Truth, reconciliation and educationNorthwest Territories/News North - Monday, June 15, 2015
There was a nun at the Fort Providence residential school who used give something to children who were caught crying.
It was an empty sardine can, and according to NWT Senator and former residential student Nick Sibbeston in his testimonial to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it was to be used as a vessel for children to "collect their tears."
The Truth and Reconciliation report is made up of powerful anecdotes like the one above which illustrate what life was like for children in the residential school system.
Florence Horassi remembers a nun giving her a clothespin to plug her nose so she could eat her lunch -- rotten fish -- without throwing up while living at a school in Fort Providence. Wayne Reindeer recalls running away from Grollier Hall to his family home in Inuvik and hiding under his house for two days, his siblings smuggling him food. His father "dragged (him) back, kicking and screaming all the way" after administrators came to inquire about where he was. Nellie Cournoyea remembers how aboriginal families along the Mackenzie River provided her shelter as she fled south from Stringer Hall in Inuvik. Alphonsine McNeely told the commission about the time a nun washed her mouth with soap for speaking her language with a classmate.
Every Canadian should spend some time with the final report.
It is an impressive culmination of eight year's work that tells the comprehensive history of 130 residential schools that ran 150 years with very little in terms of government oversight or funding but one overarching mandate. A mandate so destructive it has left many Canadians struggling with the sobering accusation that through this system our government committed cultural genocide.
"The deputy minister of Indian Affairs predicted in 1920 that in a century, thanks to the work of these schools, aboriginal people would cease to exist as an identifiable cultural group in Canada," states the introduction to the final report, marking possibly the first time in history a bureaucrat has ever written with enthusiasm about the demise of his own department.
Setting aside the individual instances of sexual and physical abuse, the infamous electric chair, nutrition experiments, forced child labour and other indignities, our government's deliberate attempt to eradicate First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures is the biggest shame of the residential school system. Now, after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has finished its work, the rest of the country has to do its part.
Canadians have to take the time to understand how our government was able to commit such an injustice so they can safeguard against it ever happening again. To do this, the federal government must make sure residential school history becomes part of the curriculum of every school in Canada. It's the one recommendation of the 94 released last week that stands out as an absolute must do.
The territorial government has shown leadership in this regard by implementing residential school history into curriculum and Alberta announced last week it would follow suit.
We are heading in the right direction but until every single Canadian student is taught what the residential school system was, how it happened and the ways its legacy continues to affect people today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's 2007 apology to former residential school students on behalf of the federal government will ring as hollow as that Fort Providence nun's empty sardine can.
Invest in alternative energy now or pay the price laterNunavut/News North - Monday, June 15, 2015
The technology that harnesses tidal energy - creating electricity out of the cyclical movement of the ocean - is in its infancy and hydro electricity is a costly venture, especially up north.
But the government's position that effectively shut the door on these alternative power-supply options is short-sighted and to the detriment of the territory.
Whether tidal, hydro, solar or wind-powered generation, the fact is Nunavut must explore technology that alleviates the reliance on costly diesel energy - particularly now when that cost has dropped, freeing up cash to sink into these projects. Yes, these ventures will require more than what is left by the lowered diesel price but in the long run, it means aging diesel generators and fluctuating fuel prices will no longer be the determinant of Nunavut's energy costs.
Sounds pretty freeing, doesn't it?
It's too bad the territory doesn't have a voice in Ottawa that could really use some positive press on the home front and has an interest in sustainable development projects. Oh wait, Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq will be seeking re-election this fall, after what could be gently called a tough couple of years with Nutrition North proving a failure within the territory and an audit of CanNor - for which she is the minister responsible - coming back as less than glowing. She also happens to be the Minister of the Environment.
How many calls has the territorial government made to seek some southern support for alternative energy projects?
While the opportunity to make an investment in the future of Nunavut is ripe, the government is arguing that there needs to be "a solid business case and rationale," according to Finance Minister Keith Peterson.
It appears the uncertainty and cost of renewable energy projects has the GN putting on the brakes, yet it will continue to fork out dollar after dollar for non-renewables, the price of which fluctuates completely out of the control of the government.
What's so certain about that?
