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March 31, 2006

Farewell from Victor Mesher

I am writing this letter to offer thanks to all those who have called and wished me well in the future given my abrupt departure from employment with Makivik Corp.

Given the unceremonious release, I apologize for not having known of the impending situation to those who showed concern for my situation and have offered words of encouragement. Unfortunately at this time, I feel the questions some of you who have contacted me about are possibly better left answered in a different forum at a different time.

I would rather take this time to recognize all who I have worked with in nearly 20 years with the corporation. This list would include past and present Makivik Corp. directors of the board, the mayors of the Nunavik communities, as well as many of their councilors and employees.

In a further attempt not to seem too nebbish, I would also like to mention the many people who have helped with the creation of, and nearly seven years of aid afforded to, the Association of Montreal Inuit.

There are far too many individuals to name, but I would have at the top of the list the Anglican Church organizations, both within and without Nunavik, but most importantly, Bishop Barry Clarke of Montreal. Of course, I will always remember the dozens and dozens of volunteers who have helped organize the 70 plus gatherings AMI had organized in the past.

I guess my final words are for all the people of Nunavik and Nunavut that I have come in contact with over my many years of service. It was a great pleasure to have been given the opportunity to work on your behalf and earn your respect through actions and achievements. My prayers and thoughts will be with you always.

Victor Mesher
Montreal

March 31, 2006

Fremantle a tough act to follow

With the departure of Ian Freemantle from the helm of the administration at the city of Iqaluit, perhaps the Iqaluit Homeowners’ Association may now find a meaningful role.

Instead of second guessing our elected council on issues that frequently were initiated in the past, grumbling about efforts to provide recreation facilities for our children and spending huge amounts of energy trying to become external bean counters, I hope the movers and shakers in the homeowners’ association will come forward with positive and effective suggestions to assist council in the recruitment and selection of a new chief administrative officer for the city.

I, for one ratepayer, will miss Ian at the city offices. I believe that we will be hard pressed to find a replacement willing to carry on as straightforward, strong advisory role as he has demonstrated for the past several years.

T. Bert Rose
Iqaluit

March 31, 2006

Thanks to Atii Fitness volunteers

On behalf of the members who enjoy the Atii Fitness Centre, I want to thank every one of the instructors and board members who put so much time and energy into our community gym.

Through your commitment and dedication, you have given us the opportunity to improve our lives by becoming more physically active. We truly appreciate all that you have given to the centre. Nakurmik.

Wende Tulk
Iqaluit

March 31, 2006

Who’s writing all the letters?

I would like Nunatsiaq News to implement a policy regarding letters whose authors wish to be unnamed.

This is like reading a petition with no names... Sure it affects somebody, but without the signature, it is like listening to hearsay or gossip. That is how I read these letters — good informational items with no consequences, or to put it succinctly for the electronic crowd, spam!

Malachi Arreak
Pond Inlet

March 31, 2006

Isuarsivik treatment centre on road to recovery

As many readers of Nunatsiaq News are aware, Isuarsivik Treatment Centre in Kuujjuaq was closed down last fall and has been going through a period of transition (transformation) ever since.

We are in the process of reorganizing our services, to better meet the needs of clients and we have begun to restaff the centre, starting with the hiring of a new executive director.

The board of directors has been meeting weekly and has:

• conducted an extensive operational review of all aspects of the treatment centre;
• formed a task force on how to best implement the recommendations of this review;
• hired an Inuit consultant to help us with the program, especially the Inuit-Inuttitut language components;
• researched ways to certify the Inuit counselors;
• undergone training;
• begun the process of hiring an executive director;
• and will hire a senior counselor/clinical supervisor and some new counselors in early spring.

As Isuarsivik is an independent, non-profit, community-based organization, board members have also been continuously fundraising.

A timeline has been set for the hiring and training of the remaining staff. An important component of the centre’s program is the development of qualified and skilled counselors, who will guide participants through addiction recovery, group therapy, role-playing, psycho-drama, men’s and women’s group counseling, individual counseling, and physical activities.

We are considering extending the treatment program to six weeks from the current 28 days, so that Isuarsivik can offer a more comprehensive program.

The treatment program is also being revised to ensure that a holistic approach is used, combining both contemporary and traditional treatment methods. Inuit ceremonies and rituals will play an important and integral part of this program.

We also want to ensure that aftercare services are available after treatment to reduce the risks of relapse.

This process of reorganization is time-consuming, so we are focusing on an opening date of August, 2006. We want to offer the best possible service to the Inuit of Nunavik and Nunavut. To do so, we cannot rush.

People wishing to receive treatment services before the reopening of Isuarsivik should call social services in their community to find out how they can proceed. Protocols have been set in place with other treatment centres in the South so anyone who is serious about getting treatment will receive help.

We are looking to the future in other ways, as well. The present treatment facilities are housed in an old building, which is very inadequate, so we have also developed a proposal for a new centre, with a trauma/healing/aftercare component added.

