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 a presentation by Abe Okpik. Okpik discusses the significance of midwifery to the Inuit people, and on Baffin Island in particular. He also discusses traditional knowledge and its importance in contemporary midwifery. Following the presentation are some comments on it by Commissioners Mary Sillet and Rene Dussault.
File contains a presentation by Annie Napayok on behalf of the Keewatin Legal Aid Society. She discusses justice issues in the Keewatin region, for which she is the only legal aid representative. Among her concerns are culturally insensitive applications of law, a lack of funding, and youth justice concerns. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss some of these issues with Napayok.
File contains a presentation by Bertram Maksagak, Kim Tologanak, Vicky Palviolok and Michelle Gillis relating to the difficulties of keeping the Cambridge Bay youth away from drug and alcohol abuse. The group proposes a recreational facility as the young children and teenagers "have nothing to do and nowhere to go." 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 Leetia James of the Baffin Region Uvik Society. James descibes the history of her organization which was founded in 1984 "to provide and co-ordinate services for women who are living in violent relationships." James discusses the overall social problems she sees within her society such as drug and alcohol abuse, spousal assault and suicide. She also stresses the inability of the Canadian justice and legal system to deal properly with Inuit culture at the local level. Follownig the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses James' group's shelter with her.
File contains a presentation by Lucassie Nutaraluk, Chairman of Kalugiak, an elders group, via translator. He is concerned with quotas for hunting and fishing and does not want Inuit people jailed for breaking laws. Nutaraluk also expresses concern that many young people do not speak Inuktitut and fears the language may die out if schools do not teach native languages.
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 brief presentation by Marge Lalonde, speaking on behalf of the elders of Iqaluit. She expresses concern for the high cost of food year-round and the difficulty of providing healthy meals for families with food often already spoiled upon shipping.
File contains a presentation by Mary Jane Litchard, Baleen Artist. Litchard, an Inuit-Comanche woman from Alaska, discusses her experiences in Canada and issues with the international border, her difficulties transporting the Baleen she works on as a medium across boundaries, language issues, midwifery, tuberculosis and other health issues, prejudice, and the value of community counselling and healing services. Following the presentation is a conversation between Litchard and Commissioners Dussault and Sillet on some of the issues raised.
File contains a presentation by Okalik Curley. Curley discusses the structure of families amongst the Inuit, and the need for greater organization within their communities. Curley discusses the traditional custom of adoption with Commissioner Rene Dussault.
File contains a presentation by Roger Cousins. Cousins speaks on the topic of land claims in the Eastern arctic. He discusses Aboriginal land claims in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and then the Nunavut claim in the Eastern arctic. In answerance to Commissioner Dussault's earlier question on where the Commission should start Cousins states "a good place to start would be to make sure that the Inuit have a land base in their home communities." Following the presentation Commmissioner Dussault discusses the topic with Cousins.
File contains a presentation by Ruth Kadlutsiak, Baffin Region Inuit Association, via translator. She provides a brief history of the Association and how it works to preserve the Inuktitut language and Inuit culture.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Presentation by Sami Qumaraq Inuit Women's Group
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a presentation by Sami Qumaraq, Inuit Women's Group. Qumaraq discusses women's issues on Baffin Island, and especially the challenges faced by youth in their communities. Qumaraq highlights the need for more counsellors and support services for people, particularly in smaller communities than Iqualuit. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks her.
File contains a presentation by Irene Tiktaalaaq and Joan Scottie of the Concerned Citizens of Baker Lake. Tiktaalaq discusses unemployment and poverty among the people of Baker Lake, and her efforts with others to establish a community food bank without any government assistance to alleviate these problems. She concludes by recommending that the government raise welfare and pension levels to the amount that northerners do not run out of food money before the end of the month.
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.
File contains a presentation by Ollie Itinuar on behalf of the Inuit Cultural Institute. He is an elder who speaks Inuktitut. His address is given in English translation and covers topics such as cultural preservation and the importance of the transmission of traditional culture to younger generations. Following his presentation Commissioner Robinson thanks Itinuar, and Commissioner Blakeney discusses transportation and the preservation of oral records on tape with him.
File contains a presentation by Elizabeth Palfrey of the Keewatin Regional Health Board. Palfrey introduces herself as a Southern Aboriginal woman who has relocated to the North.