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Building on hurt NWT News/North - Monday, Oct 15, 2012
It's difficult for non-aboriginal people to fathom the effect these government-run institutions had, and continue to have, on the nation's indigenous population. Hundreds of years ago, the lives of First Nations and Inuit people were forever changed by the arrival of European explorers and settlers. Later, that contact evolved into colonization and, eventually, forced assimilation. A vehicle for cultural extermination, residential schools separated children from families and forced aboriginal children into a new way of thinking and gave them values alien to their heritage. Sexual, physical and emotional abuse were rampant, likely because those in charge of the schools perceived their aboriginal charges as less than human. When students finally returned to their communities, they were, in many ways, strangers to their own people. They had lost their traditional knowledge and even the ability to communicate with their families. The first residential schools began in the early 1800s, affecting generations by systematically carving away at the roots and future of aboriginal culture, attacking it at its most vulnerable place - its children. In stripping away aboriginal heritage, residential schools deprived children of family values, love and the important life lessons that forge people's character in their formative years. Later, as adults, these former students were left without the skills to fully form family bonds, optimally raise their own children or develop the coping skills necessary to deal with the raw anger and pain that scarred their hearts and psyches. Now, with the last of the residential schools closed and many of the survivors having become elders in their communities, it is vital that the legacy of this blight in the nation's past be remembered. Not only has a tool been developed to further help aboriginal people heal, but the residential school curriculum is a way to foster understanding among non-aboriginals about the impact the schools have had on past and future generations. Many have difficulty understanding the effects of history on present-day events and that can breed insensitivity, resentment and callous attitudes. In that regard, the announcement of the residential school curriculum for Northern social studies classes is welcome. All Northern high school students will now learn the details of this traumatic era and the resulting hurt and harm still felt by some of their classmates. We hope the result of this learning will foster a greater understanding among both non-aboriginal and aboriginals alike, help to change perceptions and aid in the healing process. We encourage the GNWT to continue to build on this curriculum and its associated resources, and endeavour to make it a model for the rest of Canada.
Legacy of residential schools belongs in today's classrooms NWT News/North - Monday, Oct 08, 2012 The impact of residential schools runs deep in the North and that history is finally finding its way into classrooms on a permanent basis. It's important young Inuit learn how their culture was vilified by the Government of Canada, and how the scars from the abuses committed by school officials are affecting their society today. It's equally important for non-Inuit to learn this, and to understand how this unfortunate era has shaped the Northern society we live in. A strong vein of ignorance exists today in which many non-aboriginal people do not fully comprehend the damage colonization has done to Canada's original inhabitants. Prevalent problems of substance abuse, and physical and sexual abuse are cyclical and have been passed down through the generations. In many cases, these issues have their roots in residential schools, or in the colonial mindset of which residential schools were an extension. There is a prevalent, uninformed perception of aboriginal entitlement in today's society, where some non-aboriginal people groan at land claims and priority hiring policies and demands levied at the federal government for better treatment. If done right, and if taken seriously by educators, the residential school lessons in today's classrooms will stave off these ignorant attitudes before they take root in young minds. The residential school stories are, in many cases, dark and terrible, and in all cases complicated. The schools were designed to replace traditional practices with what was brought across the sea by Europeans, with a mindset that European culture was superior. Imagine being taught to be ashamed of where you come from and the language you speak. Unfortunately, many reading this don't have to imagine. It was their reality. There were also people in positions of authority who, abusing their power, took advantage of the students and left physical and emotional scars through sexual, physical and psychological abuse. The damage done by these actions, many of which never reached the justice system, is visible today on the streets of Northern communities. This will be a difficult course to teach. For some students, the abuses and problems may hit close to home; for others, even trying to empathize with these stories could prove emotional. Teachers must not avoid the tough topics, however. This stark and sometimes horrific narrative is too important to soften. Hopefully these classes will not only foster understanding, but inspire hope and reparation.
Voters must use their power Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, Oct 12, 2012
The question remains as always, however: will voters play their part in addressing these major issues facing our city over this next three-year term for mayor and city council. Participatory democracy has long suffered in Yellowknife where voter turnout rarely exceeds 50 per cent - in municipal races or territorial elections. Voter turnout in the 2009 municipal election was 49 per cent, a vast improvement from the miserable 29 per cent reported in 2006 but hardly a figure worth celebrating. It's too bad more people don't bother voting because a low turnout doesn't just breed apathy among the electorate but politicians as well. We can hardly expect to keep our elected leaders on their toes - particularly incumbents accustomed to winning year after year - when voters don't hold them to account. The common complaint among disaffected voters is that the ballots cast are inconsequential, that politicians ultimately will just do whatever they want. That myth was smashed last year when voters rejected the city's plan to borrow up to $49 million for district energy even though the majority of city councillors supported it. Even though it was pivotal, turnout was extremely low for that vote as well - 35 per cent - which reinforces the need to get the vote out when issues of importance arise. The shocking attempt by city administration to do away with referendum votes just one week later with barely a protest from city council is another reminder that voters must be assertive in guarding their rights as citizens. Our elected leaders must know that if they are not willing to make changes, and go in the direction people want them to, then they will choose someone who will. Voting is your right. Let yourself be heard Monday.
