When you or one of your loved ones are sick, you don't care about politics. You only care about getting the best medical attention available.

Just ask the family of Effie Blake, the woman who died after lying in a hospital bed in Inuvik waiting for a doctor to diagnose her tuberculosis. She died because the NWT health system failed her.

The territorial government recently hired a high profile consultant to tell them what is wrong with NWT health care. He's released a report that says what the government is afraid to say publicly, namely that politics and health don't mix.

As the health minister of the previous government told News/North, politics was the main motivation behind the creation of community and regional health boards which make up the system. Some of the health boards are working, some are not.

But Kathy Tsetso, CEO of the Deh Cho board which is balancing the books and keeping sufficient staffing levels, admits with "smaller units, you lose economies of scale and you lose some of the expertise."

The NWT has a population of 42,000, the size of a small suburb down south. It is dangerous to believe community boards can operate financial systems and carry out recruitment of highly specialized staff all on their own with the end result being healthcare equal to Edmonton or Calgary.

Oh, you don't think the comparison is fair? Well wait until you or a family member gets sick and ask yourself if you want 'made in the North care' or 'southern care'.

Now the government wants to get rid of the present nine health boards and create three large boards working with advisory community councils. Let the politicians argue about how it must be done and squabble over where the regional authorities should be located.

But make no mistake, should our present fragmented healthcare system remain, more people will die for lack of proper healthcare. Politics will be what killed them.

Not to rain on the happy parade that was Inuvik's successful petroleum show and conference, but there are reasons to be concerned about the impact of the economic boom.

Higher income usually results in better health, "but that's not happening here," Maria Nieuwenhuyzen, a member of a committee of Inuvik social agencies told one conference session.

One reason, she said, is that "it's a socially accepted norm in our town to be under the influence or stoned."

Another conference presenter pointed out that the quest for oil and gas is just beginning and advised Inuvik residents to "hold on."

The words were intended as a cheer for prosperity, but may be remembered as a caution if the boom becomes just another excuse for a binge.

The leaders of Nunavut's Inuit organizations say they are accountable to the territory's beneficiaries.

Indeed, as mandated by Article 39.1.6 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Nunavut Tunngavik and the Inuit groups it oversees are accountable to the Inuit of Nunavut. That means that when unaccountable leaders fail to uphold provisions of the claim, they are breaking the law.

While the agreement fails to define accountability or state precisely what the leaders are accountable for, our dictionary says the word means "to give account," which in this case means provide explanations of their actions.

That said, in honour of the Nunavut Day celebrations scheduled for July 9 around the territory, Inuit should exercise their rights under the land claim and ask the questions that have been brewing for the last six months.

Should a beneficiary want to know why Qikiqtani Inuit Association president Meeka Kilabuk spent $300,000 on board workshops outside of Nunavut, they just have to ask.

Should one want to know why the QIA asked Kilabuk to take a leave of absence, they just have to ask.

Should another want to know why Pauloosie Keyootak was fired as president of QIA last October, they just have to ask.

Wondering why Jerry Ell left the helm of the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation or how much of a severance package he received? A quick call to acting president Johnny Mike should take care of the matter.

If Inuit are curious about the special board meeting held just days prior to the resignation of Nunavut Tunngavik president Paul Quassa, acting president James Eetoolook said they just have to ask him.

It is crucial that Inuit beneficiaries demand answers. Nunavut Day -- the day Nunavut came to life after years of tough work and planning -- is the perfect day to do this.

Blame Iqaluit's garbage backlog on the 11-week labour dispute. Spare the same criticism of the minefield of cigarette butts carpeting our dusty city.

Spring has sprung and the absence of snow has, as it does every year, revealed a favourite Nunavummiut pastime: smoking. Fine. Smoke your brains out if you so choose. But please, dispose of the little butts in an ashtray or tin can. That's not too hard, is it?

Has the multitude of cigarette chemicals irrevocably damaged people's brains? Those soft white and toffee-brown filters do not walk into the sunset. Nor do they vanish like a dream date the next morning.

One city resident recently did her part by organizing a neighbourhood cleanup. There needs to be more. Every business owner, apartment dweller and landlord should take a quick peek around their places of work or residence. If, as is often the case, a halo of cigarette discards cloaks the entrance way, grab a tin can, leave it at the doorway and hope for the best.

Journalists are often regarded as little more than parasites, making a living off of other's misfortunes. And there's a fair bit of truth in the characterization.

But just to set the record straight -- we like good news as much as anyone. Indeed, we need them to keep us sane. And it's stories like Jordin Tootoo's historic vigil in anticipation of this year's entry draft for the NHL that keep so many of us losing it.

Congratulations, Jordin. The North is proud of your selection by the Nashville Predators, and its journalists are more than happy to share the good news.

Editorial Comment
Malcolm Gorrill
Inuvik Drum

By all accounts the first Inuvik Petroleum Show was a resounding success.