While it may not be as simple as canvassing Parliament Hill for a few dollars toward an energy project, if the technology is rejected outright there's no doubt Nunavut will remain tied to non-renewables.
The fact is, the GN will have to spend money to save money.
Peterson said, "As a government, we simply can't afford mega projects in Nunavut."
We would argue, as a government, they simply can't afford this inhibited perspective.
Single fathers left out Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, June 12, 2015
It is the responsibility of society to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
This can range from those in poverty to those with disabilities but perhaps most accurately this means children.
While most have parents to perform this most important of duties, sometimes those parents wind up in difficult situations that erode their ability to be caretakers.
This is where the support of society must come in but as Yellowknifer revealed last week, those supports are not in place, particularly for single fathers in need of housing.
While this is likely a small demographic in Yellowknife, it exists.
Following a brief stint in jail which resulted in Russell Hamilton owing thousands of dollars for his apartment, he attempted to find housing for himself and his 15-month-old daughter.
But Hamilton only found rejections and wait lists and was left with no other option other than to take long walks pushing a stroller and spend nights couch-surfing with friends and family.
Emergency shelter for men is at the Salvation Army where no children are allowed. Then there is Bailey House transitional home for men, which says it's not appropriate to allow children to stay there because tenants are occasionally intoxicated.
Herein lies the gap.
The equivalent emergency shelter for women is at the Centre for Northern Families, where children are allowed. Betty House is the female equivalent to Bailey House and again, children are allowed.
While opening up the men's shelters to children is not necessarily the right solution - statistically men are more prone to violent behaviour than women, creating a potentially unsafe environment - there is a clear gender disparity that cannot be ignored.
There needs to be a place low-income single men with children can go while waiting for the housing option that does accept them, such as public housing and the Rockhill transitional home for families.
Here both men and women are faced with wait lists illustrative of an emergency-housing situation in crisis-mode.
For public housing, wait lists range from eight people to 107, depending on how many rooms they're seeking. Rockhill, described by the YWCA executive director as the last housing option, has a wait list of 100 people, all with children.
"There is no alternate option," Lyda Fuller told Yellowknifer last week.
Although discussions on a lack of public and transitional housing clearly impacts all those in need, Hamilton's case highlights a unique - albeit niche - gap that needs addressing.
Mental health update a good start Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, June 12, 2015
It will be a great day for society if scientific research finds a magic bullet that cures mental illness.
In the meantime, there remains a war of tiny victories and numerous setbacks, fought on the front lines by social workers, police, courts and health-care professionals.
To these people, the territories' updated Mental Health Act will provide ammunition.
The main gap in the current legislation, says Health Minister Glen Abernethy, is that there is no requirement for people to take their medication.
In the narrowest sense, medical practitioners can order patients be involuntarily detained, if they prove to be a danger to themselves, others or are simply unable to care for themselves - but only with the approval of the health minister himself. They can't require patients to take their meds once they leave the building.
Now patients whose mental illnesses are controlled by medication can return to their communities and be monitored to ensure they are following through and taking their medicine.
If they stop, police may take the patient to a treatment centre.
While this may seem heavy handed, it's really a middle ground. In the case of schizophrenia, patient adherence is fairly poor. One study suggests 80 per cent of patients who leave the hospital don't take their medication as directed, and those who do not follow their medication routine are more likely to wind up back in the hospital.
It's not unreasonable to imagine that there would be considerable disruption to the patients' lives, as well as with their families and employers when they stop taking medication and require hospitalization. This measure has the potential to limit that disruption. That's a step in the right direction for the territory.
Thinking small can mean big thingsDeh Cho Drum - Thursday, June 11, 2015
We live in a wonderful part of Canada.
Everywhere there is room for municipalities to grow, for people to put down roots wherever they like and for businesses to cater to captive communities.
There is so much potential for business and quality of life in the Deh Cho, but we are in danger of letting that potential stagnate or slip away.
Recently, Minister of Finance Michael Miltenberger left the country as part of a delegation promoting the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link in Europe.
They will be travelling to Norway, Sweden, Italy and Germany to liaise with myriad space agencies and organizations.
But they seem to be putting little effort into selling the fibre link on a local scale.
