Friday, August 21, 1998
The North can take no credit for the vast natural resources found here. But what Northerners make of the opportunities those resources present is almost entirely in their control.
In arranging last week's diamond industry career fair, the department of education, culture and employment demonstrated the kind of initiative required to make the most of our good fortune.
The fair drew participation from the main players of the North's diamond industry, many of whom were accepting work applications from those interested in entering the industry.
The fair, like the government's involvement in the diamond industry to date, only enhances the opportunities a Northern diamond industry presents.
Ultimately, it's up to private individuals -- such as those who filled out applications at the fair -- and not government, to transform opportunity into reality.
Next week the most important resource we have will be fussing about with excitement, before loading up the knapsacks and heading out the door for their first day back at school.
While it is true every year is important when it comes to educating the young mind, events swirling on all round Yellowknife residents in 1998 make this a particularly important school year for our youth.
With division about to become fact and the continued development of a Northern diamond industry ongoing, a new generation of Yellowknifers is now in our schools. It will be up to them to harness these forces as a new North is created in the years ahead.
As for the rest of us -- parents, friends, teachers, relatives and neighbors -- it is our job to ensure our youth receive the best tools possible in order that today's students can harness all that is possible.
Poised on the edge of opportunity, in Yellowknife the student population has skyrocketed in the last 10 years -- a 56 per cent increase in the number of students enrolled in Catholic schools in the last six years and a rise of enrolments in the public school system leaves educators scrambling for space as the new school year begins.
But with four new portables, and plans for a new elementary school next spring it seems that educators are optimistic as they, too, begin a new school year.
While it is easy to blame teachers or point fingers elsewhere when examining our education system, the success of failure of our schools is the responsibility of each and every one of us.
We hope that the two emissaries from Poland enjoyed their stay in Yellowknife. They were here to explore export possibilities with businesses based in the city.
This is the sort of economic development that is important to the future of the city. Our growing economic ties with Russia and northern Europe are rooted in the accumulated expertise of businesses learning to solve uniquely Northern problems.
Exporting this expertise and the products it has produced may well prove to be one of Yellowknife's most valuable resources, generating revenue and creating jobs.
May the Yellowknife-Warsaw connection be a long and profitable one.
Editorial comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum
While the Deh Cho Assembly's in-camera session waged on Thursday
afternoon, I sat across from the Pehdzeh Ki band complex in the Petanea
Hotel restaurant with ministerial envoy Peter Russell. We sat together at
a table after I introduced myself and asked if he'd mind if I joined him.
He was, in my opinion, extremely amicable and unquestionably knowledgable.
A political science professor at the University of Toronto, he and
his family had once spent a few years in Uganda where he taught at the
university. Now, his interest lies in Native affairs, particularly in the
Deh Cho.
We chatted about the Nisga'a Treaty, the plight of American Indians
and others worldwide, our personal backgrounds and the Deh Cho Process. All
the while, Russell's glance often drifted over towards the band complex. He
admitted that he was looking for some sort of "signal." He said he
understood completely why this private session was necessary, but he
couldn't hide his preoccupation with what might be going on inside. He had,
after all, devoted much of the past four months to the consultation
process.
The in-camera conference was completed shortly past 5 p.m. Grand
Chief Michael Nadli told Russell that the Deh Cho Working Group's report
would be voted on the next day. Russell had to depart and said he would be
in touch to find out whether it was endorsed. He also promised to begin his
report for DIAND Minister Jane Stewart this week.
On Friday, there was an open debate, during which it became obvious
that there was some apprehension among the delegates because it was unknown
what Russell would relate to Stewart. Their concerns were relieved, to a
degree, as it was explained that Russell would present his report to the
Deh Cho people for approval before it arrived on Stewart's desk.
This wariness remained in my mind. Undoubtedly, the federal
government's intentions are good. The treaties, they insist, are becoming
more conciliatory, more meaningful and more generous. Nisga'a is proof
positive.
Yet, some mistrust remains.
Historically, there is good reason for suspicion. As well-informed,
professional and altruistic as Russell may be, he's still one white man
representing the bureaucratic web we call the federal government. The
elders clearly remember the consequences of the original treaty and the
stories of their forefathers.
Russell himself acknowledged the gap of faith that remains to be
bridged. In his address to the assembly on Wednesday, he said, "Having
suffered from a lack of respect for your culture, for your attachment to
and custodianship or your land, and for your capacity for self-government,
I realize it cannot be easy for you to believe that negotiations may now
lead to a genuine partnership with Canada."
Let's hope the negotiations are conducted fairly and honorably this
time.
Editorial comment
Glen Korstrom
Inuvik Drum
Paul Leroux is set to be in jail for another eight years and nine
months.
The many victims of childhood abuse can now heave a sigh of relief, work on
healing deep wounds and make their marriages or other relationships
stronger.
The justice system has validated their memories that what went on
at Grollier Hall with Paul Leroux was wrong.
Now it is time to start to put closure to psychological wounds
created when someone in a position of authority abuses trust and coerces a
child or teen into unwanted sexual activity.
That said, I have heard some people equate Paul Leroux to Hitler.
Victims advocate Harold Cook said Leroux committed "atrocities" and
talked of how the victims' endured their own "holocaust."
Even Judge John Vertes seemed to catch wind of some of the
sentiment when he said Leroux is not a "scapegoat" for the residential
school system.
One thing I think needs to be said is that Leroux's crimes in no
way match the atrocities of Nazi Germany.
Ten years is a stiff sentence given the three and a half year
sentence for convicted hockey coach and multiple sex offender Graham James.
And 69-year-old Jersey George Maczynski received 16 years in prison
for 29 sex-related charges with minors stemming from time on a native
reserve in British Columbia.
Leroux will not be out of prison until he is in his late 60s.
Now it is time to try our best to put the issue behind us.
Autumn thrill
Things are about to change in Inuvik.
Maybe I just get that feeling from looking out to all the leaves
turning yellow or hearing about how the cranberries are a bit tart but
almost fully in season.
Last night I talked to a woman who said one of the most compelling
things in her life was taking part in the many activities each season has
to offer.
At a presentation on winter in Inuvik this week, Ron Cruikshank
said the first snowfall could come in mid September. That means time to
take in autumn is fast slipping away and soon will be finished.
This will be my first Arctic winter and my first experience with
round the clock darkness.
Many longtime Inuvikmiut who nonchalantly go about their
berry-picking may not feel the anticipation as I do, but when the first
snowflakes sift down to create a durable white carpet, the town will be
readied for a new adventure.