court does to me.

Young people of Nunavut: listen to your parents and elders and you will live long and keep your freedom.

Please don’t follow my lifestyle. There are a lot of things you can do out there, but in prison you don’t do what you want to do. You can’t get the things you want. You get two telephone calls a day and two visits a week, but you get locked up three times every day. You have no choices.

Think about these things before committing a crime.

Chris N.
Baffin Correctional Centre

September 16, 2005

Official scores free flight for family

I’d like to thank Betty Anne Eaton and First Air for thinking about us by giving us tickets to the air show. I took my family there and we saw familiar faces from First Air. The food was great! The show was great especially the CF-18 Hornet, Wow! That was awesome! Loud, too.

I saw some Inuit patients there too and I think everyone who was at the Air Show enjoyed the day.

First Air treated us fine, I even had free parking!

Betty Anne, Qujannamiik!

Joanasie Akumalik
Director, Government and Public Relations
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

September 9, 2005

Suicide hurts

I just recently lost a sister to suicide this past summer, and believe me, it hurts like nothing else.

I am writing this letter directed at anyone who has thoughts of commiting suicide. Does it hurt to lose a friend? Does it hurt to lose a sibling? Does it hurt to lose a cousin?

I bet anyone reading this said yes to all those questions.

Please, please, stop with this suicide, which has been like a plague to the Inuit people over the last couple of decades.

If it hurts you to lose a friend or a loved one, just think of how other people will feel if you commit suicide. This is a serious situation and it needs to be addressed by our government, not just by using words.

Please, I beg of anyone, do something to stop the suicides!

Pilitsi Kingwatsiaq
Cape Dorset

Enook Petaulassie had unwavering faith

My family and I are also saddened by the passing of Enook Petaulassie of Cape Dorset this past August.

I first met Enook around 1967 in Churchill, Manitoba when we used to go to school there at Churchill Vocational Centre. It was a time when our generation had to leave home to get more schooling, since our local schools had limited grades to offer.

Being from so many communities, we didn't always get along. And of course we were all so young and naive too. I never saw Enook again for a while after my class of '69 graduated.

When I saw him again it was in the mid-1990s. It was then we were adults. He had become born-again Christian. He was very enthusiastic and happy in sharing his faith in Jesus as his personal Saviour.

I was struck by his simplistic approach in his faith. When we lived in Iqaluit for nine months I got to know him quite well. I was impressed by his unwavering faith all the time I knew him as a Christian. He used to share Jesus to me with tears in his eyes, at times thankful for the message of hope even after life.

We will miss him, his loving smile and rock solid faith in Jesus. He inspired me.

Rest in peace, Enook.

Larry Audlaluk
Grise Fiord

GN doesn't protect Inuit values

This is in regards to the Fair Practices Act complaint that I had filed.

I completely disagreed with the learned arbitrator's conclusion that what had happened to me was "bad human resource management". I am presently appealing the arbitrator's decision to the Nunavut Court of Justice.

The following is a brief summary and my personal thoughts about "my two fellow Inuit," Paul Okalik and David Omilgoitok.

In July, 2001, while employed with the Department of Health and Social Services in Kugluktuk, I became aware of a primary health care conference being organized by my co-worker under the direction of our immediate supervisor, Keith Best, the assistant deputy minister.

Of the 21 people who had been identified as participants to attend this PHCC, not a single person was an Inuk. I made my co-worker aware of this and said that this was wrong in this day and age of Nunavut's political development and demographic; she agreed and put my name on the list. However, on the next day my co-worker was directed by Keith Best to remove my name from the list of participants due to "cost constraints."

When I questioned my supervisors, Keith Best and Andrew Johnston, the deputy minister, through two letters, about the lack of Inuit involvement in matters fundamental to us, they chose not to respond. Instead of responding to my valid concerns, they chose to have Tom Thompson, the assistant deputy minister of Human Resources, terminate my transfer assignment without stating a single reason why and directing that I report back to my former position in Iqaluit.

