Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iglulik (Jan 21/02) - Jack Anawak's ambitious plans for his new job could shock both politicians and regular Nunavummiut

The minister in charge of culture, language, elders and youth said earlier this month people can expect a stronger, more vocal department. He and his officials, he promised, won't take no for answer when it comes to promoting and preserving Inuit culture.

He said the days of the department being pushed aside as other bureaucratic areas received funding and attention are over.

The first order of business under Anawak's new regime was a meeting with senior managers In Iglulik two weeks ago. On the agenda was the department's new style.

"We're going to get in everyone's way. The departments should be prepared for an onslaught from CLEY," he said.

Plans include a cultural orientation program for government workers, increased emphasis on the use of Inuktitut in the government and an elder's advisory council.

He said such actions would make the government easier to understand.

"The average Inuk in downtown Whale Cove should be able to use the government without being intimidated." The new approach will extend beyond daily government operations. Developing pride in youth and ensuring territorial businesses provide service in Inuktitut were also identified as priorities.

To illustrate the necessity of Inuktitut interpretation and translation, Anawak provided the example of how a Rankin Inlet elder used his wits to get around the lack of Inuktitut on some airlines.

"Mariano Aupilardjuk was talking about how they knew when an airplane was going to start going down. He knew when they were passing the candies around, they were going to start going down," said Anawak. "That's unacceptable today in Nunavut."

Commissioner Peter Irniq, a strong advocate of Inuit culture and language issues and a former deputy minister in the department, said he is pleased to see a new attitude

"The new minister will put a lot of Inuit ways in terms of language and culture into the department," said Irniq.