CS 322: Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World II
Module Two: Changes in Expressions of Cultural Identity in Northern North American: Media, Art, Education, and Recreation
University of the Arctic – CS 322
[Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies (BCS) 322]
[Cultural Identity In North America]
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
[Heather Exner
Greg Poelzer
Tamara Andreyeva
Kristina Fagan
Heather Harris
Terry Wotherspoon ... [et al.]]
Description
Discusses how each area contributes to an individual's sense of belonging to a unique community.
Developed for class delivered by the University of the Arctic.
Proceedings of the 15th International Congress on Circumpolar Health
Articles » Scholarly, peer reviewed
Author/Creator
Sandra J. Romain
International Journal of Circumpolar Health, vol. 72, Supplement 1, 2013, p. article no. 21409
Description
Explores the challenges of complying with the, Inuit Language Protection Act and the Official Languages Act to provide pharmacy services without Inuit language proficient pharmacists.
RCAP 18 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Iqaluit, Northwest Territories. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations such as children's and women's rights, education and Inuit issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 25 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories [Nunavut]. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by on a variety of subjects such as land claims and self-government, Inuit education, employment, pollution, and the arts. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains an individual presentation by David Akpalialuk, resident of Pangnirtung, who expresses frustration with the application of Unemployment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan and would like documents in both Inuktitut and English. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Davidee Arnaqaq, resident of Pangnirtung, expressing frustration with the lack of economic opportunities and employment to support his family. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will support employment and business programs in his community as there has been little support in the past.
File contains a presentation by Joanasie Maniapik, representative of "the men's group in Pangnirtung" who states that the laws of the Canadian Government are not the ways of the Inuit. Maniapik calls for a separate Royal Commission on justice in the North. Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, says that previous commissions have dealt with particular justice issues and with the future government of Nunavut
File contains an individual presentation by Jonah Kilabuk, who attended school in Winnipeg to become an interpreter. He states that "I am still not recognized by my own people because I was never taught how to hunt. He hopes that culture-preserving programs will soon be available for younger generations
File contains an individual presentation by July Papatsie expressing frustration with government policy on research. Papatsie seeks a grant to interview elders in her community but she needs a diploma to apply. Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, states that "grassroots research" should be acknowledged as being equally useful, despite the lack of education of the researcher.
File contains a brief individual presentation by Looie Nowdla, young citizen of Pangnirtung, expressing concern for the youth in her community who use alcohol and drugs. Despite the ban on both, usage of alcohol and drugs is responsible for youth crime and high dropout rates from school. Nowdla calls for more recreational facilities for the youth of Pangmirtung.
File contains an individual presentation by Mary Evik, resident of Pangnirtung, who provides historical background on health services in the community. Evik believes the old hospital that operated from the 1950s-1970s gave superior care to Pangnirtung and area residents, and feels the present nursing station is an inadequate band-aid solution to caring for residents.
File contains an individual presentation by Olassie Machmer who has lived overseas in the past. She compares the red tape involved with taking ill in England (none) to taking ill in the Canadian North (substantial). She states that "when you see overseas governments, they seem to run a lot better than here." Machmer concludes by saying the government has to change to meet the needs of the people.
File contains an individual presentation by Rosie Joamie, who is an educator and teacher of Inuktitut. Ironically, when Joamie began teaching in the 1970s, she consulted community elders for information on Inuit culture and traditiona because she had not been taught them as a child. Joamie calls for more funding to continue the teaching of Inuit culture. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Tommy Evik, resident of Pangnirtung, relating to the difficulty that Inuit people have in dealing with Canadian government documents written in English. He states that the government sought to abolish Inuktitut in the past but "our parents and ourselves have hung on to our own language and we teach it to our children every day." He urges provincial and federal politicians representing Pangnirtung and area to also visit the smaller communities, not just the larger centres.
File contains opening remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair and Mary Sillett, Commissioner, and the two Commissioners for the Day, Naki Ecko and Abraham Okpik. Dussault discusses the purpose and mandate of the Commission.
File contains opening remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, who introduces the Commissioners for the Day, Aksaayook Etuagak and Youth Commissioner Lucy Mike. Dussault explains the purpose and mandate of the Commission. He introduces Pauloosie Angmaalik, the first speaker.
