Letters to the Editor

September 28, 2001

Thank you from the Adla family

We would like to thank the following people for their tremendous help and their great love for us:

First, the people of our community who came to notify us of our unexpected loss — their love for us was greatly felt. Thank you to those who came to show that they care, and for those who helped at the burial site.

Thank you to the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative for the big box of groceries, and also to Social Services for groceries. Thank you to the carpenters at Housing for making David’s cross just the way that I wanted it to be made, and last, but not least, thank you to all the people who chipped in to help a family member fly up for family support, and to the people who organized and planned the house-to-house fund-raising.

Thank you to all the people from Iqaluit who were involved at the scene — the coroner, the RCMP, the hospital, and to all the people who called to let us know that they care.

Thank you again. Words are not enough to express our gratititude. Your love and prayers are deeply felt. May God bless you all. Keep praying for us and the Manning family.

David, we all will always love you. You already are and will be greatly missed.

Kumaarjuk Pii Adla and children
Cape Dorset

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September 28, 2001

Open letter to Mayor John Matthews

Dear John:

For the last year, I have been driving a cab here in Iqaluit, and for the last year, I have stood silently by as I and my fellow drivers have been given a rough-ride in the press. I would like to relate a few facts to you on the positive side that seems to never be mentioned.

• On numerous occasions (including this past Saturday night), emergency personnel have been taken to the fire hall, free of charge.

• On numerous occasions, we have transported doctors to the hospital in emergency situations, free of charge.

• On numerous occasions, we have provided free transportation to day cares.

• On many occasions, we have transported ill people, including women in labour, to the hospital.

• On more occasions than we care to count, we have transported people home in a less than sober state, often without being compensated, and often having to help them to their doors.

• During storms, we keep our vehicles on the roads as long as possible to ensure that the public gets home safely.

During the spring strike, many of us endeavoured to keep our cars on the road despite the atrocious road conditions, often causing us to spend much more on repairs to our vehicles.

As for your remarks in last week’s edition of Nunatsiaq News regarding Joamie School, we have tried stopping before the sign, only to be given a hard time by the customers because they had to walk.

As well, perhaps if teachers and their spouses did not drive right to the door of the school a better example would be made.

While I do admit that not all drivers act appropriately, I do believe that the majority of drivers are hard-working individuals just trying to do a job.

As for excessive speeds, consider the points made above. I do not think that it is totally inappropriate for us to drive a bit faster during emergency situations. If I am wrong in this, please let me know. The majority of the time, the roads are in such a poor state that we can not even drive the speed limit, let alone speed.

And while on the topic of speeding, perhaps the drivers of city vehicles, especially water, sewage, and garbage trucks could be spoken to about the speeds that they drive. If there are rules and laws, they should apply to all, and to single out one group is unfair.

I also understand that a new bylaw has just been passed regarding taxi drivers selling alcohol and drugs. Why does this bylaw not include the general public?

There are far more people selling drugs and alcohol in this town, including some that would surprise many. To single out just one group seems to me to be discriminatory.

To sum up, sir, I respectfully ask you to not lump all cab drivers into the same category. As I stated earlier, the majority of us are hard working people who work long and hard for the money we make. We are not, contrary to popular belief, rich.

Craig Dunphy
Iqaluit

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September 28, 2001

My life was changed forever

As a family of three living in Paradise, Nfld., we were like many others in search of financial prosperity. By chance, my partner was offered a job in Hall Beach, so we sold our home, left our relatives, and headed for the little community at the top of Hudson Bay.

Little did I know how that choice would change my life forever.

Experiencing the North for the first time was both awesome and frightening. We were open-minded people with a respect for others, but knew we didn’t belong there.

A couple of years passed and things began to change. I had to spend more time out of the community, and my common-law spouse stayed there alone until he became more than just friends with a local Inuk. He eventually decided that the life we had was not working for him. I moved back to Newfoundland to give him the space to find what he needed in life and he moved in with the Inuk.

His choice was inconceivable, as I has thought, an Inuk who was barely educated, working at the local Northern store was to replace me. A college graduate, who had a excellent work history, and now had two children was left to face an uncertain future — no home, no partner, no explanations.

He comes home to us every six months, but as a changed man. I couldn’t put into focus where this was taking us and before long it was time to go back to work and he became a different person when he returned to the North. He struggles to maintain a double life as he tries to keep the relationship with the Inuk unspoken, but yet he loves his family.

