Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Apr 30/01) - Pitsiula Ikkidluak hoped to shake hands with the premier to cap off her college education.
Instead, the Nunavut Arctic College office administration student from Kimmirut had to settle for a low-key ceremony.
Fearing a confrontation between striking government workers and politicians, college administrators cancelled last Friday's sit-down $30-a-plate dinner in favour of an afternoon awards ceremony at the Nunatta campus residence.
The ceremony for 55 students was to feature Premier Paul Okalik and Education Minister Peter Kilabuk as keynote speakers.
"It's disappointing. Students have come a long way to accomplish their goals," Ikkidluak said.
Her disappointment was shared by other students.
"It's like things went down the drain," said Patricia Nutarariaq, an office administration student. "This is the first program I've taken. I'm really excited to graduate."
Nunavut Employees Union president Doug Workman called the action shocking.
"The college is not, not, not, I repeat not part of our strategic strike," Workman said.
He was outraged by the suggestion union members would sabotage the ceremony. He said college senior management made no effort to contact him.
Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo called the college's move overkill.
"It just irks me, the games being played. These students worked very hard. It's too bad this was the route they chose," Tootoo said.
Keith Ludlow, Nunatta campus director, did not return repeated calls by press time.
Arctic College's Cambridge Bay campus cancelled similar ceremonies for similar reasons.
