The calm after the storm
Former Rankin deputy mayor glad to be done with politics
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, February 11, 2015
RANKIN INLET
Former deputy mayor Sam Tutanuak is enjoying a life free of politics since resigning from hamlet council in Rankin Inlet about two months ago.
Sam Tutanuak is enjoying his life as a husband, dad and grandfather away from politics since he resigned as a hamlet councillor in Rankin Inlet this past December. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
Tutanuak gave up his seat shortly after being re-elected in December's municipal election.
He tried to pull out of the race before election day, but had to let his name stand because an advance poll had all ready been held.
Never shy about expressing his opinion, Tutanuak made the decision to resign after the media fiasco that erupted following his participation in an APTN TV broadcast that alleged a number of Rankin residents, elders in particular, were taking food from the local dump.
The story prompted the ire of Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq and caused heated debate among a number of Rankin councillors.
Tutanuak said his health was starting to decline from the stress of public life.
He said the Aglukkaq incident convinced him it was time to move on.
"Basically, it came down to either living for the community or living for my family and there was no real choice there," said Tutanuak.
"Since I resigned, I can actually sleep right through the night now.
"My life's a lot better these days."
Tutanuak said he never expected his participation in the TV broadcast to go the way it did.
He said the silver lining in the situation, to him, is the attention over food security issues in Nunavut it brought to groups like Feeding Our Neighbours.
"When I see a little old lady smiling away with groceries on her floor, that makes everything I dealt with worthwhile and I'd do it all again because of that.
"The most hurtful part, was when a handful of politicians and some others said I was lying through my teeth and the situation doesn't exist in Rankin.
"Listening to some people - who are making good money from welfare and addictions programs here, and whatnot -screaming it doesn't exist hurt me the most."
Tutanuak said his family tried their best to hide how the situation was affecting them during the storm that followed the APTN broadcast.
He said as supportive as his family members were, he knew it was hurting them and it was tearing him up inside to see them going through that.
"My wife told me we're strong and we can get through this.
"But why would I want to put my family through that?
"Since I've stepped away, I've learned it's OK to not have to be the voice not afraid to speak, and it's OK not to have all the answers.
"I love being a husband, dad and grandfather, and I don't have to be a politician."
Being content to focus on his personal life right now, the former deputy mayor appreciates the support he received during his time on council and being politically active in the community.
He's been approached to serve on various boards since his resignation but has respectfully declined the offers and would prefer to be left alone in his private life.
Tutanuak did notice some of the scathing remarks posted on social media by Inuit who no longer live in Nunavut.
He said their remarks show the level of disconnect they now have from everyday life in the North.
"Who are they to be saying this, that and the other thing?
"They escaped to some province and are living the nice southern life, and congratulations to them, but we all can't do that.
"They don't live the everyday life here and haven't for quite some time now.
"There are some people, and that includes Inuit, who see only what they want to, and I'm glad to be done with all the political BS ... forever!"
