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QAMANITTUAQ/BAKER LAKE
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) took a number of statements from residential school survivors earlier this month in Baker Lake.

Former Nunavut commissioner Peter Irniq, centre, shares a moment with fellow cultural performers Silas Aittauq, Winnie Owingayak and Jean Simailak, from left, during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's visit to Baker Lake earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak

Co-ordinator Martin Kreelak of Baker said the visit was a lot of work, and he could never have done it on his own without the help of many people from the hamlet office and the community itself.

He said the TRC's visit went well, but some things could have been improved upon.

"Some people were upset with the lighting of the qulliq to open the visit because they felt the traditional manner in lighting the qulliq wasn't well respected," said Kreelak.

"That may have only been for 90 seconds, or so, but it shows you how important these things are to people when you're hosting such an event.

"It also would have better if the commission had more time here.

"I had to take a week at home because of some ear problems following the TRC visit, but people still called me to say we need to get the TRC back to Baker so more statements can be recorded."

Kreelak said a number of people also approached him looking for more information on the TRC and the ongoing residential school process.

He said although more information should be available, and easier to access, for the average person the TRC is improving.

"When the TRC first started I myself wasn't too sure what the results would be.

"But, as it started visiting other communities and listening to former students giving their public and private statements, the TRC has been getting better as it goes along."

Kreelak, who was born in Chesterfield Inlet and attended residential school there, said a number of people in Baker opted to give private statements rather than speak publicly.

He said many experiences are still difficult to talk about, and the ability to give private statements is very important.

"It's a person's choice whether to speak publicly or privately, and I understand it when some choose to speak privately.

"Although I'd like to see more statements taken from our community, overall the proceedings seemed to go well.

"From the time the TRC started at 9 a.m., with the opening and welcoming from the mayor, everything seemed to flow together.

"Kivalliq Counselling and Support Services told me they were very happy with how things worked out with the TRC's visit, saying it was very professionally done."

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