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 Alethea Baril, Adam Kilukishak and Tara Lindsay, Grade 7-8 students, Nanook School, Apex, Northwest Territories [Nunavut]. The students call for amending the Education Act to accept elders as qualified teachers, consultation from students and parents when building schools and planning classes, and free daycare for those students babysitting siblings during class time. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
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 Bill Riddell and Leah Inutiq, members of Tuvvik, a committee of the Baffin Regional Council that delivers alcohol and drug counselling programs in Iqaluit. They express concern that social programs are being funded as a result of "political decisions that are popular and are likely to result in re-election." There is no longevity with social programs which ultimately harm the people they are trying to help. They also state concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation is a discussion with the commissioners.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Don Couch
Description
File contains a presentation by Don Couch, Vice-President, Arctic College, Nunatta Campus. He discusses language planning and implementation for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Couch also states specifically that "promotion and protection of Inuit cultural identity through the use of Inuktitut as the language of instruction" at Arctic College is vital for preservation of the language. Couch hopes for added funding for language programs to ensure Inuktitut doesn't die out. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by George Ikaluk. Following an opening prayer for the days proceedings, Ikalkuk discusses the importance of the Inuit language to his people, and introduces the next presenter, Ineaq Korgak.
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 Ipeelee Kilabuk concerning with the lack of adequate health care facilities in Pangnirtung. The hamlet once had a hospital, and now seriously ill people must be flown to Edmonton, Winnipeg and other cities. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will build a hospital and staff it with Inuit health care workers. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by James Panioyak that initially describes a harsh life in the bush for Inuit children pre-contact, but a fulfilling one as children learned to respect their parents, their elders and the land. By a person's late teens, survival skills had been learned and upon marriage, a man was capable of fishing and trapping to feed his family and a woman was able to make and repair clothing and to prepare and cook food. Panioyak hopes the Inuktitut language will not die out and believes that elders should be utilized to teach children and youth the old ways and language.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jim Antoine
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Jim Antoine, Member of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly for Nahende. He gives a brief introduction to Treaty 11 relating to his constituency and to the future formation of Nunavut. Antoine discusses what land claims and self-government would mean to the Northwest Territories, focusing on the extinguishment clause. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
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 Leoni Kappi. He discusses education in a variety of facets including the need for traditional cultural content, a lack of funding, the need for adult education facilities, especially with regard to drop-outs, and the importance of traditional language instruction. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Sillet discuss some of these issues with Kappi.
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 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 Meeka Arnagia, Chairman, Mental Health Association, Pangnirtung, who gives a brief history of mental health services in the Pangnirtung area. The lease agreement on their building is up in 1993 and the group also lacks a shelter for family violence victims. Arnagia calls for considerably more funding to need the need for mental health services. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Meeka Kilabuk, Executive Director, Baffin Regional Council. She provides background information on the purpose of the Council and the large land base that the Council covers. Kilabuk states that the high cost of airfare is a deterrent when members of the Council, located great distances apart, attempt to meet. Kilabuk also relates a successful effort by the Baffin Regional Council to raise the quota on hunting Beluga whales from 5 to 35 and wonders why this number is always under review by the Canadian government, as the whales are essential for survival.
File contains a presentation by Mosesee Nuvaqik, regarding six areas related to lack of funding, including the inability of Pangnirtung and other Co-Ops to meet annually in Winnipeg, high transportation costs of items and insufficient training for Co-Op employees.
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 Paul Williams, vicar of the Anglican Church in Rankin Inlet. He presents his concerns as an individual on education and suicide in the community. Williams argues that there is not enough funding for culturally relevant education of the kind that is needed. Williams then discusses the problem of the extremely high rate of suicide in the community, and the lack of help in dealing with it. Following his presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney thank Williams and discuss some of the issues raised with him.
File contains a presentation by Pauloosie Angmaalik, a resident of Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories, who provides insight into the life of Pangnirtung residents in the 1950s and 1960s.
File contains a presentation by Pia Kooneelusie that details housing costs in the community, starting at $2 a month in the 1960s and now are faced with $1400 for monthly rent. Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, advises that the Commission will contact the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for more information on the rental rates.
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 Rosie Okpik, Inuit artist who states that the Inuit have made everything they need to live in their own way. For Inuit people, "It was the art of making these things that was most important, not the thing itself that the white man admired." With European contact, the Inuit gradually no longer made tools, clothing and shelters, and thus they began to lose their culture "because our culture is the things we make." Okpik introduces Ed McKenna, Okpik's secretary and manager, and together they answers questions from the Commissioners.
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.