She was not made aware of this continued relationship with me, nor would he admit that there was a relationship with her. Shame is how it feels. I see the face of the man I love, but I hear the voice of a stranger.

I will never forget the experiences of living in a northern community and should have written a book about the people I met and the things I learned about how this culture lives life day-to-day. Regretfully, I left a major part of myself there — the father of my children.

Life will never be the same for us again.

Veronica Flemming
veronica_flemming@stratos.ca

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September 28, 2001

Thank you to the community of Nain

I had the opportunity to attend the Inuit Tapiriiksat Kanatami and the Inuit Circumpolar Conference’s annual general meeting in Nain, Labrador, this past week.

I would like to take the time and thank the community of Nain for the warm welcome we received and the feast they had prepared for us. People did a lot of hard work to make it as successful as it was. I had the chance to have everything from fresh scallops to fish ‘n’ brewis. Everything was delicious

The Nunatsiavut Drum Dancers performed for us along with a band called the Sun Dogs. I was really touched and in awe of the talent that these young people posses.

It was a really positive thing to see, as usually these days you hear more about the negative things in life. I hope the youth continue to drum, and be proud. And the Sun Dogs, keep going. I think you can go far.

We also gave out an Exemplary Youth Award to RCMP Const. Terry Lyall for all the years that he has been an advocate for Labrador Inuit youth. He continues to be a role model.

Thank you, and I hope to one day return to that part of the world because it is truly beautiful country.

Qujannamiik!

Christa Henderson
Acting President
National Inuit Youth Council
kakudluk@hotmail.com

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September 28, 2001

Great to see John A. again

It’s great to see John A. back again. It’s been a week or two since he and I were riding around on Hodaka motorcycles, doing the odd hoot and enjoying what social life the short summers of Resolute Bay had to offer. Still, behind all that escapism from the boring, pseudo-militarism of Transport Canada’s base camp in 1970, Johnny had a vision, and talked about the people — Inuit — coming into their own.

We encouraged him, and the next thing I know, he was the only spokesperson in Canada to bring fear to the eyes of Pierre Trudeau. What he has done since, I don’t know, but, shame on me for not staying in touch and shame on him for having dropped out.

We all make mistakes, but on balance, its just as important to keep an open mind in Nunavut 2001 as it was during the encapsulated colonial days of 1970. Human nature is like that, and a little zap from the old man is good for everyone.

Rick Gillis
Cambridge Bay
gillisr@polarnet.ca

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September 21, 2001

Thanks for Iqaluit’s hospitality

I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit for their hospitality.

I came to stay for one month, but the beauty of the town and the kindness of the people kept me going for 10 months.

Now it is time to say good-bye. God bless you.

Dr. Simin Koshand
Iqaluit

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September 21, 2001

Air quality in overcrowded homes

I want to comment on the air quality in homes.

I have a son who is asthmatic, and has been all his life. We have lived in houses heated by forced air, and we’re currently living in a house with a boiler system. My son was most sick when we lived in a forced-air house.

He still got sick when we moved into the boiler-heated house. The last time he got really sick, my cousin suggested that we put an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) system into our house.

We did, and it was the best thing we could ever have done. Not only were my son’s asthma attacks reduced, we hardly get sick either.

I would also like to ask why there are no breather-vents in houses? What I mean by breather vent, is what we call “Kingaks” (a nose for the house).

We have one at our cabin. Why not in houses? It would reduce medical costs all over, especially in crowded homes. I know it’s not the solution for overcrowding, but it would help.

Brenda Jancke
Cambridge Bay

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September 21, 2001

Looking forward to column

I just read the letter concerning the ‘My Little Corner’ by John Amagoalik from one of his fans, and I agree — grudgingly — that John should start writing again.

It’s been a long time since I heard from that “Grumpy, calloused, old flat-ass” and I actually miss it, even though I’m usually just a thorn in John’s side — pesky to him and annoying like a mosquito. But I do miss that little article.

Now that he’s started the wheel rolling in the great ousting of Meeka Kilabuk, let’s hear his views on the upcoming NHL games, as well as other political games he takes notes on. It’s really interesting and fun even, sometimes.

Suzie Napayok
Yellowknife

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September 21, 2001

Security phobia?

Events that had their roots as far away as the Middle East are having ripple effects on people halfway around the globe.

