Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

IQALUIT (July 19/99) - It was an official recognition of common ground shared by two vastly different cultures.

A delegation of Japanese Shinto priests on a week-long whirlwind tour of Canada arrived in Iqaluit two weeks ago. The purpose of their visit was to officially recognize the understanding of the environment they share with the Inuit of Nunavut.

The visit was organized by an organization known as the Ice Bridge Forum, an group of academics and civil leaders from 14 countries who are trying to protect the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Supreme Shinto Priest Kuniaki Kuni, who was suffering from a cold, summarized the distinction between the Shinto outlook on the environment and that commonly held by those here south of 60.

"Shinto respects nature," said Kuni. "Western people say they conquer mountains. We climb them. Inuit people have a way of thinking that is similar to ours."

It was the priest's second visit to Canada. His first, he said, was a two-day stop in Vancouver 30 years ago.

Kuni and his wife said they were impressed by the beauty of the ice and tiny Arctic flowers they saw while in Iqaluit.

A reception for the Japanese guests and a signing of a statement of understanding on global environmental protection took place at the Iqaluit elders' centre on July 7.

Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, is a combination of ancient folk beliefs and rituals.

"Our people have much to learn from each other," said NTI second vice-president Raymond Ningeocheak, who signed on behalf of NTI and the Inuit of Nunavut. "Through your visits we hope to learn more from you. We open our doors with the hope you will also learn from us."

Though the difference was emphasized by the translation from Inuktitut to English to Japanese and back, one Japanese spokesperson pointed out the similarities of the two groups extends beyond their respect for the environment.

"Since we arrived here we have been struck by the resemblance between the Inuit people and Japanese," he said, the Inuit elders in attendance nodding their heads in agreement.

During the ceremony it was noted several times that both cultures also share an abiding respect for the wisdom of their elders.

Though NTI signed on behalf of Nunavut, the government was also clearly supporting the initiative. Deputy minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth Peter Irnirq, served as emcee. Premier Paul Okalik, Speaker Levi Barnabas and a number of MLAs attended.

For the Japanese, the visit was the middle of a hectic trip through Canada. During the seven days they visited Quebec City, Ottawa, Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Edmonton, Banff and Vancouver.