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April 28, 2006

Crack cocaine in Nunavut must be stopped

Upon hearing the disturbing news that the worst drug possible has made it to Nunavut, and even worse, to my home town of Pangnirtung, I felt obliged to write a letter to all those who live there, because, whether you’re involved or not, you will feel the ripple effect strongly.

Nunavut is too young and too strong a territory to be destroyed by the epidemic that this drug will cause. Our youth have too much going for them to be drawn into a downward spiral because they are naive about this drug.

But a lack of education on crack cocaine will get the best of them.

That is why I am asking that everyone, involved or not, make every effort possible to teach people about this and to take as many preventative measures as possible to stop this in its tracks before it becomes a serious problem. Once it does become a serious problem, the damage will have been done.

As long as everyone sticks together and doesn’t take a backseat on this issue, I am confident that the fine people of Nunavut can fight and conquer this together — knowledge is power.

Although crack cocaine has polluted the rest of Canada, Nunavut does not have to follow suit.

(Name withheld by request)
Edmonton

April 28, 2006

I am very proud of who I am

I was reading in the Montreal Gazette newspaper about the seal hunt being a “slaughter” in Canada and around the world.

The Americans are fighting to stop seal hunting. I wanted to make comments on people who just argue in newspapers in the editorial section, about the negative and positive sides of the seal hunt.

The positive thing is that Pamela Anderson, the seductive star, acted out wearing a sealskin coat and eating meat. One comment was about how Pamela behaves sexually on television, making women more visible and dehumanizing women. This will not stop the seal hunt.

The negative side is that another person commented that the seal slaughter is worse than skin flicks. They said the seal slaughter is much worse than performing in X-rated movies, like Pamela Anderson. Those are the opinions of the people who think the seal hunt can be stopped in Canada.

But from my point of view, I myself grew up from eating seal meat, to be healthy and strong!

Seal meat is rich in protein and iron. I wore sealskin to keep my feet warm, because the North, where I grew up, was very cold, down to 40 below. My beloved father who passed away two years ago lived on the land all his life and hunted seal. For decades, he taught my brothers how to hunt seal in front of my own eyes.

I even gnawed sealskin, although it was very hard to gnaw in order to make it softer so it would be easier for my mother to sew when making kamiks. This is the way I lived and I loved it. I learned the means of growing strong and spiritual. I know the difference between hatred and spirituality.

A person who hates others will try to stop other people from their own natural ways of living. But those who are strong and spirited will only give love and only give before receiving.

I am very proud of who I am and where I come from and I will do all in my power to keep my identity, no matter what other people think of me and no matter what other people try to take away from me.

Raingi Uqaituq
Puvirnituq

April 28, 2006

Fremantle had a choice

Mr. Ian Fremantle did not get fired. His contract could have been renewed if he had accepted a one-year contract. It was his decision to leave.

I do understand that a two- or four-year contract would have been more attractive. Many people in Iqaluit and elsewhere do not get the contract that they think they deserve yet they keep going without giving up. All of us would like to have guaranteed security with our work.

Yes, some Iqaluit residents disagreed with or had mixed feelings about Mr. Freemantle. When you know that you are doing the right thing you stand up for it. During a one-year contract he could have proven to the skeptics that he was doing well without going on a power trip.

I am disappointed to see that others have been criticized in previous letters that you have published, in order to excuse Mr. Fremantle’s decision not to accept a one-year contract with the City of Iqaluit.

I would like to thank Mr. Keith Irving, Susan Gardener and the board of the Homeowner’s Asssociation for volunteering so much time and energy to help others. It is my experience that only one voice does not go far. Lots of people are afraid to stand for their rights, mistakes happen and our concerns need to be voiced.

Nobody deserves to be criticized because of one person’s decision to quit.

Suzanne Laliberte
Member of Iqaluit Homeowner’s Association
Iqaluit

April 28, 2006

Elders living in house with old insulation

This is in response to the letter from Sanikiluaq about housing.

I have elderly parents who have been living in an old house that was built in 1977 or 1978.

The outside was renovated and the inside, just the flooring was renovated. The fibreglass insulation must be the same as what was installed in 1977-78. The housing situation in Nunavut needs careful planning and organization.

(Name withheld by request)
Sanikiluaq

April 21, 2006

In Nunavik, violence is acceptable

It was with great pleasure that I read the declarations of the Nunavik Women’s Manifesto, as presented at the recent Makivik annual general meeting.

I have lived in a small community in Nunavik for many years. I have heard of and witnessed acts of domestic violence as well as been a victim of it myself.

Now I have a daughter, and wonder how she will ever find a husband or boyfriend here who will not beat her up too. I have come to believe that some or all forms of violence are being experienced in almost every home in Nunavik.

