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Back to March, 2002 Archive Index
Letters to the Editor Saddened by loss of Arctic Creations It’s late Saturday afternoon and I’ve been sewing all day. I realize I’ve run out of blue and yellow binding for an amautik. I rush to Northmart to find some before they close at 6 p.m. All I find are red and green ones. I rush to Arctic Ventures. They have no binds at all. I reluctantly go home defeated. I see a truck on the road — it seems to be carrying a lot of stuff. Wow! It’s a truck full of binds, and notions and sewing fabric. They’re leftovers from a closing-out sale being packed out of Arctic Creations. I wistfully look at all the boxed up material and wish I could buy blue and yellow binds one last time. Whenever I thought of Iqaluit, I thought of Monica Ell’s store, Arctic Creations. To me it was a beckoning presence that stood out from other stores. That’s where I’d go the most to shop. She had many things other stores didn’t have in stock and they were much more reasonably priced. She has provided many valuable supplies that probably clothed hundreds of people with their amautiit and qulittaujat, two big items in the Arctic. Monica is an inspiration and a hero to me because she’s made me see that I too can start up a sewing and notions store with much hard work. Thanks Monica for all the years of service you’ve given many, many people. We were shocked, devastated and saddened by the news of your closure. I wish you all the luck
in the world. Abstinence — a blessing, not a curse We teach our young people to abstain from the use of alcohol and drugs because of the damage it does to their bodies, both physical and emotional, and yet we promote "safe sex." What a paradox! Pre-marital sex can be just as damaging, if not more so, to a young person. Not only does it increase the chance of sexually transmitted diseases that can cause long-term effects and possible death, but it can increase the chance of emotional scars that silently kill a person from the inside. These scars can interfere with and often destroy the development of a normal and natural relationship between a couple. If you want to truly protect young people, then parents, teachers, counsellors and church groups need to teach and promote old-fashioned abstinence. Let’s get out message straight — abstinence is the safest way! Therese Rodrigue Don’t put Tahera diamond on our mace I was shocked this morning when representatives of Tahera Corporation were interviewed on CBC news broadcasts and casually announced that they were in the process of working with a jeweler to replace the quartz crystal on the Nunavut mace with a 2.5-carat diamond. While I am in full sympathy for Tahera wanting the additional publicity this would give their firm, I cannot in conscience support this proposal and I am asking my MLA to speak and vote against it. The quartz crystal on the mace end represents a mineral that has been in use for generations. Among the finest arrowheads and end-blades in Nunavut archeological records are those made in the Arctic of quartz crystals. In a modern setting on a black backdrop they are stunningly beautiful, sparkling like ice, frozen in time. The crystal on the mace is a common stone — common enough that all of the people of Nunavut have seen and are aware of them in our environment. The abundance of quartz in Nunavut reminds all of us that we are all part of this vast territory. The diamond, on the other hand, is a material extracted from deep within the earth and which has no history to the people of Nunavut other than in the past 12 years as a recognizable development in the economic growth of the North. Diamonds are the exclusive property of the wealthy and cannot possibly be seen as representative of anything except corporate exploitation of the environment. That exploitation does not come without further startling and disruptive change to the extant environment, peoples and cultures of the Arctic. For Tahera to operate from the presumption that they can simply make changes to the mace — Nunavut’s symbol of royal authority — is ludicrous. For our MLAs not to take a firm stand against this modification is a sign of divisiveness and weakness. I suggest that the government of Nunavut investigate how gifts of cut and polished stones were dealt with by the GNWT and then take appropriate action to receive and display the cut and polished diamonds. But not on our mace. April 19, 2002 Noted Pangnirtung artist dies Guyasee Veevee, a well-known artist, has died after a long battle with cancer at his home in Pangnirtung. He was 50 years of age. He leaves an extended family, as well as his parents. Guyasee was an accomplished sculptor and worked in ivory and antler. His work graces many collections throughout the world. Bryan Pearson April 19, 2002 Sincere thanks to participants in Arviat Bible Conference At the seventh annual bible conference held by Qaiqtuq Nangirvik Ministries in Arviat, there were at least 25 different communities represented from all over northern Canada. Bigger groups were from Puvirnituq, Inukjuaq, Coral Harbour, Pond Inlet, Igloolik, Rankin Inlet and Salluit. Many people came from nearby communities. Close to 400 people came to this conference from out of town. Qaiqtuq Nangirvik Ministries would like to thank all those who came to this week-long conference and we would like to thank and applaud the people of Arviat for their warm reception and their warm hospitality. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the mayor of Arviat, David Alaralak and Pastor Hattie Alaralak, who led a well-organized group of workers and volunteers alike. We learned from you more than you will know. Congratulations to all the volunteers who did excellent work, including the simultaneous interpreters. May the Lord bless the teachers and preachers and worship leaders: to Leonie Duffy, Louie Bruce and Peter Awa to name a few. A special mention to David Alluukak and Mary-Ann Tattuinirq, whose teaching will make us better husbands and wives. Qaiqtuk Nangirvik Ministry is a non-profit corporation incorporated federally with a mission to unify and equip the Body of Christ, so as to fulfill "The Great Commission" given to the followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. Qalingo Tookalak, on behalf
