Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iglulik (Oct 28/02) - A recent gathering of elders in Iglulik will help revitalize the role the wise ones play in communities across Nunavut.

With the onslaught of government and modern culture, the varied role elders formerly played in Inuit society has largely evaporated.

"Their roles as leaders, as social workers have been taken away," explained Culture, Language, Elders and Youth Minister Jack Anawak.

Contacted after the gathering, Anawak said the introduction of government services eroded the cultural fabric that placed elders at the helm in Inuit communities.

"The government came in and took that away. I want them to take back that role in their communities," said Anawak.

To that end, Anawak is facilitating discussions across Nunavut and asking elders to think about how they can re-introduce their wisdom to their communities.

While such a goal would provide a host of assets and make Nunavut a vastly more healthy territory, Anawak hopes more elder involvement will reduce the epidemic rate of suicide among Inuit youth.

"Suicide won't go away if we just ignore it or feel bad about it," said Anawak.

"We're hoping elders will have more of a role. That was always the case before."

The group of elders also reviewed CLEY funding applications for money for elders' programs, discussed the formation of an elders' council and considered ways of incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into government.