The Nunavik Board of Health and Social Services has been working in collaboration with us and has been tremendously helpful and supportive of our initiatives.

The board shares a common vision with respect to offering the best possible treatment program, and we are excited about the efforts we have made to date and very much look forward to meeting the goals that we have set.

Jeannie May, Mary Aitchison, Larry Watt, Lydia Annahatak Yeates, Jacob Partridge, Dr. Dona Abdelnour, MD, and Dave Forrest, Chair
Kuujjuaq

March 31, 2006

Fremantle’s departure a “tremendous loss”

The community of Iqaluit has suffered a tremendous loss with the departure of Ian Fremantle from the position of CAO.

Like almost everyone else, I wasn’t pleased at the enormous tax increase we have been handed this year, but Fremantle can hardly be blamed for that.

Ian Fremantle was the hardest working, most effective and most aggressive CAO that I have seen in 20 years in this community. He prioritized a long “to-do” list and set about accomplishing what had to be done to fix the battered infrastructure of this city.

Did he make mistakes? Sure. Did he accomplish more than any of his predecessors? Absolutely. They pale by comparison. His immediate predecessor, the “affable” Rick Butler (as your article described him last week), lived in fear of council, kowtowed to two self-serving councillors, and left having accomplished nothing.

No doubt the homeowners association, pawns of Keith Irving since his humiliating defeat in the last mayoralty race, will be overjoyed at Fremantle’s departure. Fremantle refused to be pushed around, and refused to let council be pushed around by Irving. He gave the council good advice, often in camera, where advice on controversial issues should be given.

He also refused to tolerate the shenanigans of councillor Stu Kennedy, who slunk away from council without completing his term when he couldn’t get his way.

But the situation of the city now is grave. Councillors’ comments that rotating department heads can effectively fill the CAO position until a permanent replacement is hired are naïve in the extreme.

Remember the period after John Raycroft left? It took an inordinate length of time to replace him. During that time, with department heads alternately sharing the role of CAO, one power-hungry councillor tried to exert an undue amount of influence and control, especially over staff, in contravention of the Council Procedures Bylaw, which prohibits any individual councillor from attempting to direct staff members. All he accomplished was an unseemly level of disruption.

That was in the days leading up to the creation of Nunavut, when millions of dollars of capital infrastructure money was available from the federal government, if only someone competent had been in the CAO’s chair to ask for it. The city’s infrastructure would not be in the condition it is in today if there had been a competent CAO in the office at that time. Today, with an ambitious program of capital works under way now, we need a CAO who can see the jobs through to completion. That should have been Ian Fremantle.

Who will it be now? Somebody tough, I hope. Someone who will advise council, often in camera, and help with the difficult decisions necessary to complete the projects that have been started. It will take six months to hire a permanent replacement for Fremantle. This city can’t afford six months of chaos.

Kenn Harper
Iqaluit

March 31, 2006

Northern Youth Abroad picks youth

Northern Youth Abroad’s ninth year of recruitment and selection has come to an end. The board of directors and staff would like to extend a big thank you to all the youth who applied. This year’s selection of participants and alternates was an incredibly difficult decision as we had so many strong candidates apply.

We are pleased to announce the following Nunavut youth as NYA participants for 2006!

Canadian Phase

• James Aqpik (Kimmirut)
• Makittu Tapaungai (Cape Dorset)
• Kelly Karpik (Kimmirut)
• Taukie Taukie (Cape Dorset)
• Mark Itulu (Kimmirut)
• Lisa Jaw (Cape Dorset)
• Bill Arraqutainaq (Sanikiluaq)
• Amber Tagalik (Arviat)
• Lisa Pameolik (Arviat)
• Jordan Cooper (Baker Lake)
• Paula Amy Rumbolt (Baker Lake)
• Robyn-Leigh Tunguaq (Baker Lake)
• Melody Peryouar (Baker Lake)
• Marsha Kringuk (Repulse Bay)
• Andy Aklah (Taloyoak)
• Helena Bolt (Kugluktuk)
• Tracy Evyagotailak (Kugluktuk)
• Valerie Kogvik (Gjoa Haven)
• Susie Kununak (Gjoa Haven)

International Phase

• Jon Pameolik (Arviat)
• Maxine Angoo (Whale Cove)
• Wakta Pootoogoo (Cape Dorset)
• Dianne Iyago (Baker Lake)
• April Akeeagok (Iqaluit)
• Josie Taukie (Cape Dorset)
• Andrea Kowmuk (Rankin Inlet)

Candace Hogg
Northern Youth Abroad
Ottawa

March 31, 2006

Why not help build houses?

I just wanted to write how unhappy I am with the Nunavut Housing Corporation and my Material Assistance Program application.

I applied for that program and was denied because my community is decentralized. I feel I am not treated equally. It was not my choice for Pond Inlet to be decentralized. The cabinet should look into this program more before making decisions for Nunavummiut.

Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk and Igloolik — those communities that are decentralized did not get approved for MAP.

I read in the newspaper the MLA for Arviat saying there is a housing shortage in their community. It doesn’t make any sense. What was the cabinet thinking?

(Name withheld by request)
Pond Inlet

March 24, 2006

Mark of the Holy Spirit?

Stevie Akpalialuk found a marking in this shape on the skull of an Arctic hare. (CARDBOARD CUTOUT BY STEVIE AKPALIALUK)

There was a rumour that caribou were spotted by people traveling to Auyuittuq National Park. It was for that reason that I set out on the day in the first week of June. I knew where the place was, about 15 miles north of Panniqtuq.

I reached my destination, and while I was still on the ice, I looked for the caribou, but I didn’t see any. I started walking towards the land, and searched the land for a short time. I still didn’t see any caribou.

Wearing my binoculars, I saw some geese and shot two. After I got the geese I started heading back to the ice, where my snowmobile and kamotiq were. Suddenly I saw the Arctic hare by a boulder. It was about 50 to 70 feet away from me. It was staring right at me and it didn’t run away. I shot it. Afterwards I reached my snowmobile and kamotiq on the ice. I made tea with my Coleman stove and I ate some meat. Right after that I started heading back to Panniqtuq. It was still a beautiful day. I reached the settlement after about one hour and a half of travelling. I got to my place and put the two geese and Arctic hare in a cool place.

The next day I skinned all three animals that I had caught inside the fiord. I put the two geese inside the freezer. Right after that I had an urge to cook the Arctic hare. I cut up the meat and put it in the pot. When the meat was done, I started to eat, and it was delicious, but for some odd reason I did not eat the head.

Instead, I cleaned it. I took out every muscle, tissue and meat. I marveled at how well the head was made. I observed it carefully until I noticed at the back of the head a design like a bird. I was surprised to find a bird-like design at the back of the head of the Arctic hare.

It was very well made. The design was not made by human hands from this Earth. It was made by a highly skilled being. It is true that God is the creator of heaven and Earth, including animals and human beings. Could it be that this design like a bird is the mark of the Holy Spirit?

John 1:32 from the Holy Bible states that:

“And then John gave this testimony: I saw the spirit come down like a dove from heaven and stay on Jesus.”
John clearly saw the spirit come down like a dove, like a bird. Is this the mark of the Holy Spirit?

Stevie Akpalialuk
Panniqtuq

March 24, 2006

Why change work week at BCC?

As a guard at the Baffin Correctional Centre, it was with some surprise that I read Premier Paul Okalik’s reply to Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo’s concern about the switch to eight-hour shifts at both correctional facilities in Iqaluit.

First of all, many probably don’t realize the short day comes with a seven-day work week, with three and four days off in between. This set-up was used until several years ago, and the staff I have spoken to who experienced this told me it was quite unpleasant.

Now we have four days on, four days off, which has been running quite well.

Next, I was surprised to hear the explanation for the change. I am quite curious as to how working seven days in a row will encourage more Inuit staff to work at both BCC and Young Offenders, as I am sure there must be some evidence to back this claim. However, according to the Inuit staff currently working here, they seem to be dreading the change as much as the rest of us.

When the idea was first proposed, the reason that was given to us was that it would save money somehow. When this was shown to be false, this new excuse miraculously appeared.

Finally, and perhaps most of all, I was surprised by Okalik’s lack of concern over the opinions of those directly involved, namely the corrections officers at Young Offenders and BCC. As Okalik so undemocratically stated, the GN was “not run by employees.”

The smoke and mirrors surrounding this and so many other incidents in the territory begs the question — “who is running the GN?”

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

March 24, 2006

Why no child advocate?

I was disappointed to see that the long and determined stand of Keith Peterson for the creation of a Child Advocate has continued to be met with indifference by the Premier.

I have admired Mr. Peterson’s efforts and remain baffled why there has been little or no progress on this matter. No other MLA seems to be very interested in this at all.

Nunavut cannot sit back and think its children are all doing fine; on the contrary, many are in deep need of protection, shelter, a secure environment, and the necessities of life — a loving home, predictable routines, sincere mentoring and the encouragement to move forward in their lives.

This is not always provided in their current home. In other cases, they are farmed out to people who are not truly interested in them and barely tolerate them at the best of times.

A Child Advocate would speak on behalf of the child; would be someone who could look into matters more deeply and have the power to shape and recommend better ways for supporting children.

Many of Nunavut’s children live in fear and uncertainty. We cannot afford to have dithering politicians who cannot confidently get up and actively and enthusiastically support that which is good and needed by them.

Why has it taken this long for MLA Peterson’s request to be heard? Why do we think something else is more important than children? Shame on us if we don’t care enough. We will reap the horrible consequences of being so blind.

