Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 15/02) - Inuit groups say they have no role in determining federal health policy.

John Lamb, chief executive officer of Nunavut Tunngavik, told the Romanow Commission that Inuit have a legal right under the land claims agreement to participate in the development of social and cultural polices.

Lamb said Inuit in Nunavut forfeited their aboriginal title to lands and waters anywhere in Canada in exchange for defined rights in the agreement.

Despite this, the government has not kept up its end of the bargain.

"NTI is involved on a broad array of fronts working with the federal government," he said. "But there is a high degree of frustration in this relationship," he said, adding the government's response doesn't match the seriousness of the crisis in Nunavut.

"There is clearly a requirement for significantly greater support and resources to ensure Inuit are not second-class citizens when it comes to health care," said Lamb.

"And there is a need for programs to involve and reflect the needs of the community, not just be southern style imports."

Romanow then asked: "What's the source of the problem in honouring the agreement?"

Lamb said officials in Ottawa have a high level of "claim unawareness."

"People don't know what their obligations are," he said, adding a common misconception is that Inuit already have a sweet deal and should stop complaining.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association policy analyst John MacDougall said Inuit need health policies developed by Inuit themselves, a belief echoed by others throughout the forum.

They told Romanow that integrating traditional Inuit knowledge into the health-care system is a realistic goal.

Okalik Eegeesiak, a former president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, noted the absence of Inuktitut interpreters at the meeting. A workbook handed out by the commission was also available only in English.

"At least have an Inuk at the table or monitoring the session," said Eegeesiak.

She said reform isn't about squeezing an Inuit approach into a Qallunaat system. "How do we fit your standards into our community?" she asked.

She said Inuit currently have "no services" and that Nunavut needs both preventative health and equipment.

"We have national standards to follow, but no equipment to do it with," she said, pointing out women cannot even have a mammogram in Nunavut.

When Romanow asked her to suggest ways to implement solutions, she responded: "There's been studies, studies, studies, studies. And recommendations, recommendations, recommendations, recommendations. Implement some of those."

Romanow seemed receptive. "Obviously, there's not a one-size fits all approach to health care. And there are grave problems here. I think all of this forces me to really go back and see how I can recommend a set of structures which addresses this."