I am talking about the recent Transport Canada requirements that all Nunavut passengers going to southern Canada, including children, show photo IDs, and that passengers traveling within Nunavut show a statutory declaration and certified photo. Just before that, everyone in Nunavut was required to obtain firearms certificates to obtain ammunition and purchase firearms.

While traveling through the Soviet Union a couple of decades ago, I was thankful that we in Canada did not have to go through what Soviet citizens were required to go through, which was to show signed documents authorizing them to travel between cities, and internal passports.

I don’t know if I’m wrong but I think this violates mobility rights guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It seems we are becoming a more regimentalized society that’s just as bad as the Soviet Union was, and for events that no-one in Nunavut would dare contemplate, such as what happened in the U.S.

Whether we like it or not, we have become victims of security phobia.

Raymond Kaslak
Arviat

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September 14, 2001

Farewell to all Nunavummiut

Takkvauvusi.

I would like to take this last moment to bid farewell to all Nunavummiut, and especially to all the Iqalunngmiut/ Iqalummiutuqaillu who have shown patience and support to my family and me.

As you may have heard, I will be moving to Sisimiut, Greenland. I am sure you, the citizens of Nunavut, will continue to work as a strong community. Disregard the negative comments made by those who do not take part in the healing of the past and the building of our strong foundation for the future. Their words will not change the course of Nunavut’s progress.

I have been very fortunate to take part in events that I never dreamed were possible. When I was in elementary school, the use of our Inuktitut language and culture was forbidden. This changed in the years leading up to my high school graduation, where Inuktitut was strongly encouraged. Today, our young government of Nunavut is trying its very best to work with other partners to develop Inuktitut curriculum throughout the school program, and not just at the elementary level.

I am sure I will be returning once in a while to visit Iqalunngmiuqatikka, and perhaps Nunavummiuqatikka, and especially my extended family, parents, and my sons, Allen and Matthew.

I will keep in touch with Iqaluit and Nunavut by subscribing to Nunatsiaq News, a paper that is disliked by many and enjoyed by many more.

I thank everyone for the kindness and constructive criticism I received while working in various positions. I have thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience.

Once I have my permanent address in Sisimiut and my e-mail address, I will forward them to Nunatsiaq News, in hopes of them publishing the information.

Nakurmiimmarialuujusi.
Joe Adla Kunuk
Iqaluit

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September 14, 2001

Elks, Legion make sound donation

This letter is to thank the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, Branch #570 Frobisher Bay, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 of Iqaluit, for their kind donations towards the purchase of 10 sound field systems.

Two of them will be installed in each school in Iqaluit.

The systems enable teachers to better communicate with students in the classroom, using controlled amplification so that students may better hear and comprehend their teachers.

Once again, thank you for your support. Hopefully, we will help many others through our generosity.

Brother/Comrade Edgar A. Lafave
Iqaluit

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September 14, 2001

Greenlanders want Canadian goods

In the Sept. 7 edition of Nunatsiaq News, two articles about the loss of the Greenland-Canada air route struck me. They were both centered around the airlines and ignored the interests of the people.

While the interests of the people and social obligation are often ignored by businesses, in the case of First Air and Greenlandair, they are owned primarily by the residents in the areas they serve. In reference to the Canada-Greenland route, marketing director for Greenlandair "did all that we could possibly do" and First Air marketing "didn’t have any confidence in it."

How about the users of the route? They were neither consulted nor asked to help make this route successful. We are a company that has been selling products from Canada to Greenland since the route began 17 years ago. With over 100 customers, we can say with great confidence that the statement made in the editorial "A circumpolar loss" that "there’s nothing Canada produces that Greenland wants to buy," is strictly false.

The businesses and people of Greenland are very open and willing to trade with Canada. They love the winter boots we make, the bicycles we sell, and especially the fresh produce we are able to provide.

While some stores in Greenland have had bad experiences dealing with some Canadian suppliers (as the article points out), others stores are just jumping on board the route. Many restaurants and food stores in Greenland — including the largest chain — has shown great confidence in fruit and vegetables coming from Canada.

As passengers from within and outside of Greenland exit the plane in Kangerlussuaq, they need walk less than 10 metres to see the vast array of Canadian products. As they enter the airport they can get gum and other snacks from Canada while they are perusing the souvenirs, also made in Canada. As they exit the airport, they can’t help but see the huge selection of Canadian Norco bicycles available for rent. They are even able to buy fresh fruits or vegetables at the local store — again, from Canada. It is clear: Canada has many items Greenlanders want to buy.