Union throws good money after bad Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, Oct 12, 2012 The Union of Northern Workers has created a no-win situation for itself. At an appeal hearing scheduled to be heard Nov. 5 to 7, a lawyer representing the union is expected to challenge the GNWT rental officer's authority to order an access route for tenants who rent apartments from the union in the downtown UNW building. Essentially, the union is paying for an exhaustive examination of territorial legislation related to what the rental officer can and cannot do. We are hopeful this will result in the GNWT patching up any holes in the legislation and rightly affirm the rental officer's power to order reasonable access by tenants to their places of residence. The public, and some members of the union, are troubled and tired of this saga - a long dispute which clearly has pitted the David-like tenants against the Goliath-like union. Most observers of this dispute would agree that the tenants have a righteous cause, and they scratch their heads while trying to understand the union's position. Why wouldn't a landlord want to provide a safe method for tenants to get into their apartments? No amount of parsing regulations in court will change the fact that the union is in a lose-lose situation. Even if a judge rules in the UNW's favour by determining that the rental officer overstepped his authority, the court of public opinion will remain on the side of the tenants. The UNW is spending an exorbitant amount of money to fight an unrighteous cause. If it loses, which seems likely, it will look even worse.
Know the issues Editorial Comment Miranda Scotland Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 It's about time for Fort Simpson residents to head to the polls to decide what councillors they want to represent them, but before voters put pen to paper and check those ballots it’s important to know about the candidates and the issues important to them. In this election there are 15 people running, each with a varying amount of political experience. Over the past two weeks Deh Cho Drum spoke to the candidates and found out what issues they plan to focus on if they’re given a seat on council. Some of the topics discussed were a lack of youth activities, more roadwork needed, property taxes, economic development and riverbank erosion. All the issues brought forward are undoubtedly valid but with the GNWT tightening the purse strings to avoid hitting its $800 million debt ceiling and an unemployment rate of 8.6 per cent across the territory according Statistics Canada the new council will have to be smart about what issues they decide to tackle in the upcoming years. On everybody's radar should be riverbank erosion. If left unchecked, the village could lose important infrastructure -- the Northwest Territories Power Corporation facility, the water treatment plant as well as the village's water intake pipe – to the river. Currently, the village has commissioned an engineering report on the state of the bank to find out how serious the situation is. From there, Fort Simpson will need to appeal to the territorial and federal governments for help financing a solution for this problem. Governments aren't known to move fast on anything and there is no doubt someone will want more reports done on the state of the bank before any work is started. For that reason, it's important that council be on top of this issue and not let it fall to the wayside. Property taxes are another issue council should be looking at tackling for obvious reasons. No one likes giving their hard-earned money to the government but taxes are needed to help pay for services in the community and it's only fair that everyone contribute. Last year the village decided to get aggressive about recovering the $600,000 it was owed in overdue property taxes and that attitude should continue. Finally, instead of committing to build new infrastructure, councillors could start by looking at current services and how they can be improved. One suggestion a candidate had was for the village to find ways to improve the rec centre to ensure that the facility is used more. This could be a good place to start. In any event, there are a number of other items and problems council will have to prioritize. If residents want the issues important to them at the top of the list then they'll have to find the right councillors to represent them. Help shape future, one vote at a time Editorial Comment Danielle Sachs Inuvik Drum - Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 I expected the same response from everyone – energy costs. But, while flipping through some of the answers, it seems there are a lot of different things on people's minds. Sure, the natural gas issue came up often. But there was also vandalism, homelessness, security of the elderly and infrastructure (including the Inuvik-Tuk Highway). Once you went away from the candidates and spoke to people on the street, the issues became even more varied, including bridging the gap between what Inuvik was and what it is becoming. I can't talk about what Inuvik was and we can only speculate on what it is becoming, but it was an interesting thought. Even in the past three months Inuvik has changed. There was an influx of Canadian Forces members who set up for Operation Nanook. They spent money in local businesses, bars and restaurants. They bought souvenirs from local artisans and helped with different projects around town. Then they left. But that's OK. As more than one candidate mentioned, Inuvik is a resilient town and filled with people who will survive through hard economic times and good economic times. Residents need this reassurance. It's easy to think dark thoughts, especially when the days are getting shorter and the snow is piling up. The community has to know that there can only be so many bad days and uncertainty on the horizon before things do get better. This is why the all-candidates forum is important. Think of it as less of a debate. There are only two mayoral candidates, which historically get the most attention. But town councillors outnumber the one mayor. What they have to say is equally important. But what you as a resident have to say is even more important. It's easy to think about what's going wrong. But think of all the things that go right. Everyone has a wealth of information and different areas of expertise. Look at what the community has done in the face of trouble. Even just recently a citizen patrol group has started and a food drive is around the corner to help the food bank get up and running again. Think of the candidate's forum as a roundtable discussion. It's another chance, besides casting your ballot, to have your voice heard. Forgotten city Yellowknifer - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012