Lots of interesting discussions were held about recent exploration activity in the region, as well as the work coming up. Also discussed was the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline, plus ways for local firms and communities to gain maximum benefits from the oil and gas activity.

Hundreds of people flocked to Inuvik for the event, thus infusing a lot of money into the community. Of more long term benefit from the show will be the ideas exchanged and friendships formed.

As was pointed out, there's still nothing quite like meeting someone face to face, especially when it comes to doing business.

Also, visitors to the area presumably left with a better understanding of the needs and concerns felt by people in the region.

One thing which was remarked upon by more than one person was the energy, and sense of optimism, felt among those taking part.

The event might also serve to drive home to people -- from both outside the region, and right here -- that there's a lot of activity going on here now, with more to come.

Of course, it must not be forgotten that a show such as this town has just seen does not just happen. That's especially true in a case like this, where it was only earlier this year that it was decided to hold this event.

Kudos go to all those who played a hand in putting the show together, from co-ordinator Patricia Black right on down.

Talk is already swirling around town about next year's conference. It should also be quite an event, if this year's show is any indication.

Having fun for a good cause

Midnight Madness was also a big success.

Though the temperature was a little on the chilly side, lots of people took in the sights and sounds.

A big highlight was the Cops for Cancer event, where Mounties, plus other community members, risked some good natured ribbing and shaved their heads to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Not only did the event raise a lot of money, it was also good to see the large number of people who turned out to watch.

Those who willingly endured the close shaves should be given a hand. Then again, perhaps they could be given hats instead -- they're going to need a lot of hats for the next little while.

Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson

First Nations, other local governments in the Deh Cho and the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce should hold North American Tungsten Corporation to its word on providing economic development opportunities. With the mine site located on the NWT side of the border, but the road supplying the mine routed through the Yukon, local leaders must see to it that a sufficient number of jobs and contracts are put on the table, rather than quietly allowing them to waltz down the road to the Yukon. The GNWT should be prepared to step in and asserts its influence as well.

Although the CanTung mine had been in operation from the 1960s through the 1980s, a different political and business dynamic exists today. The Acho Dene Koe group of companies, for example, has plenty more to offer than the Fort Liard band ever could have 20 or 30 years ago. They are seeking catering, heavy equipment and air charter deals with North American Tungsten. They should be given every chance to reach an equitable agreement to provide those services, nothing less.

Shortages hurt us all

It's promising to see that a decision has been made to add another member to the RCMP detachment in Fort Liard, bolstering the staff to four. What Mayor Joanne Deneron says is true, even though it was supposed to have been a three-member detachment it is rarely at full capacity. Someone is usually on a course or taking some time off. That's not just the case in Fort Liard, but with practically every detachment.

We rely greatly on the RCMP's presence. These men and women can be called upon to make life and death decisions at a moment's notice. With such gravity involved, we'd be much better off having someone rested making those decisions rather than someone who has been run ragged for weeks on end.

Dave's filling in

If you've noticed that I'm travelling in tandem this week it's because Northern News Services reporter Dave Sullivan is in town. Dave, who arrived in Yellowknife on Monday, will be taking the reins here at the Drum while Val and I are on vacation.

He had only been here a few hours when he jumped on the details of the lightning strike that occurred in Fort Simpson last week. Mother Nature's power is simply awesome. We can only be grateful that nobody was killed or injured by the intense charge. Please feel free to stop by the office, say hello to Dave, and pass along any story ideas you may have.

We'll see you again in August.

Editorial Comment
Jorge Barrera
Kivalliq News

By the time this newspaper winds up in your hands, Jordin Tootoo will have been drafted by an NHL team, the first Inuk to make big-time hockey.

The story goes with all the storybook trappings of a Canadian hockey legend: Kid from small-town no-where learns the game playing shinny, gets discovered and the rest is history. But the kid is usually from the Prairies or some Ontario town.

For once, the story begins in Nunavut. It sets a precedent in this fledgling territory.

The Tootoo story goes beyond sports. It's a story about an Inuk breaking into the elite stratosphere of Canadian society -- like Iglulik filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk.

Slowly at first, these bright stars of Nunavut are shinning a light for the next generation to follow.

It's possible. It's there. Tootoo and Kunuk are examples of greatness in any facet of society. Such greatness is achievable, even from small communities like Iglulik and Rankin Inlet.

Where someone is from has nothing to do with the end result. It's OK to think big, bigger as possible. The sky is the limit, despite limitations that seem to loom over life sometimes.

It begins with the little things like staying that extra hour after school to nail down a math problem, or reading that extra novel, or staying on the ice a little longer to hone a shot.

It's true that there is no such thing as a level playing field. Economic status, region and social situations play a role in what lane someone starts the race, but they're not impossible obstacles to overcome. It begins with the idea, the desire to achieve something. From there it's about running hard.

The success of Tootoo and Kunuk are to be celebrated, but the exciting part is the paths these two have beaten. It'll be a little easier for those coming from behind. Now there is an example to emulate, a trail to follow.