Families are hurting from years of tragedies from which they have yet to heal. I have often heard, “It’s over. It’s finished,” after a particularly horrific incident because people are not willing to speak of things out in the open. Many people are so angry and yet they never voice their true feelings unless they are drunk. I have heard of violent arguments over incidents that date back many years!

All the pain and suffering is buried so deeply in people, and yet they pretend that nothing is wrong. The next thing you hear is that they are in jail after beating up their spouses.

There are also many violent women who fight each other due to jealousy. If there was less cheating going on, maybe there would be less violence. The vows that people take when they get married are rarely respected it seems. The violence is just accepted here.

But we, as a society, cannot “accept the unacceptable” any more. My message to men is this: look at your children. Do you want your beautiful, little baby girl to grow up to receive black eyes on a regular basis?

If you continue to hit her mother, chances are you daughter will end up with the same type of man as you. Look at your son. He follows your example when it comes to hunting and hockey. Why not when it comes to violence? Chances are he will grow up and beat up his wife or girlfriend too.

If we really want a better world for our children in Nunavik, then we must start with ourselves. Parents, talk to your children about violence. Don’t show them that it is acceptable by committing acts of violence at home or while you are out drinking at night. Talk about your feelings with your children. Learn to apologize for past wrongs that you have committed against family members. It will go a long way towards healing the wounds of the past.

I would prefer to have my name withheld to protect my family against any backlash they may receive for my opinions.

(Name withheld by request)
Kangiqsujuaq

April 21, 2006

More spelling info

Being Natchelikmiut,

I know the spelling of it is not Netsilik, it’s “Natchelik.” Netsilik is the simplified version done for qabluunaat.

Martha Peet
Winnipeg

April 21, 2006

There really is no “language issue” in Nunavut

There really is no language issue in Nunavut.

The majority want Inuktitut as an official language and that was made clear when the special committee on languages visited communities during the first term of the Nunavut legislature, but even then, there was really no need.

The whole issue of the “creation of Nunavut” was to address the lack of Inuitness in the government, while maintaining a public government concept, but there has not been the political will to get outside the box and create a government truly reflective of the population.

Until we get more visionaries in the political and public service who would address the reason for the creation of Nunavut, I am afraid that, as John Amagoalik pointed out some time ago, we will continue to have a government that will think in terms of “steady as she goes” instead of bold decisive action that is badly needed.

We have a small glimmer of hope when a school like Nakasuk takes action to deliver bilingual education without prodding, which is to be admired and should be followed by other schools. Hopefully, the government will finally notice.

Jack Anawak
Ottawa

April 21, 2006

A long time on the housing waiting list

I am a resident of Sanikiluaq and I have been applying for a house for more than three years now.

Since our town had the privilege of getting fiveplexes built over the winter I was happy that for sure that I would be getting a house.

But that was not the case. What does the housing board of directors look into in giving somebody a house? Do we or our family member need to be one of the directors in order to get a house?

I’m sorry to say this, but it seems that way here in Sanikiluaq. I don’t know if the other Inuit communities are like that. For myself, I don’t want to be in any other communities, but it seems their families are first priorities to get a house or to get a new house.

(Name withheld by request)
Sanikiluaq

April 21, 2006

Ex-city worker praises Ian Fremantle

I have never sent correspondence to a newpaper in regards to my personal opinion on a subject, but I wish to take the time to do so now.

I would like to make mention that the non-renewal of Mr. Ian Fremantle’s contract is a grave loss to the City of Iqaluit. Would one not think that at a ship’s helm you would want a seasoned, knowledgeable captain and to have that same individual continue to guide the crew?

This is how I personally saw Mr. Fremantle for the two and a half years I worked for the City of Iqaluit. Mr. Fremantle’s door was always open and he always listened and provided direction to myself and other staff who sought his advice.

I strongly think that over time, it will be quite evident, how not having Mr. Fremantle around will have impacted on the City.

I wish not to cause any controversy, but rather to give my opinion and wish Mr. Fremantle all the best.

Rod Mugford
Alberta

April 21, 2006

Qulliq Energy should look into solar power

The Nunavut Power Corp. and Qulliq Energy Corp. have been in the news for some time now, and at times the power corporation is cheered.

What seems to be missing is that no one seems to be looking at solar power. Maybe it’s too expensive.

Iqaluit has quite a bit of sun year-round and with that plant on the hill, perhaps the corporation could use solar panels in its building, since Iqaluit has 24 hours of sun in spring time.

If the QEC could install solar panels in its building, perhaps that might do away with the fuel stabilizer rider and we might have more energy to spare in Iqaluit. Just a thought.