This decision left a couple of city councillors frustrated, citing a delay in progress on issues such as crime, addictions and the need for a treatment centre, as well as eliminating a chance for councillors to communicate issues they want MLAs to raise during the next sitting of the legislative assembly, which starts on Oct. 17. Our next city council needs to be fully aware that while they work for us, the residents of Yellowknife, Yk MLAs should also be working for residents and for councillors. We need politicians in the legislative assembly raising important issues such as why the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has the authority to force the city to spend $22 million to build a water treatment plant. That project adds to the burden as the city struggles to keep up with costs to replace and repair roads, sidewalks and water and sewage pipes. The city is projecting a deficit of $74 million by 2016 in trying to tackle these items. The new water treatment plant wouldn't be so difficult to accept if Yellowknife suffered from poor drinking water, but by all accounts our water quality is excellent. Beyond the water treatment plant issue, the GNWT has not made any commitments to maintain long-term funding for the day shelter, a place for the homeless to go. The territorial government has decreased the yearly amount available to the shelter to $125,000, down from $375,000 - and the Department of Health and Social Services is only making that pledge year to year. On a related note, GNWT representatives have missed several meetings of the Social Issues Committee, which the city chairs. This results in serious issues being neglected, particularly those relating to downtown drunkenness and homelessness. It's not acceptable. There's also been questions over how ferociously city MLAs lobbied the federal government on behalf of mobile home dwellers in Northland, who are absorbing steep costs for water and sewage repairs. The Oct. 15 election is for mayor and council, but Yk MLAs should be paying close attention because their willingness to go to bat for this city should be a top agenda item for our next council.
No defence for disposal policy Yellowknifer - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 There are many low-income families and individuals in need in Yellowknife. Putting items in good condition and good working order at the dump's salvage site is not going to get such items in the hands of those who need them most. Yet that is Public Works and Government Services Canada's policy when it comes to household items from military quarters in Yellowknife. Last week, some dump salvagers came across a bunch of goods cast aside by the military: dining room sets, cutlery, a kettle, an iron, a vacuum cleaner, glassware and much more. Lt. Paul Pendergast, a spokesperson for Joint Task Force North, said the items are handled that way because they're deemed damaged - undamaged items are sold through an auction. He also said dropping them off at the salvage site prevents the perception of the federal government favouring one group over another. But the salvage area favours those with a vehicle, allowing them to access it and transport the items back home with them. The needy are at a disadvantage. In addition, the items left at the salvage area are exposed to rain or snow and can easily be damaged by people carelessly dropping off other items. The federal government should rethink this policy. Public Works and Services Canada could surely find a central facility where these items could be picked up twice a year. The department could also place a "to give away" classified ad right here in Yellowknifer, free of charge.
Winning the 'me first' battle Darrell Greer Kivalliq News - Wednesday, Oct 10, 2012 What took place this past month in Arviat is, unfortunately, the type of scene that plays out all too often in our wonderfully modern and technically advanced world. Hearing of someone striking a teenage girl with their vehicle, and leaving her badly injured on the side of the road leaves one shaking their head in disgust over the unfeeling barbarism of the act. It hits even harder when it's a community right here in the Kivalliq. After all, this isn't Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal or some other large metropolis where the vast majority of its denizens have become totally desensitized to such news. They hear reports of heinous acts on their home or car radios every day of their city-dwelling lives. But we're supposed to have a true sense of community here in the North. We, popular consensus will have you believe, are far more compassionate towards our fellow human beings. We go out of our way to help people in distress, even if we don't really know them. In fact, that sense of pride, warmth and caring is one of our calling cards and an integral part of what makes us feel kind of special. But, as Dylan sang so many years ago, the times they are a changing. In a world where people text habitually, converse on numerous Internet sites and use computer dating services to find that special someone rather than risk actual human interaction, we risk becoming a perpetual Me Generation. About half of all marriages end in divorce, and ever increasing numbers put their own wants and needs above all else. In short, many have become their own biggest fans and nothing is more important than what they want. Endless books on self-worth and self-image sell by the millions, as do literary masterpieces on how to pick-up women without even trying or how to make the man of your dreams want you madly. Sadly, when the importance of self rules the thought process, pureness of spirit falls to the wayside. And that has consequences, even in our wonderful Northern world. Too many, in our bits-and-bytes-driven society, are out of touch with the one common denominator that binds us all, our humanity. Better to fear what we don't understand, push our beliefs rather than accept those of others, allow governments to cloak in secrecy, and judge, persecute and reward based on colour rather than substance. Believe it or not, such disconnect does lead to a young girl lying on the side of the road in someone's doomed attempt at self-protection. But it's not too late. Fortunately most of us do believe our communities are special and we still do make the right choices, no matter how difficult they are. Try as it has, the me-first-at-all-costs mentality has not taken control of our region. That's why so many Kivalliqmiut truly felt utter disdain upon hearing what happened in Arviat. But it's an ongoing battle that will only get tougher as, slowly but surely, Northern technology catches up with the rest of the country and tries to eat away at our humanity. It's a struggle we can't afford to lose because once we decide to put ourselves ahead of all others, only two words remain to text - game over!
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