In order for my supervisors to respond to my concerns, they would have had to review their value systems on Inuit involvement in matters of governance. They chose not to do this. My job was set up to try and actually increase the number of Inuit employees within the department. When the senior managers felt that no Inuit employee of H&SS was worthy of attending, they should have said to themselves that this situation is screaming for someone like myself to be intimately involved.

Eventually the GN's position, as eloquently stated by Tom Thompson for the termination of my TA, was that I was being "insubordinate" for questioning my supervisors. When I questioned Omilgoitok as to why he did not raise the same concerns as I, his immortal words were "that it would have been disrespectful to my colleagues." Omilgoitok's family has to two-by-four him upside the head to knock it into to him that he is an Inuk first before he is anything.

When I made Okalik aware that his henchmen were set on raping Inuit humanity, he chose not to respond by helping me, and by extension, all Inuit beneficiaries of Nunavut.

The analogy that comes to mind is that rather then rushing to my defense, Okalik and Omilgoitok helped my non-Inuit supervisors by pinning down my arms so that they could cut me down, as there was no way that they could get me to drop my pants and bend over forward for them. In celebration of cutting out a danger to their way of managing, it's as if Okalik and Omilgoitok dropped their pants, bent over forward and had their Inuit humanity happily screwed out of them by their non-Inuit colleagues.

The following statement is made not to appear boastful, arrogant or prideful, but to clearly show that I will always act when I see my fellow man in danger. I rightfully viewed my supervisor's reckless and discriminatory actions as being dangerous to the health and safety of my people.

During my relatively short years, I have helped save four lives with the assistance of other people; three in Kugluktuk and one in Yellowknife.

When my time on Earth is done and I am standing before my God to be judged, I want to be able to say that despite my many shortcomings and faults, when it mattered the most I was there to be counted.

Each time that Okalik and Omilgoitok look at their children and families, I want them to know that they helped non-Inuit cut someone down from their own Inuit family who would still give his life to help protect their precious ones.

Robert Ayalik
Iqaluit

Scot seeks old friends from Clyde and Pond

I worked at the Hudson Bay stores in Clyde River and Pond Inlet between 1981 and 1983 and have many fond memories of the towns and the people in them.

I have lost touch with most of the people I knew there and would be delighted if anyone who remembers me could email me at alxkerr@aol.com.

Sandy Kerr
Kennoway, Fife
Scotland

Thank you to Iqalungmiut for your hospitality

I would like to thank all the Iqalungmiut for all the wonderful welcome I had during my short stay there.

I would especially like to thank my brother, Josh, and his son, Oolai for making me feel welcomed into their home.

I would like to thank my brothers, Josephie and Inutsiaq, for it was great to finally see them. Also, I along with my siblings and friends would like to thank Christopher Groves for his help when we got stranded in the low-tide and he pulled us out with his truck.

It is people like him who help others when needed, even though they aren't asked, who make Iqaluit a great place to live and visit. Also, I would especially like to thank the elders who shared their food when Oolai and I visited them at their meeting place.

I saw the positive sides of Iqaluit being in Nunavut now and being the capital too and it's wonderful to see that the people are starting to help each other again. Of course, like everything new, there is bound to be growing pains and it's what you do with them that has positive effects in the long run.

Where there's criticism, let there be room for unity to correct them and gratitude. Take care of yourselves and each other as that is what makes Nunavut a unique place to be. Qujannamiik.

Annie Teemotee Mitsima
Yellowknife

Decentralization "a figment of someone's imagination"

I have read, with great concern, about the decentralizing of government jobs. The power company moved to Baker Lake.

Since this has happened, our lives have been miserable. Not only have rates skyrocketed, but continually, we get 48-hour disconnection notices for bills that are already paid.

Now, did you realize that every time you get a disconnection notice, you are charged $26.75 for them to issue the notice?