Jean Marie River and Wrigley are just two examples of local communities affected by the fibre link. Little has been done to allay fears they will not be tied in to the fibre link because of the size of their communities and the fact there is no company in their municipalities to provide service.
It's shameful the GNWT, which is characterized by those small municipalities, would forget its own people.
Dreaming big has its merits and attracting international attention is always a priority. There is no fault in that, until it comes at the expense of the people actually living in the NWT.
Bigger communities along the fibre link will, of course, see benefits. But the government needs to remember that people in smaller communities have livelihoods as well. They need services every bit as much as larger communities; they just have a smaller voice with which to ask for them.
For instance, it is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses based out of small communities to have an online presence. It is equally difficult for the administrators of those municipalities to put their communities on the digital map.
If the government isn't willing to invest locally, it should not be surprised when municipalities fail or when residents begin to move elsewhere.
It shouldn't be a surprise when the Deh Cho's much-lauded tourism industry begins to falter.
Ultimately, by not tying in smaller communities to the fibre link and offering them service, the government is shooting itself in the foot.
Such service can only be a benefit, and when communities thrive, the territory thrives.
Something to keep everyone occupiedInuvik Drum - Thursday, June 11, 2015
There's an old saying about "making hay while the sun shines." That might never be more than true around an Arctic town like Inuvik.
Despite a wealth of activities on tap in town for the summer, I know it's not going to take long for someone to mutter that unfortunate phrase: "There's nothing to do here."
It's enough to make you bang your head softly (or not so softly) on the nearest convenient door or wall.
There's not really a lack of anything to do in most seasons in Inuvik, particularly the summer and winter.
As the Inuvik Slo-pitch Association showed this past weekend, the weather is no particular obstacle to having fun outside.
The tournament was played in some very unpleasant weather for two of the three days, but there wasn't any particular complaints.
Maybe the proximity of the food and beer tents had something to do with that optimistic lookout, and maybe not. I prefer to think it was just the thrill of the game that shone through the gloom.
Then you could take a look at a major town event such as Inuvialuit Day, where it seemed like a good chunk of the town came out.
You could argue that free food was an attraction, and I wouldn't argue the point, but people seemed to be genuinely interested in celebrating the cultural and political significance of the day.
Then there's the East Three Canoe Club, which has started a kid's program for future races in the last week. The club is also organizing an endurance race in August that should appeal to many people to both participate and watch.
While no plans have been formally announced yet, it seems likely the Inuvik Adventure Race will also be on tap for July or August.
The Midnight Sun Fun Run will happen June 20, and there are already people well into training for it, both for competitive and personal reasons.
Repairs will be made to the Ruyant soccer pitch, hopefully allowing for outdoor soccer to finally return to Inuvik.
The tennis courts at East Three are also hopping in good weather, as are the basketball courts.
If the town lacks anything in particular, it might be more walking trails. As a very walkable community with a sizable footprint, there's room for improvement for town officials to consider.
The territorial slo-pitch championships are coming in July, as are at least two more local tournaments.
Then there's the Great Northern Arts Festival and the End of the Road Music festival, two signature events.
Since it seems like few people sleep in Inuvik during the 56 days of perpetual daylight. There just isn't an excuse not to take advantage of any or all of these events and activities.
Other towns don't have a fraction of what Inuvik has to offer.
That's something to keep in mind next time you hear how "bored" someone is.
The grass isn't always greener elsewhere.
'Exceptional' waterYellowknifer - Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Putting the seemingly never-ending boil water advisory aside for a minute, it can be safely said that Yellowknifers find much comfort in the source of their drinking water.
Two years before city council voted to borrow $20 million in 2012, ostensibly to fund a new water treatment plant but actually used to fund a range of much needed infrastructure projects, Dennis Kefalas - then director of public works, now city administrator - boasted that the quality of drinking water from the Yellowknife River is "one of the best in the world."
This is an important issue in Yellowknife. People in Toronto probably don't think much about the source of their drinking water, which is Lake Ontario - downstream of pulp mills, nuclear power plants and God knows what - but people in Yellowknife do because Yellowknife is downstream from Baker Creek and Giant Mine, which has 237,000 tons of deadly arsenic trioxide frozen and buried beneath it in perpetuity.
