Inuktitut banned in some schools
Legislators 'disturbed' to hear student's use of Inuit language seen as bullying mechanism
Beth Brown
Northern News Services
Monday, October 31, 2016
SOUTH BAFFIN
A language barrier between students and teachers has allegedly led a practice of banning Inuktitut use in at least one Nunavut school, South Baffin MLA David Joanasie told legislators Oct. 25.
Elder Maurice Arnatsiaq shares traditional stories with students at Ataguttaaluk Elementary School in Iglulik. Several MLAs are concerned about an apparent policy at some schools in the territory that forbids students from speaking in Inuktitut. - NNSL/file photo |
Fear is the traditional tongue is being used for bullying.
Joanasie said he was told a Grade 8 student in his constituency was disciplined for speaking Inuktitut in school.
"The student body was informed that if any student receives three disciplinary notifications indicating the breaking of the rules within the school, students would be suspended," Joanasie said.
The argument is that if teachers are unable to understand students, they can't tell if the students are being verbally abusive to each other. As Nunavut News/North reported this month, the vast majority of teachers across Nunavut do not speak Inuktitut.
"Our language rights within Nunavut are extremely important," Joanasie said. "We seem to be digressing to that era where colonial practices resulted in the large-scale destruction of many cultures. The impacts are still being felt to this day."
"Anyone who bullies or uses scare tactics has to be dealt with immediately by looking into the reason, and to ensure that our language isn't used as the reason."
Legislation states that Inuktitut, English, and French can and should be used in all schools.
"Let's not move backwards to the previous errors of past governments," he said.
Paul Okalik, MLA for Iqaluit-Sinaa, called the matter "disturbing."
He said he also heard that the practice was in place in Iqaluit.
"Can the minister explain to the teachers that we are living in 2016?" Okalik asked. "We can't go anywhere else if we want to strengthen Inuktitut. It has to be used in the Inuit homeland."
Education Minister Paul Quassa said department officials will investigate the allegations.
"Once we learn of the actual details, we will review the case with the teachers to ensure that language is not used for this type of disciplinary action," Quassa said.
He said anti-bullying programs and materials are used within the school system, and all teachers new to the territory receive an orientation course on Inuit customs and language.
The school board also partners with the Canadian Red Cross and Embrace Life Council to provide education and create awareness around the consequences of bullying.
"I went to school and was told such things myself," he recalled. "But I can tell you I was shocked to hear that."
He said schools in the region have been reminded of language promotion and asked to discontinue the practice if it is happening.
"The Inuktitut language is one we want all our students to be able to speak, and we will ensure that this is clearly identified to our teachers, our schools, as well as the local DEAs," he said.
"The language of Inuktitut is very well grounded in our schools."