Agreements have been signed by the Greenland and Nunavut governments, trade conferences have been organized, and diplomats from Greenland have come to Canada to encourage a partnership between the two countries. The government has shown great signs of confidence, but the businesses they have stakes in do not mirror that image.

As shareholders in these two companies, the people of Nunavut and Greenland have a right to be heard. All of the cultural, social, and economic benefits of the route must be considered by both the airlines and the respective governments.

Josh Fine
General Manager
Ray Fine Enterprises
Aylmer, Quebec
joshfine@rfe.ca

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Unnecessary deaths?

I would like my name to be confidential because I am staying in a safe home. I have been in the hospital just recently after being physically abused by my common-law.

I live in Ontario and would not like to mention where I am right now because I fear for my life. I went to see my counsellor and asked her if there is any place at all in Nunavut for seeking help, such as a treatment centre where you can get help for alcohol abuse or drug abuse.

We just learned that there is nothing at all. I believe this guy who was stabbed to death would be still alive today if there were a proper place for women to go and seek help. The Nunavut government needs to begin the provision of treatment services for women and men.

Can you insert this letter into Nunatsiaq News or News North requesting a campaign of letter writing to the premier of Nunavut and the premier of the Northwest Territories requesting treatment centres in the North?

(Name withheld by request)
Toronto

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September 14, 2001

Thanks from the Kayaking Club

The many organizations and individuals who offer their continued support to the activities of the Frobisher Bay Kayaking Club deserve a round of applause.

Their support makes possible activities that teach water safety, promote physical activity and skill development for youth, and teach the traditional Inuit sport of kayaking. It brought together young and old alike in an integrated setting to share skills, learn new skills and build a stronger sense of community.

On behalf of the 200 members of the Frobisher Bay Kayaking Club, in existence for more than 20 years, I extend my sincere gratitude to:

• Sport Nunavut

• Nunavut Paddling Association

• Nunavut Regional Sport Development

• Canadian North Airlines

• The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4

• Thomas and Associates

• Inuksuk High School

• Association Francophone du Nunavut

Special mention, as well, to the six volunteer kayaking instructors who gave of their time, skill and patience throughout the past winter, spring and fall.

We look forward to seeing new faces in the Iqaluit pool this winter. And, the youth of Baffin may look forward to continued support as they paddle their way to the 2004 Canada Summer Games!

Suzanne Laliberte
President
Frobisher Bay Kayaking Club
Iqaluit

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September 14, 2001

Thank you from the Papatsie family

On behalf of the Papatsie family, we would like to thank all the people of Iqaluit who came to pay their respects and condolences to our family.

Thank you to those people who stayed up with us at the hospital during the last few hours with our loving mother, wife and sister.

Thank you for praying for us, for we were also celebrating our mother’s birthday on the day she was buried.

The Papatsie Family
Iqaluit

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September 14, 2001

Start writing, John A.

I know John Amagoalik personally and I wish I could just write him a private letter, but I think it’s important to say publicly that I really miss his insight into issues and I miss his opinion.

He doesn’t always say the things that we want to hear but he often has a very clear insight into what’s actually happening. His "My Little Corner" gave him the perfect licence to be honest, forward-thinking and he got to represent the people without having to worry about what organization he was supposed to be representing.

John. A., I wish you would continue to have a voice in our newspaper and I wish you would continue to speak your mind. You’re one of the few people who are willing to be vocal and who knows what the history is.

There are many people like myself, Lalena Flaherty and Janet Brewster who were raised with your wisdom. You, your wife and your family acted as our mentors. We miss "My Little Corner."

We miss you very much. Start writing, you grumpy old calloused flat-ass. I will put my Inuktitut name here for your respect and you will probably know who I am.

Tatanniq Idlout
Iqaluit

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September 7, 2001

Heartened but wary

I am indeed heartened by the news of new and improved health care facilities in the Kitikmeot and the Baffin. It's about time this happened.

Of course, I said the same thing about three years ago, a few years before that, and, of course, in the late 1980s when we were told essentially the same thing.

Perhaps I should be saying, "I'll believe it when I see it."

R. Neddles, R.N.
Iqaluit
ennarn15@hotmail.com

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