I have been a foster parent for 23 years and rarely, if ever, have seen a child removed who did not need to have been taken away years earlier. I have worked hard to deal with these broken children. I ask for their sake that my name not be released.

(Name withheld by request)
Ottawa

March 24, 2006

Is MLA working for Inuit?

Mr. Tootoo, MLA for Iqaluit Center, has voiced concerns on issues related to Inuit in the past which are troubling.

On the issue of removing artificial barriers to increase Inuit employment within the Department of Justice’s plan to increase Inuit employment by way of shortening shift hours... instead of encouraging the initiative, he questions whether the Government asked the employees (again, who comprises the current workforce within the department?).

On education, Education Minister Ed Picco recently gave numbers of Inuit graduates steadily increasing over the years. Instead of applauding this, Tootoo points out that Picco’s figures still mean the majority of non-beneficiaries who attend Nunavut schools are not graduating... and goes on to say, “That is the not-so-rosy picture of our education system.” Where are your figures, Mr. Tootoo, and where are the majority of non-beneficiaries attending school? I would assume Iqaluit, where the majority of the non-beneficiaries attend school, furthermore, the majority of the parents of the students are transients... of course these students will not graduate from our schools.

On the issue of staff housing and the government’s encouragement for home ownership... “what about the people that are here for a short period of time?” is what he asks.

As for the statistics of Inuit employment in a community you represent, Inuit comprise less than one third of the government workforce within your riding — have you ever made a point of this?

Just whose interests are you serving?

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

March 17, 2006

Repeating kindergarten was the right choice

I would like to thank my daughter Savannna’s teacher Diane Dennison for her continued support, encouragement, suggestions and patience for my daughter.

For kindergarten students to attend their first year of school, they have to be five years old regardless of what month they were born for that year. In my daughter’s case, she was way too young last year to attend kindergarten. Since she was one of the younger kindergartens, she was behind academically.

During our last semester teacher-parent meeting, Diane suggested that Savanna repeat kindergarten. I was a little hesitant at first but she clearly explained to me:

• since she didn’t catch up with the kindergarten level, she will have a hard time adjusting to Grade 1;
• no child is dumb, each child learns differently with different strategies;
• the first year of school is very important as a child needs to be confident and ready to learn;
• and the first year of school will affect her years of school and have an impact on other grades, positively or negatively.

When Savanna first started it was difficult for her to adjust as the academics were too advanced for her. There were times when she didn’t want to go to school. She eventually got used to the routine of going to school.

Savanna repeated kindergarten, and today she is more confident in going to school and her learning had improved tremendously. She is reading/writing at a kindergarten level and is very proud of her work. I am happy I went along with Diane’s decision for my daughter to repeat kindergarten. As I am also confident that she will do well next year in Grade 1.

For kindergartens, there is a big gap for students born in January and for students born in December, and they go to kindergarten in the same year.

Although many parents would disagree with me, I suggest the cut off date for kindergarten who were born from January 30 to June 30 to attend the year they turn five, for those who were born on July 1 to December 31 to attend kindergarten the year after. This would make kindergartens in the same level.

I know Savanna and I aren’t the only ones to go through this. If your child is asked to repeat kindergarten, don’t get discouraged. After all, your child’s teacher has looked in your child’s shoes. Sometimes we expect a little too much from our children and often get disappointed when those expectations are not being met. Imagine yourself learning a foreign language and be expected to be fluent in couple of months.

I hope parents understand this big gap on kindergarten students. I also understand it means having to pay childcare expenses for another year. But what is important is when your child is comfortable, confident, and progressing in her/his grades. This way learning can be fun.

Sheba Pikuyak
Iqaluit

March 17, 2006

Remembering Martha Ningeogak

We would like to thank all the people who supported Martha Ningeogak’s family during her time in Ottawa’s General Hospital and in Iqaluit. Martha passed away peacefully on February 24, 2006 in Iqaluit.

She was a woman full of life, and always had a smile on her face. She had a strong imagination and was creative with her hands. She taught everyone to live life to fullest; she will be missed by many people.

So many people supported Martha, I would like to specifically thank Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. in their Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit offices, the doctors and staff of Ottawa’s General Hospital and in Iqaluit — they treated her with the utmost respect and care — the staff of Larga Baffin, and to Sheila Nuyalia for her continued support to Martha, who was her best friend. I spent quite a bit of time with Martha at the Ottawa hospital. She was not afraid to leave this world, and wanted people to live happy lives. She will be everybody’s angel!

Thank you from the extended family and friends of Martha Ningeogak to everyone in Nunavut and Ottawa.

Saata S. Kootoo
Ottawa

March 17, 2006

Recapping Kelowna

The opinions expressed by editor Jim Bell are frequently a disgrace to his profession. Such is the case with “Was the Kelowna deal a dud?” published March 3, 2006, which focuses on the vital issue of the federal government’s commitment to provide 1200 housing units to the four Inuit regions over five years. As much as I dislike responding to innuendo, this is for the readers.