Given that you can pay your bill on the first of the month, at your local Northern store, or at the local power plant, it then takes up to two months (and that's being very generous) for the payment to finally show up on your bill.

What happens next? The disconnection notice and more charges.

When was the last time you called and tried to get your billing straightened out? It's next to impossible!

And the vicious circle goes round and round, with the charges piling up and nobody knowing what the hell is going on.

The next complaint I have is government housing. I live in Pangnirtung, and we have many, many government staff houses that have been sitting empty, some of three or four years. They are new and never lived in.

I want to know why they can't put some of the people on the housing list into this government housing. It's quite obvious that the idea of decentralization is a figment of someone's imagination. It doesn't work. People don't want to live here, for a variety or reasons. Just look at the WCB you wrote about two weeks ago.

Why are these houses empty? Why can't a "normal" person move into these houses? Wouldn't the government still get the rent paid through the housing association?

With the severe shortage of public housing, you would think that someone would take the initiative and get some of these people into them. After all, a government worker is no different than anyone else, except that they have the title of "government" as their employer.

Thank you for hearing me out. I would also ask that you withhold my name, as I work with all facets of people and companies.

(Name withheld by request)
Pangnirtung

Labour Day rally in Iqaluit

I'm writing on behalf of the unionized CBC employees in Nunavut and Nunavik who have been locked out by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for three weeks now, along with their 5,500 colleages across the country.

As many of you are aware, the two sides in this labour dispute are divided on the issue of contracting out. CBC senior management would like the option of hiring many future employees on a temporary or contract basis.

We the workers believe the reason that the CBC is a world-class public broadcaster is because people have full time jobs, health benefits and pension plans. Job security allows people to give their best at work, without worrying about being out of a job next week. And job security enables people to build careers and livelihoods while raising families and contributing to their communities.

We will properly and formally find a way to thank the countless people who have offered support to us. However I wanted to let you all know that those of us on that dusty picket line appreciate your help, your honks, the tasty treats and the kind words.

Your support keeps us going on days when it feels there's little to smile about.

As well, I wanted to invite the public to a rally to be held on Monday, Sept. 5.

It's Labour Day and we felt it would be appropriate to mark the day with friends and family. Join us in front of Nakasuk School, where we'll have hotdogs and door prizes.

Speakers will include Shona Barkley, the Vice President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, Jimmy Jacquard, the President of the Federation of Nunavut Teachers, and Maureen Doherty, the chair of the Public Service Alliance of Canada's Iqaluit Regional Women's Committee.

The event runs from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Labour Day. Hope you can join us.

Thanks again for the support.

Fiona Christensen
President
Iqaluit Local
Canadian Media Guild

NTI hopes CBC lockout ends soon

(This is a copy of letter sent to Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell.)

I am writing to you to express how much we as an organization rely on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Nunavut Tunngavik has been relying on CBC to let the beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement know what we are doing on their behalf.

Since the CBC employees have been locked out it has kept the beneficiaries in the dark as to the developments at NTI.

A few examples are the numerous press releases from NTI that have not been heard because of the lockout, as well as the most successful harvest of a bowhead whale since Inuit have been able to harvest bowheads.

There are a number of things that we have been doing since the lockout and it seems that we are forgotten, even though we are still working for the Inuit beneficiaries.

I would urge you, along with other MPs, to push the Prime Minister to end this lockout so that Inuit could be more informed on what is happening regionally as well as territory wide.

I thank you in advance of your reply and I hope that the lockout ends soon with the satisfaction of everyone involved.

Raymond Ningeocheak
2nd Vice President
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Thanks for your support

I would like to thank the gracious people of Kuujjuaq and beyond Kuujjuaq for their support and prayers when I and my family needed support.

My courageous, beautiful daughter Shirley Gordon Barrette passed away after a long battle with cancer. I would especially like to thank Jocelyn Barrett and Evie Mark for their ongoing support when they were sorely needed and for making my daughter's last days almost bearable.