Seemee Nookiguak
Iqaluit

April 14, 2006

Straighten up and spell right

I refer to “In Search of Igsivalitaq, the Outlaw”, Nunatsiaq News, March 31, 2006. Quite a headline! I wondered how his relatives in Arviligjuaq-Kuugaarjuk feel about the headline and the story.

I spoke to his son-in-law in Kuugaarjuk before deciding to write this letter. I spoke to him because Ikhivalitaq still has many relatives living among the Nattilingmiut.

There are several mistakes in the article that need correcting. First of all, Knud Rassmussen was known as Kunuk, not Kunu. Endings of our names are important, just as much Harpe(r), MacDonal(d), Edwar(d) in English have to have endings, to complete the pronunciation.

I have been aware of Ikhivalitaq, and not Igsivalitaq, from my mother and father, ever since I was a little boy. My father knew Ikhivalitaq and often hunted with him especially in Naujaat-Repulse Bay in the 1940s. Ikhivalitaq is very well known among Nattilingmiut and Aivilingmiut.

I have also been aware of Anaqqaaq from my father, who knew him as well. Many people in the Kivalliq Region knew Anaqqaaq, he was also a Nattilingmiutaq. “Anarqaaq” of course, should be correctly spelled as Anaqqaaq.

The song writer is Ublunnuaq, not Uvlunnuaq. She was sometimes more commonly known as Iminngaaq, by Nattilingmiut and Aivlingmiut (my ancestry). Names of Inuit are very important, as they identified who they were. Ublunnuaq comes from its root word, Ublu, which means “day.” Ublunnuaq’s name would be translated as “nice little beautiful day” in the Nattilik dialect.

I would like to respectfully ask Mr. Harper, if he could provide us with the original Inuktitut version of the Ublunnuup’s song for her son, Ikhivalitaq. This would help us Inuit in particular, for archival purposes. It is a pretty powerful song in English, it must be equally powerful in Inuktitut. How about it Kenn?

By the way, Ikhivalitaq’s beautiful pisiit (songs) are still being sung and celebrated by many Inuit from Aivilik and Nattilik regions, especially during Nunavut Drum Dance Festivals. I myself know two of his songs.

Peter Irniq
Iqaluit

April 14, 2006

NWMB research funding decisions make no sense

I had to do a second take after reading the Nunatsiaq News piece on the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board’s screening process for wildlife research.

On the first breath, the board members opposed any research involving tranquilizers and catch-and-release methods, then on the second breath approved most of the Government of Nunavut’s proposals to tranquilize (catch-and-release) polar bears off Davis Strait because the GN polar bear biologist was there to explain it all away.

Then the board members turned down an international proposal to study polar bears with an Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit component to it, after stating that they support research that intends to explore how IQ may be used.

Maybe it’s just me, but after reading all the noble sentiments and reasons publicly expressed by the board for “doing business differently” and then turning around and doing the exact opposite, I can’t help but feel that Inuit rights and entitlements have no protection whatsoever from the corrupting and eroding influence of the “old boys club” mentality that pervades almost all of the GN-Inuit relations.

Jay Arnakak
Iqaluit

April 7, 2006

Fremantle clarifies contract dispute with Iqaluit council

I was somewhat surprised by the interview on CBC radio and the article in Nunatsiaq News that suggested that I had resigned from my position with the City of Iqaluit.

For the record, at no time did the city council ever sit down with me to discuss the possible extension of my contract, which expired March 16, 2006. From Aug. 9, 2005 until March 9, 2006, there was no response from council to my repeated written requests to negotiate an extension.

Ten minutes from close of work on March 9, 2006, I was summoned to the mayor's office, where a verbal offer of a one-year extension was presented to me by the mayor and deputy mayor. I responded to the two of them that one year was insufficient, as I wanted to complete the Capital Plan, which still had two years to run, and I wanted to ensure that my successor was appraised of all the important issues still in progress, and the new initiatives.

The response that I was given was that the current council did not want to impinge on the new council's authority by extending my contract by two years. I advised the mayor and deputy mayor that I would discuss the verbal offer with my partner Susan over the weekend, and it was agreed that we would meet in the mayor's office at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2006 to review and discuss my response.

The meeting on Monday never happened, as no member of the council showed up. I advised the mayor and council by letter on March 13, 2006 that I did not accept the one-year offer and laid out my reasons.

I again asked for a written offer and was advised that it could be dealt with by council, in camera, on Tuesday, March 14, 2006, or after the deputy mayor got back on March 20, 2006.

I again advised the mayor that my current contract expired at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, and that the issue should be dealt with at the Tuesday council meeting, so as not to violate the terms of the contract. (The contract had been viewed by council at a meeting in September 2005.)

