A new men's chapter begins
Tireless advocate says future bright for men’s groups
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
RANKIN INLET
Noel Kaludjak of Rankin Inlet continued his efforts to build a strong base of men's groups in Nunavut to help those who are struggling this past month.
Counsellor Noel Kaludjak continued his work with men struggling in Nunavut by travelling to Cape Dorset to start that community’s first men’s group this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
The counsellor-facilitator at the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility travelled to Cape Dorset to help start the community's first men's group.
Kaludjak said he was asked by the community to help create the group.
He said things went very smoothly during his two days in Cape Dorset.
"Things went better than I expected," said Kaludjak.
"They were very receptive to what I had to say.
"The whole community was ready."
Sixteen men attended the meetings at various times over the two-day period.
Kaludjak said those who came knew what they were there for and what they were up against.
He said they knew they needed a men's group in their community.
"It was a little different for me in Dorset because many community leaders didn't come to see what was happening, except for MLA David Joanasie, who was there for the two days and supported us very strongly.
"The justice committee members also came to show their support.
"Usually, we see different types of community leaders at our meetings."
Kaludjak said he was very confident things would go well in the community while leaving Cape Dorset.
He said the men have a strong foundation in place to build their support group upon.
"They know what they have to do to keep it going and I'm confident they will.
"We're going back in February to give our support and help them keep things going."
Following Dorset, Kaludjak went to Iqaluit for three days to help facilitate a Baffin men's gathering.
He said they had men and boys come to the gathering from across the region.
"They came to discuss men's issues being dealt with in Baffin, such as unemployment and addictions, as well as what it takes to be a good father and husband.
"Many men lose their self-esteem when not working.
"Not working often results from a poor education, substance abuse or violence in the community.
"When I travel to communities, I often find when a man is unable it's usually because of some sort of abuse - bullying or being put down a lot - and when that happens to a man he loses his self-esteem."
Kaludjak said the Iqaluit meeting had strong support from the Government of Nunavut and Inuit organizations.
He said he left with a good feeling because of the financing being made available to deal with men's issues.
"There is funding out there for men's groups in Nunavut communities.
"It's the beginning of a new chapter for men's groups.
"It has us moving forward to help men in Nunavut.
"The plan is for Family Services to provide the same type of support in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions in the near future."