She will be missed by her aunts, uncles, grandparents Lizzie and Sandy and Shirley's sister Kitty. I know we will miss her until it is the time to join her.

From the bottom of my heart thank-you everyone, if I have not mentioned all of you people who were there.

Louisa Gordon

Kuujjuaq

CamBay school teaches history of claim

I read with interest your article praising the efforts of Nunavut Sivuniksavut in promoting the land claim agreement "Land Claim goes into the history book," Aug. 26.

I wonder if I am the only person left with the impression that this subject is currently not covered in any Nunavut schools. In our community of Cambridge Bay, our students have been exposed to this agreement for many years.

Kilinik High School students have interviewed many major players in the negotiation process including the premier. We have read first person accounts, written letters to participants, and held a forum with local negotiators. I suspect that many other schools in Nunavut can say the same.

I look forward to receiving the new materials that will all be available soon and I guess we need to promote our school success more aggressively to receive the same kind of media attention. My students can already tell you why Nunavut Day is not on April 1. Can you?

Patti Bligh

Cambridge Bay

Miss World organizer thanks Fauna's supporters

I am writing to thank you for your support and encouragement of your 2005 Miss Nunavut, Fauna Kingdon of Iqaluit, who recently represented the territory at the 2005 Miss World Canada Contest in Toronto.

Unconditional support is an integral element on everyone's path towards success. The support of the residents of Iqaluit and all of Nunavut was greatly appreciated by Fauna and all of us at the Miss World Canada Contest.

As she indicated, Fauna was one of our top fundraisers in our "Beauty With A Purpose" competition, which raised valuable funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, our event's charity of choice.

Fauna made all of her family and friends proud by competing with distinction at our event this year. I will never forget her rendition of "O Canada" in English, French and Inuktitut.

One of our main goals for 2006 is to come to Iqaluit and hopefully hold a live stage show that will chose Miss Nunavut 2006, the territory's representative for our show next year.

We would love to put the wheels in motion on this project, and bring our reigning Miss World Canada, Ramona Amiri of Vancouver, to take part in the festivities. If you are interested in being involved as a contestant or as a sponsor, please do not hesitate to let me know at jimmy@missworldcanada.com, or to contact our Regional Director, Ashley Paniyuk-Dean, at miss_nunavut@hotmail.com.

We were blessed again this year with another outstanding representative of your beautiful territory. Congratulations, Fauna, on a wonderful job, and thank you again to the people of Nunavut for all of your support.

Jimmy Steele
Vice President and Contestant Coordinator
Miss World Canada Contest

Mom demands better care for Palluq Manning

I am writing in response to the dilemma that my son Palluq Manning is in.

As most people are aware, Palluq is a patient who requires regular dialysis treatment for his kidney failure, and he has been forced to relocate down south.

That in itself is difficult to deal with. But this was assuming that he was going to be taken care of down there, only now we found out that he's been left homeless, without adequate access to his ongoing requirement of extra hygienic care.

Not only does Palluq receive dialysis treatment, he also has to worry about keeping up with the colostomy bags that he has no choice but to purchase. On top of that, there's the transportation and meals to worry about.

It is only fair that this case be taken seriously. Most likely he's not going to be the last patient requiring long-term care.

I find it rather hard to understand why different regions in Nunavut treat their patients differently. I read an article in the news that patients requiring long-term care from the Keewatin are taken care of by the Government of Nunavut, and that is good to hear.

But what about Palluq and other future patients from the Baffin region? We, the relatives of Palluq Manning, demand that Palluq be given a secure place to call his home so that he can regain his independence and dignity.

In closing, on behalf of the Manning family and friends, I would like to personally thank the individuals and businesses who made donations and gave their time to help support Palluq for the short term.

A petition was signed by over 100 people to pledge their support for Palluq to get better care. Thank you all.

Annie E. Manning, C.M.
Cape Dorset

TOP

Advertising
Specs, rates,
& maps
Multi-paper
buying services
About the market
E-mail ad dept

More Information