Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Feb 28/00) - Eva Arreak is sort of like Nunavut's language cop -- that's to say that as the languages commissioner of Nunavut, it's her duty to serve and protect the language rights of the territory's residents.

"The role is that of an ombudsman," said Arreak, who will serve in the appointed role for the next four years.

"I make sure the language rights, as prescribed in the Official Languages Act, are adhered to by the departments in the Government of Nunavut," she said.

So, if a resident of Nunavut wishes to see a public document printed in Nunavut's official language of Inuktitut, or if they want to have access to any piece of public information in any of the territory's three other working languages -- which include Inuinnaqtun, French or English -- they have every right under that Act to have their wish come true.

Arreak explained, however, that she would become involved if, and only if, such a wish was not granted.

Should such a situation arise, the Act states that a series of steps must be followed to make sure complaints are investigated properly.

"If it is not resolved to the complainant's satisfaction, then the languages commissioner comes into play and investigates the process," said Arreak.

The law, which was carried over from the GNWT, is currently being amended from 11 languages to the four recognized in Nunavut,

Just as any law enforcer has her or his own beat, Arreak's job comes with its limits. For example, she can only force government boards, agencies and departments to print and speak the territory's languages.

"My jurisdiction does not include private businesses or municipalities," said Arreak.

And, if setting up her new office, hiring staff and developing a Web site isn't enough for Arreak, she said her focus these days is public awareness.

"I've been meeting with Inuit organizations, the Francophone Association, just to let them know there is a language commissioner in Nunavut now, who I am, where my office is, general (public relations) work," said Arreak.

"Unless I inform the public, I won't get as much input as I would like to. So I have to do my part in information sharing and getting connected with organizations."