I was summoned to the mayor's office at 4:55 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2006, and was given a copy of Council Resolution #6 of Tuesday, which extended the contract to June, 2007. There was no mention of impinging on the new council's authority, so was that concern set aside?

I advised the mayor and Councillor Hall that I would discuss the offer with Susan and get back to them by Monday, March 20.

At that time I also asked permission of the council to attend the pivotal discussions on a "new granular source," which were being held on Friday, March 17, with representatives from the GN and contractors, as a city representative, as my contract officially expired at 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting.

I was given permission by the mayor and Councillor Hall to do so, and to represent the city on Monday, March 20, at a meeting with the Government of Nunavut to finalize the wording in the Gas Tax Agreement.

I responded to the Council Resolution #6 (the offer), in my letter of March 20, 2006, clearly indicating that a review every three months for the duration of the extension was totally unacceptable and inappropriate.

I hope this clarifies the course of events leading up to the completion of my contract with the city.

Ian Fremantle
Iqaluit

No one really wants to die by suicide

I would like to share my experience from 26 years ago - my second attempt at committing suicide.

I don't want to offend anybody, but it's been a long time since I wanted to write this.

I was in the washroom and feeling suicidal. When I opened the cabinet, I saw and took a container of pills. I chose to take all of them and swallowed them all. I forced the last one down, even though I gagged.

I then proceeded to my room, lay down, and soon went unconscious. I was then aware of being weightless and travelling through a tunnel-like structure and seeing ahead of me a wide open space. When I saw people, they were standing, in an upright manner. As we came face to face, I saw their expressionless look.

As I did not want this experience any more, I prayed this: "Dear Jesus, please help me. I know this is not right. Please help me come back, please forgive me." (I don't remember it word for word.)

When I did wake up and was aware of being back in the world, I proceeded to do whatever was needed for recovery.

Of course, I wish that everyone else who has attempted and tragically died could be here instead. I really believe also that we don't really want to commit suicide, but when it's on your mind, you don't know when you'll attempt it.

Some day we will find out our destiny. In the meantime, let's keep striving to help others.

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit

NTI: Ottawa yet to commit to IPG deal

I would like to correct the report in the March 31, 2006 edition of Nunatsiaq News, "NTI, GN and Ottawa reach deal to pay IPGs."

I understand that this information came from Thomas Berger's Final Report and you, like Berger, were misled.

The deal to which you refer was subject to the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) obtaining internal approval from the Treasury Board Secretariat and this has not been obtained.

The agreement attached to Berger's report was negotiated on Dec. 21, 2005. Subsequently, when the Parties were exchanging final drafts of the agreement, DIAND added the condition requiring internal approval.

It is not evident what DIAND has done to obtain that approval. If they ever do go to the Treasury Board Secretariat, we have no idea how long that process would take. The Institutions of Public Government (IPGs) have been instructed by DIAND to prepare their budgets on the basis of their 2005-06 funding levels.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is concerned that DIAND negotiators came to the table in December to negotiate the agreement without a mandate or appropriate instructions. If things continue as they currently are, NTI is not confident the agreement will be voluntarily implemented.

I would also like to point out that DIAND has done nothing to implement any of Berger's recommendations from the Interim Report. In particular, in spite of Berger's recommendation that the Government of Canada should not refuse any request to refer an issue to the Arbitration Board, except where the issue involves a matter of vital interest with impacts that go beyond the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, DIAND has vetoed three NTI referrals to the Arbitration Board under Article 24.

These include whether DIAND has consulted with Inuit and whether they have monitored and evaluated the effect of government procurement policies within Nunavut. Not exactly matters of vital national interest.

These comments speak only to the more modest, and more straightforward of Berger's recommendations.

As for Government of Canada action on Berger's recommendations regarding Article 23 - near term investments in specific programs to prepare young Inuit for employment and longer term investments in an effective system of bilingual education in Nunavut - as Inuit, we will continue to work relentlessly and speak loudly so the government has to be fully accountable and live up to their obligations in the NLCA.

Paul Kaludjak
President
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Stu Kennedy responds to attack by Kenn Harper

Many of us have chuckled about the recent ranting by Mr. Kenn Harper in the March 31 edition of Nunatsiaq News.

I suppose that I should be flattered to be included (once again) in one of Mr. Harper's "fine pieces of writing." However, at my age, I am more concerned about becoming impotent, rather than important.

I will not comment on the several other personal remarks applied by Mr. Harper because commenting on such venomous remarks might suggest to some readers that I actually pay attention to such "writing."

Stu Kennedy
Iqaluit

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