Nunatsiaq News readers should know that neither Jim Bell nor a Nunatsiaq News reporter were present to cover the first minister’s meeting firsthand, as were many northern news outlets. Mr. Bell also declined to listen in to a special media feed via telephone on the afternoon of the closing session on November 25th, as other Iqaluit based media outlets did. It appears likely, as well, that Nunatsiaq News did not take note of the final 19-page document issued by the government, supplemented by a four-page press release, and one page financial statement.

Keeping with the football analogy, at the time of the meeting, I characterised our accomplishments as “three touchdowns and a field goal (health, housing, and education being touchdowns and health the field goal). Bell’s response is beyond Monday morning quarterbacking. We’re three months after Kelowna. The football season is over, we’re into hockey now, and he can’t put the puck in the net.

First things first. The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) president is elected by delegates, not appointed as incorrectly referred to by Jim Bell. ITK is recognized nationally and internationally as the advocate for Inuit rights in Canada, and represents Inuit in Canada in its relations with the Crown.

He wonders what ITK has been doing all this time. We have been working with the government of Canada on an agenda and timetable set by the Prime Minister’s Office. The work leading up to Kelowna was triggered by a first ministers meeting on health care in September of 2004. It continued with seven policy sessions from October 2004 to February 2005. We held an independent Inuit session on the environment in March 2005.

These policy sessions led up to the May 31st, 2005 cabinet retreat. At that meeting an historic partnership accord was signed between ITK and the government of Canada establishing clear and concise working relationships between ITK and the Crown. The new Indian and Northern Affairs Minister, Jim Prentice had the document with him when we met recently and accepts it as our road map for the future.

ITK lobbied the opposition parties to keep the government alive long enough that the first ministers meeting in Kelowna could take place.

Plenty of news conferences were held in Kelowna as well, but Nunatsiaq News didn’t attend, and never called for an interview about the event, before, during, or afterwards.

The promise to build 1,200 houses in four Inuit regions was a government of Canada promise that we worked hard to obtain. But it’s not ours to deliver on. It’s ours to ensure the government of Canada does what it says it will do.

When ITK repeats a government commitment in one of our press releases, it’s to ensure that the government of Canada is continually reminded of the commitments it makes to the Inuit of Canada, which is what our board and beneficiaries expect ITK to do.

On February 23, 2006 I met with Prentice to review the outcome of the first minister’s meeting, and other issues, and to establish a working relationship with the new minister. Housing was still on the top of the agenda. The meeting was productive. Prentice challenged us to develop a concrete plan that he could bring to cabinet for houses on the ships this year (to us this is newsworthy). CBC radio was there.

ITK is working so that there are materials on ships this summer, and more importantly that the commitments made by the Crown to Inuit at the first minister’s meeting are adhered to regardless of the party in power. Our goal is to re-establish an Inuit housing program, as the last one was cancelled in 1993, and the result is the severe housing crisis Inuit are experiencing now.

I’d say Nunatsiaq News is missing an important beat in its coverage of Inuit issues. They have no national reporter based in Ottawa. Nunatsiaq News readers deserve so much better.

Jose Kusugak
President
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

March 17, 2006

We’ve got the crosswalks, where’s the lighting?

I support the idea of crosswalks and the fines for not stopping to let a pedestrian cross the road. My beef is that at certain times in the year visibility is an issue.

It is hard to see someone walking on the street or waiting to cross at the designated areas especially if they are dressed in dark coloured clothes. When I see someone at a crosswalk, I will stop to let them cross, but I have to see them first. I hope that sufficient lighting will be installed in order to safely stop to let someone cross the road.

Corinne Attagutsiak
Iqaluit

March 17, 2006

Thanks to Baffin hospital staff

On Feb. 20 I had to be medevaced from Salluit in Nunavik to the Baffin Regional Hospital in Iqaluit.

I had some serious problems during the delivery of my daughter — and the wonderful doctors in Iqaluit quickly assisted me by performing a ceasarien section.

All the health care staff were outstanding and very attentive. They treated us — my husband, my baby and me — with a great amount of dignity, professionalism and understanding.

I would like to express my thanks to these fabulous employees who soothed us during such a difficult delivery.

Marie-Josée Grenier
Charles Roy
Baby Jeanne
Salluit

March 17, 2006

Paul McCartney’s tactics ‘inhumane’

Firstly, let me take this opportunity to congratulate Premier Danny Williams of Newfoundland for appearing on Larry King Live on CNN on March 3, and defending the seal hunt by the Newfoundlanders off the coast of Newfoundland. I thought he did rather well under what appeared to be very tough circumstances - millions of people watching in the United States and Europe and continuous whining by Heather McCartney. I think Sir McCartney and Heather have their priorities wrong.