Kefalas has also previously said the quality of water from Yellowknife Bay is likewise "exceptional" and the "same as what comes out of the river," but those assurances were not enough for residents after spring melt caused Baker Creek to overflow its banks in 2011, leading to a momentary spike in arsenic levels near the creek of 700 times the acceptable level for drinking water. Normally the arsenic level in Yellowknife Bay is at around three parts per billion. Federal guidelines call for a maximum allowable level of 10 parts per billion.
Yellowknife Bay is clearly within the parameter most of the time, and if a special filter was installed at the new water treatment plant - valued previously at $3 million - arsenic in the water would likely never be an issue ever again.
Still, Yellowknifers' squeamishness over Yellowknife Bay water was enough for city council to scuttle the idea in 2012 and opt for much more expensive plan of replacing the eight-kilometre underwater intake line from the Yellowknife River, projected at $10 million at the time.
Three years later that estimate has jumped to $20 million, the water treatment plant projected in 2010 to cost $20 million is now $31 million, and there are piles and piles more capital infrastructure items around the city in need of replacement. This is not to mention the as-of-yet undisclosed final price tag on Northland Trailer Park water and sewer line replacements, the excesses of which city taxpayers are on the hook for.
It can be safely assumed, considering the skyrocketing trajectory of construction costs in the North, that the underwater pipe will cost $30 million to replace by the time that is required in 2020. This will be a hefty bill for city taxpayers to pay, particularly if other levels of government don't help, and nothing has been said to date to indicate they will.
This fact alone ought to be enough for city politicians to reconsider putting Yellowknife Bay back on the table.
There may be misgivings but they might be unfounded. If sourcing the city's drinking water from Yellowknife Bay would cost a tenth of the price of a replaced water line to the Yellowknife River, city council should support research and public discussion to determine if residents would be willing to swallow this less-expensive option.
The long road of reconciliationEditorial Comment by Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News - Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Every media outlet worth its salt has weighed in on the best, and worst, of the 94 recommendations released by Justice Murray Sinclair in his role as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Ottawa this past week.
A fair number of the recommendations are no-brainers on the positive side of the ledger.
Moves such as restoring traditional names, annual reports on aboriginal issues, a monument to the residential-school tragedy (one well-designed monument in our nation's capital, preferably within eyesight of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office, should suffice, rather than the 13 recommended), and seeing residential-school history become part of the curriculum in schools across this great land should be moved on quickly.
Others have already sparked the kind of debate that makes you shake your head and wonder how the person doing the talking ever got into the position they hold today.
And still others make you wish you could personally write every aboriginal in Canada to point out this person does not speak for you.
One recommendation is to have the Pope issue an official apology by June 2016 for the role the Catholic Church played in the abuse of aboriginal children in Catholic-run schools.
Another asks for the development of a royal proclamation of reconciliation to reaffirm the nation-to-nation relationship between aboriginal peoples and the Crown.
Anyone who thinks lawsuits and calls for additional reconciliation of the cold-hard cash variety are going away anytime soon is dreaming.
Because of that -- and the small warehouse full of lawyers who have been and will continue to get rich from this process -- we must accept every statement, acceptance and admission will be poured over with an eye toward culpability in future actions.
But that's not what had Ottawa's Archbishop Terrence Prendergast upset over the requests for an apology and royal proclamation.
Prendergast wasn't particularly enamoured with the idea that Pope Francis was asked to come to Canada to issue the apology personally, while the Queen wasn't.
And, of course, considering Pope Benedict issued an apology in 2009, Prendergast was further worried the asking for Papal apologies may become never-ending.
Not exactly what you'd consider getting off to a good start with the rhetoric.
There are also a few recommendations that leave you to wonder about the logic, especially the call for the feds to throw money at the CBC so the public broadcaster can support the commission's work.
There is absolutely no reason why the commission should expect the feds to agree to fund the CBC to be the commission's own private messenger in convincing Canadians it's in their own best interests to accept, and agree to implement, the 94 recommendations on their surface value.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission did an admirable job in fulfilling its mandate. And, hopefully, the seeds are being sewn to heal our nation and bring aboriginal and non-aboriginal people closer together as Canadians.
The road ahead remains a long one, however, and it's up to all parties involved to continue the healing-and-reconciliation process without making it too rocky to pass.
