Premier Antoine took to the airwaves last week to deliver his message to the people of the Western Arctic.
Televised speeches are as much about image as they are about ideas. On this score, the premier proved himself an able television personality.
He appeared sincere and earnest, and although he didn't exactly look relaxed, he certainly looked in control.
Antoine made some commitments during his address. He outlined a goal of open and accountable government. We can all be grateful for that.
The premier spoke of respecting the rights of all people. With division, the ethnic mix of the Western Arctic changes. Never was there a better time to publicly re-affirm the rights of all Northerners.
Successfully resolving the outstanding land claims and treaty entitlements will also go a long way to re-enforcing those rights. Antoine said he will address those outstanding issues. While we support his commitment, there are many players in this game and all of them have to demonstrate the same political will to come to an agreement. We wish the premier luck.
Speaking of many players at the table, conspicuous by its absence in the premier's address was any mention of the constitutional problem. There have been many logjams in the seemingly endless process of reaching a constitutional accord in the west. Unresolved issues of jurisdiction and land claims have been part of the problem. We would have benefited from hearing the premier's thoughts on the government's next step. Antoine also failed to mention anything about the dispute over the number of electoral districts.
A proposal for a political resolution of this problem would have been preferrable to leaving the decision up to the courts, which is where it seems to be headed.
All in all, voters should be encouraged by Antoine's apparent desire to be more open. His address was good, as far as it went. There are significant issues, however, that need to be settled, and the sooner we get to them, the better.
It seems that the administrators of the Diavik diamond mining project need a reminder every now and again that they are guests of the people on whose land they are putting their proposed mine.
The issue of allowing mine workers to fish recreationally came up recently. Objections were raised by a representative of the local Hunters and Trappers Association, who saw the proposal to permit sportfishing as a strain on the char stocks.
We can see his point. There are enough questions surrounding Diavik's impact on the environment without having mine employees spending their spare time pulling fish out of the water.
Diavik workers have a dining room that provides them with meals. The people of Kugluktuk rely, in part, on the fish. They don't have the option of catered meals.
In just one week, voters in Nunavut will head off to the polls to elect the leaders that will represent them in Nunavut's first Legislative Assembly.
This, in itself, is when everybody in Nunavut can be a part of the hard work and negotiating that Inuit leaders have done for about the last three decades.
But it is also perhaps the most significant milestone on the path leading to the big day -- April 1 -- when the territory of Nunavut becomes official and the dreams of people like John Amagoalik are at long last, fulfilled.
Think of it as the opening act at the music concert you've been waiting your entire life to see. While you certainly purchased your ticket with the intent and excitement of seeing the main act, the opening show is an integral part of the entire performance.
Without it, you wouldn't be as inspired to participate as fully in the main event. Let's face it -- the more you take part in the opening act, the more you appreciate the big show that follows and the better you appreciate the overall exhibition.
Democracy works only when everybody participates. When Nunavut voters exercise their invaluable constitutional right to cast a ballot in the election, they will not only have the satisfaction of knowing they did their part to choose their leadership, but they can place great merit in the notion that they played a role in forming the elected body that will go on to develop Nunavut.
At the very least, those eligible to vote owe it to the people who have worked so tirelessly to even give us the chance to be able to vote for a Nunavut Legislature.
It's only proper that we honour their efforts by voting on February 15 for the people we think will best carry on with the dream of self-governance and self-determination.
Eligible Nunavut residents (i.e. residents on the voters' list) out of the territory in the days leading up to the Feb. 15 election can still make their votes count.
To do so, starting Feb. 11 they can call or fax the electoral officer in their home riding, and ask to be faxed a proxy certificate. Once filled out, the certificate must be faxed back and arrangements made for someone to cast the proxy vote on election day.
edi
Fire departments across the North should be commended for their new initiative to combat the growing number of juvenilles setting fires in Northern communities.
In 1997 there were 15 fires set by children under 12 years of age and a further 14 fires set by youth between 12 and 16 years of age. It goes without saying that any prevention program is a good idea.
The new program offers fire departments a standard, by-the-book way to deal with these troubled children. As well as interviewing the families, the program can help direct parents and children to the professional help they need. Let's hope the communities offer this program all the support it deserves.
Editorial Comment
Glen Korstrum
Inuvik Drum
Since the demise of Co-op Taxi, I had some discussions with people about whether monopolies are good for Inuvik residents.
Some say it is because there will be only one number to call so quicker service will come from drivers joining forces because they will respond more quickly to calls.
Others say two companies offered residents who call for a cab a choice so they can reward the company that gives the best service.
What seems to be the most likely conclusion once the Taxi Commission reviews its bylaw and eliminates the freeze of 20 vehicle permits is that another company will emerge.
Tensions and distrust exist between the drivers -- a situation never conducive to team spirit.
But while Inuvik's most recent monopoly is taking shape, it could be worth taking a look at other area monopolies and asking whether there is good service.
Years ago, when I worked in a convenience store, along with other standard customer-service gems, we were told to greet each customer as they walked in the store.
Other store staff obviously can't do this but I still expect eye contact and a hello from cashiers.
Every time I do not receive this from area cashiers, find them slow to notice they have a customer or find mistakes on the receipt that then takes a long time to get sorted out, I wonder whether the business would survive if there were competition.
Theoretically at least, when competing businesses are eager for patronage, workers are more on their toes. More is expected of them because shoppers can actually take their dollars elsewhere.
Many Inuvikmiut discuss how tourism is the industry Inuvik's future depends on for dollars in an era when governments are less able to spend.
What is at the root of tourism promotion is good customer service.