I write this letter as someone who has fought the ‘Greenpeacers’ and animal rights activists to save the seals for the past 30 years, with people such as Peter Ittinuar, former MP, and William Anderson III, current president of the Labrador Inuit Association. I write it as someone who continues to hunt seals and other animals for living, and sharing what I catch with my fellow Inuit. This is the how, we Inuit survived since time immemorial. I ask my Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nunavut, the Honorable Ed Picco, to go all out and oppose the nonsense tactics of the McCartneys. They are inhumane! They will not have the same impact as Brigette Bardot did in the l970’s and 80’s. They will not find Inuit sitting back defenseless, and being intimidated by their tactics, this time. We can answer back now!

Seal hunting is a non-issue. It may make for cute photographs and give musicians and movies stars much needed publicity, but compared to what is really wrong with Nunarjuarput (our planet), it is a non-issue. The really important issue for all of us is climate change and global warming. I think Paul McCartney and his wife Heather should stop drawing attention to themselves and use their talents and resources to do something about climate change. They should team up with appropriate governments and Inuit Organizations to address this climate change and global warming.

Climate change is real. Glacial ice fields are melting in Greenland, the Canadians Arctic and the Rockies. The sea and lake ice is getting thinner all over Nunavut. There is less ice each summer for polar bears to hunt from. Let’s all do something to stop global warming and climate change. Otherwise, we are all going to be in serious trouble - including the seals and the McCartneys!

Peter Irniq
Iqaluit

March 10, 2006

Peary caribou need our protection

Congratulations to Nunatsiaq News for bringing clarity and insight to the urgent matter of protecting the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds in the face of unprecedented levels of mineral exploration (“Baker HTO worried about caribou grounds,” Feb. 17, 2006).

The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (BQCMB) supports the opportunities for economic development that the mining industry affords northerners, provided that developments go hand-in-hand with sound conservation measures to preserve the caribou herds for present and future generations. The board puts high priority on working collaboratively with governments and industry to seek responsible and effective caribou and habitat protection solutions.

I should clarify that past opposition to placing radio collars on caribou was mainly from a few communities, and not from BQCMB aboriginal members. Aboriginal members of the BQCMB from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories join with the government members in recognizing the necessity of obtaining accurate data from collaring, and strongly support this management technique.

Given that population surveys are the responsibility of governments, the BQCMB sees its role as pressing all government agencies to do their part in conducting the surveys, now that information on the seasonal ranges used by both the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds will be available through monitoring collared caribou (starting in April 2006). As always, the board also stands ready to lend its support, provide recommendations, and play a coordinating role to maintain momentum on this and other key barren-ground caribou initiatives.

Ross Thompson
Secretary-Treasurer
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board

March 10, 2006

Deep-sea port at Kimmirut instead?

The Harper government should get their priorities straight and look at a deep-sea port near Kimmirut as called for in the Bathurst Mandate.

The Nunavut government and NTI must talk to Stephen Harper and guide him to the right road before they mistakenly build a port, along with a bunch of disruptive military personnel in Iqaluit.

A deep-sea port near Kimmirut is sensible because the boat-shipping season would be significantly longer and therefore reducing the costs of our overpriced goods.

Why Iqaluit? Because Harper thinks that’s a great spot for a port or because Iqaluit says they want one?

Some people are being very greedy and they want most of the seal meat (pie) for themselves. It is and was customary for Inuit to share a seal and-or any other wild game, perhaps for our very survival. If unsure about our customary sharing tradition, check with the IQ people and they will tell you. Everything doesn’t need to be in Iqaluit and they have to learn to share for the good of Nunavut.

What do you want? A real deep-sea port with a road to Kimmirut and Iqaluit? Or a port and another road to nowhere!

So far, Mr. Harper seems to be on some road to nowhere finding his way in an Arctic whiteout and the Nunavut government, with NTI’s help, should guide his government to the Bathurst road. Nunavut has to be reformed the right way.

(Name withheld by request)
Kimmirut

March 10, 2006

Grateful for dog flight

Back in December of 2005, I made an application to the Baffin Business Development Corp. to purchase dogs.

That application was approved. I have taken my sweet time to thank the BBDC for their funding and, as promised, I would like to thank First Air for giving a reduction in cargo fare for the dogs.

Once again, thank you!

Levi Palituq
Clyde River

March 10, 2006

How does the land claim benefit me?

I am using this newspaper as a forum to vent my opinion, and my concerns in the hopes that the responsible organizations implementing the Nunavut Land Claims obligations will have a better understanding about issues I will raise. I am going to be ad hoc and scattered about the issues. These issues affect me personally, my family and the community I live in, therefore my presentation reflects my personality and my state of confusion. Furthermore I do not know who to address those issues to, although the NLCA resulted in the creation of over 50 implementing bodies (DIOs, IPGs). That doesn’t help me as that makes me even more confused — being your average Inuk who is neither a scholar nor a lawyer.