of board members April 19, 2002 Time for a change in the justice system Once more I have witnessed the dog-and-pony show, otherwise known as the Nunavut Court of Justice, perform its ritualistic swish through Cambridge Bay. Yes, we have problems here, just as much as in the rest of Canada, but that should not be used as an excuse for what the government of Nunavut informs us is the fair and discriminate dispensing of justice! Consider the following: Two or three days are allocated to the dispensation of justice in Cambridge Bay, totalling, by my count, some 42 cases, excluding youth court appearances. Some charges are extremely serious and should be treated as such. It behooves us to ensure that justice is done in each case, but what is happening in the real world is deal-making, much as in a hockey draft. The citizens of Cambridge Bay are being cheated here. The RCMP are being cheated and cheapened here. They put in long hours, suffer from great verbal abuse, and at the end of the day, they witness their long hours of work being sabotaged by the deal-making. They are too professional to admit this, but one can sense their frustration. Finally, there is the situation of the accused. Remember, being accused is much different than being convicted. They are shuffled through the system and at the end of the day they are as confused as the rest of us. Every person accused of a crime is entitled to a fair trial in front of a judge or a jury of their peers. I know people who have pleaded guilty to a charge knowing they were not guilty, just to escape the system. It is time for a change. It is time to have a full-time judge serving the Kitikmeot. No more fly-in/fly-out judges from Iqaluit or Yellowknife. Nunavummiut deserve the same treatment as other Canadians. Tom Brown April 19, 2002 The Republic of Nunavut? Have we separated from Canada without realizing it? A few months ago, I was on a flight coming into Iqaluit from Yellowknife. Right after touchdown, one of the flight attendants came on the PA system asking passengers who were going on to Ottawa to please go into the terminal and to go through security before re-boarding the plane "because this flight is going back to Canada." This past week, I was travelling from Ottawa to Iqaluit when our flight was cancelled. I wanted to call home to let my family know that our flight had been cancelled and decided to use the 1-800-COLLECT system that Bell Canada advertises. I dialed 1-800-COLLECT and followed the instructions to punch in the area code and number. A recording came on telling me that the system "does not allow collect calls to foreign countries." I couldn’t believe what I had just heard and tried again. I got the same response. The Republic of Nunavut? I wonder what kind of foreign aid we can expect from Canada? John Amagoalik April 19, 2002 New way of teaching safe sex is better This is in regards to the letter about abstinence, about young people, about safe sex, about being "old-fashioned." Abstinence may not be a curse, but it is denial, denial because you cannot accept what has been given to you, because you cannot accept the fact that times are changing, that we need to change along with time in order to better create understanding. It’s not just about doing what was done in the past. If it was done in the past, why didn’t it work? Why isn’t everyone today as safe as they should be? Why isn’t everyone living without diseases and illnesses? Because this practice was denied. If you’re saying that abstinence is in fact a blessing, then you’re implying that sex is also a bad thing. Why does sex have to be a bad thing? If sex is understood in all ages, genders and races, than this may lower the risk of getting disease. Sex is too big a topic to just come right out and say that "this is why this happens" or "we should teach our children not to have sex so they can be safe." It is a great thing what people are doing to promote safe sex. It is a great thing that an organization like the Pauktuutit Inuit women’s association has created Canadian Inuit HIV/AIDS Network. They are one of many who are teaching sex education as a way to reach young people. They are not denying the fact that young people are in fact having sex. It is a new way of education, a new way of life, and it is working, it’s caught the eyes of young people. This is a positive move. Let’s not try and go back to the old ways of teaching safe sex, because that just never worked. It will only cause people to be confused about the idea of having safe sex. Open up your eyes, we are not living the old way anymore, and there’s no way that we can go back to living the old way. Yesterday is yesterday, today is a new day, don’t bring the past to the present day. Work on your problems, don’t become them. There’s just going to be way too much to work on for the future if we drag along yesterday’s problems. Rita Anilniliak April 19, 2002 Much thanks for all your help When we lose a loved one to a tragic death, at first it is hard to believe. Sometimes we are confused and have many questions and we think, ‘I wish I had done more to help.’ We thank all the people who are and have been continually compassionate, prayed and supported us during our time of grief over the loss of our beloved David Panneok Davidee. We will miss his humour, art, sharing and words of encouragement. Thank you to everyone who provided baked goods, country food, complete meals and much more. Much gratitude also to Coroner Janesie Kootoo of Kimmirut of the St. Jude’s Cathedral of Iqaluit. The family and relatives