So, as competing taxi companies merge, drivers can make their mark and earn more than another driver while helping to spark tourist interest.
All it takes is consideration of passengers.
Sunwatch
It's easy to tell a popular feature when it's missing and calls abound about what happened to it.
Sunwatch is like that.
I hear that the 1999 sunwatch times are in the process of getting to the Drum, but so far they have not arrived.
The segment has not been cut and will be reinstated as soon as it arrives.
In the interim, all you sunwatch enthusiasts may be interested to know that this week in 1994 had six hours and 14 minutes of sunlight on Feb. 4 and seven hours and 16 minutes of sunlight by Feb. 11.
And though the colder temperatures are keeping area hunters and Ski-Doers inside, at least there is lots to do to keep busy.
While last weekend had an exciting regional hockey tournament and the Super Bowl, this weekend promises to be just as entertaining sportswise with NWT championship figure skating at the Midnight Sun Arena.
Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum
This past weekend, three Edmonton Oilers alumni -- Al Hamilton, Bryon Baltimore and Brian Benning -- and former NHL goaltender Pete Peeters visited Fort Simpson to put on a hockey clinic and play in a benefit game.
It was amazing to see the effect that those celebrities had on local youth. There's a pretty good chance that 99 per cent of the kids never saw Al Hamilton or Bryon Baltimore play in an NHL game, they simply aren't old enough to remember. They may remember Brian Benning, who retired in '96, and they might have heard of Pete Peeters, a quality goaltender for the Flyers, Bruins and Capitals. Regardless, the kids went berserk at the opportunity to get autographs, shake hands and exchange a few words.
They don't necessarily have to know what position each guy played, the number of games in his career or how many goals he scored. To them, all that's important is that these are former professional athletes. The foursome once played in the National Hockey League, and making a living by virtue of one's athletic prowess is the dream of many a child.
Of course, there were also many adults who had a sparkle in their eye as they greeted the visiting Oilers alumni. Some were parents, grateful that these players were taking the time to interact with their children and offer skills development. Others recalled their childhood dream of lacing up their blades at the Northlands Coliseum (or more likely Maple Leaf Gardens or the Montreal Forum). Now, they were being introduced to a few guys who had the rare ability to perform at the most elite level.
Sports is one of life's great diversions. For those of us who don't make a living off them, sports events are a great way to exercise, socialize and relieve stress. They can teach us about discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play.
Often, when we're not engaged in sports activities, we're preoccupied with the pros on television. We relish our right to criticize, idolize and envision ourselves in their shoes.
Despite the controversy over players' salaries and media scrutiny of their private lives, we live in a glorious sporting era. We've been fortunate enough to watch the great ones such as John Elway, who earned his second Super Bowl ring on Sunday, Dan Marino, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa.
Yet, when arguably the greatest basketball player in the history of the game retires, he himself helped to put it all in perspective. During his retirement press conference, Michael Jordan started off by offering his condolences to the family of a slain Chicago police officer. That policeman's death served as a reminder of where our priorities ought to lie. Jordan, blessed with immense talent and a superior work ethic to hone his skills, was paid extremely well to play a game.
There are many people in our own communities who will never receive one-tenth of Michael Jordan's seasonal income over the course of their entire working lives. They may contribute countless hours performing selfless deeds, yet they will never attract throngs of excited kids nor thrilled adults. Whether they be police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, coaches or volunteers, we shouldn't forget that those people are there for us on a daily basis.
Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News
In the words of Denis Bedard, president of the NWT Hockey Association, "The request was important, appropriate and easy to accommodate."
The request Bedard was speaking of was that of Amauyaq Lindell, son of recently deceased Jon Lindell of Arviat, to have the NWT's under-17 hockey team at the Canada Winter Games this month in Corner Brook, Nfld., wear black shoulder patches to mark his father's passing and to commemorate his tireless and dedicated work on behalf of amateur hockey in the territories.
The request was indeed an important one. All too often the efforts of dedicated individuals such as Jon Lindell to help further our young athletes' endeavours go unheralded. Such dedicated individuals are often few and far between and he will be sadly missed.
The wearing of the black shoulder patch shows how much Jon's efforts meant to these kids and the NWT Hockey Association. It will also further serve to remind the players of how much Jon accomplished on their behalf and that there are people out there who care very much about their futures and well-being.
Perhaps there is no other place in this great nation of ours where it is more important for our younger generations to know there are many of us who care about their futures. There are people out there who are willing to go the extra mile for Northern youth, who give freely of themselves and their time with little or no recognition.
The gratitude these special people receive is in the smiles of the youth they help. Every time a Northern athlete raises his or her hand in triumph, an amateur volunteer stands somewhere in the background with a smile as wide as the athlete's.
And, when our Northern athletes don't win, those same volunteers know they afforded them the opportunity to compete and, more importantly, they afforded them the opportunity to learn, to grow as individuals, to understand the value of hard work and being able to look in the mirror and know you did your best.
Study after study, such as the one recently conducted on the Arctic Winter Games by doctors Samuel Lankford and Larry Neal of the World Leisure and Recreation Association, show indisputable significant social benefits to the athletes who compete in amateur events and the communities and volunteers who are involved in various aspects of hosting and team preparation.
Hopefully, the black shoulder patches worn at the Canada Winter Games will serve as a constant reminder to our young athletes how much can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.
Hopefully, it will show all our Northern athletes at the Games just how many people care about who they are, where they're going and what they will accomplish. Sometimes, knowing there are people out there who truly do care, can be the greatest gift of all. And, sometimes we need to be reminded. Thanks Jon.