Some contents of the agreement affect my isuma and well being as I am fully convinced they are not in my best interest personally. And some seem to be downright tiriigusuutit (taboos). This leads me to believe that collective rights of Inuit eroded my individual rights, which leads me to feel powerless, frustrated and non-existent. I should not feel that as a Canadian.

Secondly, as a woman, I feel not enough community and social affairs were adequately negotiated to support community well-being strategies, education, culture and language and to protect our land and hunting rights, so we could flourish as a healthy, progressive Inuit nation, no longer dependant as wards of the state. Since women weren’t involved in negotiations, they became part of the barter system to appease non-Inuit in their pursuit of hunting rights, and Inuit firms further ensured that the mothers and their children would up the ante in the interest of non-Inuit.

Did the NLCA further endorse that women and children are simply chattel and fodder of our society? I interpret it, sense it and feel it in my bones that way. Please somebody prove me wrong or assure me that’s not the case.

As negotiations had taken over 20 years, women’s groups and organizations didn’t exist, and women supported their men’s movement for land claims, wanting to be complementary rather than in conflict as it was important that Inuit in Nunavut are seen in solidarity. Women in the end suffered: as it was more important to concentrate on our Inuit identity, we gave up the right to safety, equality and opportunities. Women are no better off now than before — still too few women are involved in politics today and many more safe homes are needed for women and children at risk.

Gender equality did not happen. Today, the same old boys club continues to run for elections, because we owe them and they are there by entitlement. After all, they gave up their personal lives for the “cause.”

Just how effective are land claims organizations in improving the lives of the collective? Are they organized the same way as women’s advocacy groups? A lot of responsibility and no authority? If they want to make major decisions they have to appeal to their father (Crown) and mother (public government). In that sense they have it better than women’s groups — nobody listens to the women’s groups. They also have the budget, which women’s groups don’t have, although women’s groups are left to deal with the intergenerational impacts of colonization, forced assimilation attempts, attempted erosion of language and culture, residential schools and forced relocation of Inuit into urban government centers, which I believe were some of the many reasons for a land claims settlement.

And who are the people running the land claims organizations these days? I see too many elected Inuit leaders take the wise counsel of their white advisors, so it appears that they can’t think for themselves. Their advisors advise them to attack other Inuit players, so it becomes an emotional upheaval of Inuit men verbally attacking each other, for the benefit of their advisors. The colonial powers that be continue to create disunity among Inuit. The divide and conquer mentality is alive and well. I am not proud to see it or hear it at meetings or in radio interviews, and watch advisors whispering into the ears of the said leaders, telling them what to say. I prefer to remember the image of my father, who was quiet, and knew what to do and when and what to say. He was silent when he had nothing to say or just content in the silence. That image sustains me in believing that our men are there to protect and provide for us, without all the unnecessary noise that outsiders seem to need to fill the void. That is the image of my Inuk man, that I will not lose.

Must we be so influenced by outsiders that we can no longer work together for the common good of our community? Or is it because we are really so much at a loss that the leaders have to be led? I also don’t believe that. I believe that our leadership is capable, but they have to believe that themselves. I would rather see a collective of Inuit acting as peer support groups, rather than relying on outsiders. That is the unity we lack, which we need to make a difference in our lives and those that we speak for.

Just to quickly revisit Inuit firms. I understand some verbal agreements are made after a marriage breakup that the business remains an Inuit firm in the name of children. Are we creating Trust Fund children? I hope so. I hope a Trust Fund is created and an annual 51 per cent of the profits are deposited for the future of the children. Otherwise there is no guarantee that the said children will ever benefit, without legal contracts or measures being in place.

On the assignment of hunting rights, I praise our leadership for their inability to make hard decisions. It works in my favour as I oppose the assignment, which is not for sale, and which I gave up aboriginal entitlements in exchange for (I think). Many feared if the assignments started cropping up everywhere in Nunavut, it was wide open for dispute and litigation if guidelines were not carefully established. The HTOs would have a “supervisory role” and assignments would be based on one-year terms, to permit recovery in the event of a marriage break-up.

What is exactly being “recovered”? The failed marriage or the harvest? I need to understand that as a woman, being the subject in this matter. I can understand trying to recover, repair and mend a broken marriage but I can’t imagine recovering the past meals or spoils of anyone!

I have asked women cohabiting with non-Inuit how they feel about assigning their rights away, many said very demurely they could not be caught hunting, so assignment was their right. Ask the same women in a different situation; starvation times took place just 30 years ago. Ever see a she-bear protecting her cub? Hunting to feed them? We were all hunter/gatherers one time, that is how we survived, and we may need those instincts again someday. It is my birthright. If I hear of a woman assigning her hunting rights away, we might as well give away the whole land claims agreement to the highest bidder.

I sympathize with women who are being pressured to give away their rights. Just remember abuse is said to take any of these forms: physical, mental and/or sexual.

