Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services
Iglulik (Feb 05/01) - Immersed in the world of Roman Catholicism since birth, Nicole Arnatsiaq represents a new way of thinking about religion.
The mother of three has strayed from the traditional brand of Catholic thought to develop a belief system that is based more on equality and forgiveness.
News/North: You have some pretty high up connections in the Roman Catholic Church.
Nicole Arnatsiaq: Mostly on my mother's side in Quebec. There was a cousin of mine, Pierre Leger. He was a priest. He was related to Paulanile Leger, the Cardinal.
N/N: Were you involved in the Church?
Arnatsiaq: I was a volunteer for a couple of years in Madagascar when I was much younger. I went to boarding school for 13 years. We were raised very strictly Catholic. There were a number of priests and nuns in our family.
N/N: What does that mean, being raised Catholic?
Arnatsiaq: We had to observe the Catholic Church rules. We had a different lifestyle.
I was due for a change. When I came back from Africa, I went back to school for several years. I did philosophy and theology. I taught for years. I never thought I would come North, but I was due for a change. I didn't speak English at all. I decided to send my resume to the Bishop of the North. I was sent to Iglulik to get a feeling for the North. I went there and I guess I liked it. I discovered big families and lots of children.
N/N: I don't come from a Catholic background. What do you mean by rules you had to observe?
Arnatsiaq: It means you have to work very hard. I kept that. It means you have to try to do your best. You have to live more by duty than by pleasure. That's quite demanding. You have to try your best to remain away from sin or anything like that. There was no alcohol. My mother never let my father drink. There was no drugs. I never touched drugs, but I like having a glass of wine. My mother never approved of that, but that's why I moved away. I was ready to be on my own. I didn't meet my mother's requirements. I still go to Church on Sundays. I have three kids and we go to Church.
N/N: If God were sitting here at this table with us, what do you think that being would look like?
Arnatsiaq: God is a spirit first of all. I don't see him as a white guy at all. I think God is beyond race.
N/N: Is God beyond sex? Is God male as portrayed by Christianity?
Arnatsiaq: First of all, when we die, all that we like will be with us, the positive side of things. I think it is very sensual. Being spiritual doesn't mean you are dry and without feeling. It's the opposite. God is very warm. If I picture God, I picture a very passionate being.
N/N: Do you think priests should have to be celibate?
Arnatsiaq: No. I did think that in the past because of my background, but now I think celibacy should be an option. Anglican ministers have family lives with women and children. It should be the same for Catholic people.
N/N: Are women allowed to be priests?
Arnatsiaq: No, just men.
N/N: Do you have a problem with that?
Arnatsiaq: In some ways. Some women are very interested and I think women would be good -- as good as men anyway. It's possible in other denominations. I think the Catholic church sometimes may appear to be behind.
N/N: Are you raising your own children to be strong Catholics?
Arnatsiaq: I take my kids to church. I wish there would be more activities in church. You make (Catholicism) your own. You create your own faith and you control your own faith. I give them a base and we talk about things. Mainly I want them to know they have to be honest, they have to try do be good and do their best. The rest, you have to trust life. I could have been bad. I felt very lonely at times and I could have turned to drugs or alcohol or prostitution, but I never did. I believe in the power of prayer. I have to give the same credit to my kids. You make your own choices and you create your own life.
N/N: Has anything ever happened in your life to make you think there isn't a God?
Arnatsiaq: I've always believed there was a God. At times I felt life was difficult, but it has always been very strong in me. I don't know why. I was fortunate. I knew there would be a way to make it through whatever I was going through in my life.
N/N: Why do horrible things happen to people if there is a God?
Arnatsiaq: It's difficult to understand. Humans have a choice. I can lie and steal stuff, but I can choose not to do it. We are free to do what we want. I believe in human choice.
N/N: Is there a heaven and a hell?
Arnatsiaq: I don't know. I think there is evil and good and it's very strong in human life. It's up to the human mind to decide on which side he or she will go. I don't like picturing heaven as a place we see on TV where we will eat Philadelphia Cheese. I think there is an afterlife.
N/N: Is there such a thing as Satan?
Arnatsiaq: There is a strong evil power. I have experienced that very strongly.
N/N: How so?
Arnatsiaq: When I was a child, and my mother was pregnant with my sister, I was at a time of my life when I was swearing, really big swearing, like a man outside.
My aunts were taking their children away from me. For my parents and myself, it became a real problem. I was very scared of the dark and seeing things at night. My parents took me to a priest and I had a kind of exorcism.
