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Inuvik TRC offers step to healing Darrell Greer Northern News Services Published Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Among the Kivalliq contingent to attend were Noel Kaludjak and Jackie Nakoolak of Coral Harbour, David and Susan Nuluk of Repulse Bay, Elizabeth Tautu and Charlotte Kattegatsiak of Chesterfield Inlet, Mary Tatty of Rankin Inlet and Martin Kreelak of Baker Lake. Kaludjak said he found the second event more involving than the first one in Winnipeg this past year. He said the Winnipeg gathering was far too large for the Kivalliq representatives to have any real impact. "We were a lot more helpful in Inuvik and able to connect with people," said Kaludjak. "There were considerably more Inuktitut-speaking people in Inuvik, and that's why our services were more in demand. "It was more of a Northern-style atmosphere in Inuvik than it was in Winnipeg. "The first one was OK, but it was a learning experience for us and it was so big that we, kind of, got lost in the crowd." Kaludjak said the Kivalliq representatives gave support to those emotionally in need of help during the Inuvik gathering and took part in Inuit cultural events. He said he found himself doing the drum dance for the event's opening. "The person originally scheduled to do it wasn't available, so they asked me to perform the drum dance. "It happened at the last minute, so I had to borrow an outfit from someone. "I received a lot of job-well-done remarks from people later." Kaludjak said there was a lot of emotional testimonials given in Inuvik. He said more people who were sent to Northern residential schools were given the chance to speak. "There were people who spoke from around Inuvik, as well as the Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, Baffin, Northern Quebec and even Labrador. "It was a good turnout and most people seemed happy with the way it was done." Kaludjak said a lot more work remains to be done with many residential school survivors who are still dealing with what they went through. He said the commission has been opening doors for people to continue with the healing process. "The stories of what so many people went through at residential schools must be recorded so the world can know what happened to them. "It's not hidden behind closed doors anymore. "In some ways it opened old wounds, but they will start to heal better now." Kaludjak said many people have told him they feel better after talking openly about their experiences. He said many who survived the residential school experience are relieved to know people now know what happened to them. "They tell me they're happy to know their children and grandchildren will know what happened to them. "There were some good things about the schools, but there were also some very bad things that happened. "When people who had a bad experience express their feelings publicly, it helps release the anger and pain. "They become themselves again because they're not the only one carrying that burden anymore - of knowing what happened, but not letting anyone else know or share their pain."
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