Daniel T'seleie
Northern News Services

Clyde River (Aug 15/05) - A hunting office, cost of living, lack of housing and unemployment were all on the table in Clyde River for Thomas Berger, the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement contract conciliator.

"It was kind of very interesting," said James Qilliq, president of the Clyde River Hunters and Trappers Association.

It was the first time Qilliq had the opportunity to let the federal government know what the HTA needs.

Berger was hired by the federal government to help resolve outstanding land claim implementation issues and give written recommendations on how the land claims implementation should proceed. He will travel to a number of communities to hear people's complaints and requests.

"We need more supplies," Qilliq said. He also requested funding for a new HTA office.

The current 12 foot by 16 foot building houses all the association's equipment, and is used for meetings by the nine board members. It is too small, said Qilliq.

"Looking at the HTA office here, it's an old match-box house," said Steven Aipellee, the hamlet's senior administrative officer.

As the go-between for Clyde River hunters and each level of government, the HTA deserves adequate office space, Qilliq said. They cannot afford to build a new building with their $60,000 a year budget, he said.

The "firearm thing" also came up at the meeting, Aipellee said, but he would not speak on behalf of community members about their feelings on firearms legislation.

Quality of life

The meeting was supposed to revolve around issues relating to the land claims agreement, but topics discussed were broad ranging.

"The federal government is obligated to provide housing to the Inuit," said John Corkett, secretary manager of the housing association.

There is insufficient funding to build and maintain houses in the community, he said.

"If the good people in the south want sovereignty over the North, then there are responsibilities they must take in hand," Corkett said.

Mayor Igah Hainnu agrees, claiming there are upwards of 15 people living in some houses.

Many people also took issue with "the high cost of basic needs that we pay," Hainnu said.

It costs more than $10 to buy a box of crackers at the store, she said. Families on social assistance cannot cover the basic costs of living, she said.