File contains an individual presentation by Harry Maksagak focusing on the life of the Inuit pre-contact and the negative impact of losing their nomadic way of life. He foresees the future government of Nunavut as being able to negotiate with the federal government for much-needed schools, employment and housing for the Cambridge Bay area. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains an individual presentation by Bill Gower. Gower, an active member of the community who's on the hamlet Council, discusses the problems he sees with the Education system. He stresses that unless something is done to create jobs in the area in the near future the effects of its failings will be catastrophic. Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss these concerns and possible solutions with Gower.
File contains a presentation by Bryan Pearson. Pearson discusses problems faced by Inuit communities in the fields of health and education. Pearson also discusses the cultural gap between Inuit and Euro-Canadians and the problems that can cause in implementing social policy. Following this presentation the Commission's sitting for the day is officially ended with a closing prayer.
File contains a presentation by Charlie Evalik that first describes the life of the Inuit in the Cambridge Bay area beginning in the 1950s, where the Inuit were forced to adapt to a more permanent home life in settlements, rather than continue with their nomadic way of life. He discusses some issues that are affecting Cambridge Bay residents, such as lack of post-secondary opportunities, employment, lack of proper housing, and a high rate of residents on welfare. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Ineaq Korgak, executive assistant for the Baffin Regional Health Board. Korgak discusses many of the social issues facing the Inuit people of Baffin Island, including high mortality rates, low life expectancy, drug abuse, AIDS, alcoholism, gambling, poor nutrition, and a lack of economic opportunities. He also discusses midwifery and makes some suggestions on how these subjects can be addressed in a productive manner. Following the presentation Korgak discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault.
File contains a presentation by Jaypeetie Akpallaluk, Mayor, Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories, who begins by comparing the "qallunaaq" (European) way of life and the Inuit way of life and how the two do not work together well. He states that Inuit culture is being lost and that the wisdom and knowledge of elders is not being utilized by younger generations. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will provide more funding to allow the creation of much-needed cultural, educational and family programs in Pangnirtung.
File contains a presentation by Larry Ussak. He discusses his concerns with the way the government handles the polar bear population, specifically some of the techniques they use which he believes is contributing to the populations decline. Ussak also talks about job training, welfare, drop-out rates, suicide, the financial difficulties of life in the north, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Robinson discusses employment and training issues with Ussak and Paul Kaludjak.
File contains a presentation by Lucien Taparti who's an Elder and Chairperson of the local Elders' organization, discusses how Elder and hunters' concerns are often neglected while those of people who own businesses are addressed by government. He states that their is a knowledge gap of traditional Inuit culture among youth which should be addressed. Taparti discusses the local Elders organization, his work-related disability, and concerns with the justice system and the role Elders can play.
File contains a presentation by Luzarus Arreak. Arreak asks the Commission for "Inuit to be defined separatley and individually as Inuit." She asks for a seperate definiton in the Constitution and "anywhere else." Arreak relates some of her personal history as a Inuit, as well as much of the history of her people, celebrating how they have "progressed rapidly" in 30 to 40 years, and their accomplishments in the political realm. Arreak also highlights some of the problems they have faced with regards to resource development, and adjustement to new realities while emphasizing a positive future.
File contains a presentation by Saalie Peter, Chairman of the Apex Education Council. Peter describes the history of his people and the challenges they have encountered, particularly the depletion of whale stocks, and the assertion of federal control over Inuit communities in the 1950s. Peter also describes the challenges faced across cultures in education and the issues his organization encounters. Following the presentation is a discussion between Peter and the Commissioners on the issues raised.
File contains a presentation by Mayor Paul Kaludjak on behalf of the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet. He discusses education, health care, justice, self-governance, and alcohol and drug problems in the North. Following his presentation Commissioner Robinson thanks Kaludjak, and Commissioner Blakeney discusses the different municipal categories and funding frameworks in operation in the Northwest Territories.