of David Panneok Davidee April 19, 2002 Good information, good choices There’s no doubt about it — abstinence is the only way that’s 100 per cent sure of preventing STDs, unplanned pregnancies and the emotional turmoil that can arise in intimate relationships. Also true is that "it takes a whole village to raise a child" and healthy sexuality information from parents, teachers, health workers and church groups (for those who are religious) are important. However, choosing your teachings carefully is essential. With a simple "no pre-marital sex" message, a guaranteed 95 per cent loss of any youth audience is sure to follow. For health educators, the intent is neither to promote nor discourage sex (safer or otherwise). The goal is to give clear information in a non-judgmental way so young people can make more intelligent decisions — decisions based on respect and understanding. It is our hope that with good information, for those people who do choose to be sexually active, they do so by engaging in safer sex practices — such as birth control, condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners. Respectfully, Madeleine Cole What goes around comes around Saturday, March 2 was such a beautiful day that I thought I would go out walking around just to be out in the wonderful sunshine. I went into Arctic Ventures to look around, saw a parka and tried it on. I hung my purse on the end of a clothes rack, tried on the coat then put the coat back. It wasn’t until I got to Northmart that I realized that I had left my purse still hanging on the rack. Immediately, I ran back to Ventures to retrieve the purse but, of course, it was not there. Someone had stolen it from the rack hoping that there would be a nice sum of cash in it. Well, the joke is on them because I think that all I had in it was maybe $20. I went straight home to report the purse stolen and to cancel all of my credit cards. I was quite upset that someone could be so horrible and dishonest and I often wonder if people who would steal a purse rather than turn it in actually have a conscience. I mean, do they not know any better? Do they not realize that that is a violation of one’s privacy? Anyway, my faith in humanity that day went on quite the downward curve. The upswing to this whole story is that, early the following week, my boyfriend got a call from a young man saying that he had found my wallet (but not the purse that it was in) and most of its contents were still in it. I got in touch with him right away and he dropped it off at my office. This is the really interesting part. There is a saying that "What goes around comes around" and I believe this to be true. When I was about 14 or 15, I found a lady’s purse on the street and I contacted her right away, once I figured out who owned it. She was very appreciative and couldn’t thank me enough. Here it is, years later, and the same thing happens to me. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. I’ve never ever lost my purse before but as soon as I did, the same wonderful gesture that I made years ago was granted back to me. As I said before, I believe that what goes around comes around, so I take comfort in knowing that the thief who stole my purse will be rewarded for his/her actions sometime in life. I would like to thank Andre Doucet of Iqaluit for being such an honest and decent person for tracking me down and returning the wallet that someone stole. That day, my faith in humanity went on the upward curve when only days before it was headed in the opposite direction. It’s people like Andre that make this world a better place. He has shown himself to be an excellent role model and I believe that he will accomplish much in his life. Jackie Bourgeois April 26, 2002 Money Chrétien spent on airplanes could have been better used in the North I am here in Ottawa wondering if Nunavummiut have heard of Mr. Chrétien buying two $160-million airplanes, which comes out to $320-million. Now those funds could have been used wisely in Nunavut. First of all, the housing shortage could have been rectified. Second, the Nunavut government could hire more doctors and professionals to stay longer in the bigger communities, such as Pangnirtung, Igloolik, Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, Arviat and Iqaluit. Some of those same funds could make sure that all the homeless are housed in all of the Nunavut communities. Some of the funds could have been used to hire more teachers so that the classrooms are not housing 25-35 students but 15-20 students (they learn better this way). OR if the Nunavutmiut wanted, they can build those three hospitals with no fuss from anybody, and equipped with the highest technical equipment any hospital has been able to purchase or obtain. If you are serious about the health of Nunavummiut, then all you people, I mean all of you Nunvummiut should write letters to your MLAs, meet with your community members and tell the rest of Nunavummuit you can use this money for the identified needed services. I encourage you Nunavummiut to voice you concerns, recommendations and suggestions because if you do not, who will voice your concerns for you?? Be a growing and healthy part of Nunavut. Tell your voted officials how you feel and what you would like to see. I just wanted to say this to you thru this paper since I can not be there to voice it on the Radio. Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. Mary Alainga April 26, 2002 Organizers behind exchange deserve recognition too I read the article "An exchange of ideas" (April 19) yesterday and was surprised to see how much was printed in the paper. The two-page coverage of the exchange brings much pride to the participating members and the community. I also noticed that a couple of names were not mentioned. If it were not for Rob Strutz and Leslie Qamaniq, the events in Pond Inlet would never have come about. Rob Strutz was the initiator for the exchange in Pond Inlet and persuaded me to undertake the cause. It is to Rob that the greatest degree of recognition should be given. He spearheaded fundraising, often seeking out financial assistance for the exchange from individual companies on his own initiative so that the students would not have to work so hard at raising funds on their own time. Rob was equally responsible for the detailed planning and execution of the exchange program. If it weren’t for Leslie Qamaniq, Rob and I would never have known about the Community Initiatives Program, which allowed us to actually achieve our financial goals for the exchange. Rob ensured that this application was completed and delivered. Leslie also spent numerous hours of her time putting together a cultural performance that will be performed by the Pond Inlet exchange students in Guelph. This program, which includes Inuit games, throat and ayaya singing, drum dancing and interpretive sketch, vividly displays Inuit culture and accentuates the students’ roles as ambassadors for our community. Patrick McDermott
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