I have considerably toned down this letter. The original was too feminist and radical in the opinion of Inuit, and I have learnt to play it safe. Many still have trouble with Inuit who are free thinkers. I understand it. I think. It is because in our constant fight for survival and for our next meal, we haven’t had the luxury of philosophizing that different drummers are shot down very quickly.

Or maybe on the other hand, since we have so many boards and organizations supposedly looking after our interests that we no longer think, and became vegetables.

I have no trouble with personal attacks, but I have family who would end up paying for my opinions so I wish to remain unnamed in order to protect my loved ones. Thank you.

Name withheld by request

March 10, 2006

Remembering Melva Bradley

It is with sadness and sorrow the children of Melva Lorraine Bradley announce her death, at age 67, after a long and arduous battle with cancer.

Born in Swalwell, Alta. on October 28, 1938, she was the youngest child of the late William and Rose Mathers.

After raising six children she attended and graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Education.

In the pioneering spirit of her ancestors she taught as far north as Arctic Bay, Nunavut and as far south as Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Upon retirement she settled in Bonavista to be close to her family. She was predeceased by sisters Mae and Evelyn and brother William.

She leaves to mourn brothers Ben and Merv and sister Muriel; children Patrica Hewitt (Keith), Mike, Sandra Hewitt (Keith), Gordon (Shannon), Ken (Tanya) and Robert (Linda); grandchildren Matthew, Jamye, Ryan, Jacob, Sam, Kaitlyn, Rachel, Sarah, Joshua, Noah and Isabelle. Along with numerous other relatives and friends.

As expressions of sympathy, donations in her memory may be made to the H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, St. John’s, Nfld.

Sandra Hewitt
St. John’s, Nfld.

March 3, 2006

Northern Youth abroad says thanks

On behalf of Northern Youth Abroad, we would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to our Nunavut funders.

Their support, both financially and in-kind, has helped make possible our exceptionally successful 2005 program cycle. From July to mid-August, 36 youth representing 19 communities in Nunavut and the NWT lived with host families and volunteered in their host community. During the summer of 2005, 14 communities in Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Nova Scotia hosted pairs of NYA participants. For a second year, Dula Sentle Orphan Care Centre in Otse, Botswana, graciously hosted eight Nunavummiut participants, completing NYA’s International Phase.

As we look forward to a busy and exciting summer at NYA, we look back to thank our 2005 Nunavut funders for their generous support. Thanks to their continued support, we have not only been able to continue offering this unique program, but have been able to expand the program to include more participants each year.

• Department of Education, Government of Nunavut
• Canadian North
• Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation
• Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth
• Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
• Kakivak Regional Inuit Association
• Kitikmeot Economic Development Corporation
• Kivalliq Regional Inuit Association

Chris DaSilva
Chairperson
Northern Youth Abroad

March 3, 2006

Linux fan says GN should dump Microsoft software

Your editorial of Feb. 17, 2006 contained the statement, “Yet another question is policy. Despite the unaccountably large number of employees who bear the job title “policy analyst,” the GN is strangely devoid of actual policies. Without coherent policies, and a system for bringing old policies up to date, new money can be frittered away and wasted.”

I have been a teacher and computer geek for many years and I have found one policy deficiency that is widespread among businesses and governments is that there is no plan to quit using software from Microsoft that is costly, requires too-frequent upgrades of hardware, and renders PCs and networks insecure.

For six years, I have been able to operate my own PCs and PCs in my classrooms using only free open-source software. I usually use the GNU/Linux operating system. This system permits me to keep machines running the latest software on a few new servers, accessed from cheap new machines called “thin clients,” or available older machines.

Last year, I had a new machine fail and was able to obtain perfectly good results using a 10-year-old PC from storage. Replacing most PCs every 10 years instead of every five, using the latest software on new servers, not paying the Microsoft tax, and having much more security from viruses and system crashes is such a blessing. I wrote an article advocating this technology for schools at www.skyweb.ca/~alicia/LTSP.pdf but it would be similarly useful for government offices.

Typical cost savings for hardware are 50 per cent because of the longer life cycle, 100 per cent for software because the GPL is a free licence, and more than 75 per cent for system maintenance, or more.

An added benefit for Nunavut, where electricity is expensive, is that the new thin clients using low-powered processors save as much electrical cost as their capital cost in a couple of years, because they run on 20 watts instead of 200 for a typical PC.

Another area where Nunavut could save a bundle of money is by switching to heat-pump technology for heating instead of using oil. A heat pump is a reverse refrigerator. It wrings heat out of the environment. The population mostly lives near the sea, which is many degrees warmer than the surrounding air in winter. Water at just above freezing can be used as a thermal blanket to reduce heating costs as well.

Of course, there are capital costs associated with any such changes but without a policy to make the changes, Nunavut will be locked into the costly status quo forever. A policy to change gradually would be recovered in a few years and the savings could be put into real needs. We do not need to heat up the outdoors nor improve Bill Gates’ pension.

Robert Pogson
Winnipeg

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