More resources for deaf Nunavummiut
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, April 3, 2017
NUNAVUT
The Nunavut Deaf Society and the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute continue their partnership with the release of new materials.
The roots of the society can be found in the original consultations for Nunavut's Language Protection Act in the mid-2000s.
"There was recognition of needing capacity here in Nunavut for the deaf, a forum, a voice. Between five of us, we decided to create the Nunavut Deaf Society," said Kownak, whose son Clayton Ungungai is a board member of the society.
With the help of a father-daughter team - president of the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute Jamie MacDougall and his daughter Paige MacDougall, the institute's research director - the society was incorporated in 2014.
Without a budget, the group had to be creative with meetings. The first was held in Ottawa, in a hotel basement, and the first AGM in Kownak's living room.
On March 9, the AGM was held using tele-health technology at a Department of Health location.
"I think that's an exciting step and a fantastic use of the technology we have for a great project going forward for hearing impaired Nunavummiut," Health Minister George Hickes told the legislative assembly March 8.
Hickes praised Kownak, Ungungai and the MacDougalls at the legislative assembly, as did Culture and Heritage Minister George Kuksuk, whose department provides some funding for the development of resources.
"They are championing ways of delivering sign language interpretation services," said Kuksuk.
Kownak says language resource and language training was something the society wanted to accomplish.
"We felt aligning ourselves with the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute which has already built capacity in terms of flash cards, an app, a few booklets and posters, we felt we needed an ally that had that experience," she said.
That partnership is proving fruitful, as the MacDougalls continue to create resources while working closely with deaf families in the territory.
Paige MacDougall spent a week in Rankin Inlet Feb. 27 to March 6 consulting with deaf Nunavummiut and their families, who took new materials for a test drive. A set of flash cards have received approval from the community. Each card includes Inuit Sign Language, illustrations, syllabics, Roman orthography and fingerspelling.
As well, an illustrated book telling the story of Yvo Samgushak was officially released.
"To preserve and revitalize Inuit Sign Language, three life-story videos of deaf Nunavummiut and their families are being created. These stories involve the Ugjuk family from Rankin Inlet, Kawtysie Kakee from Pangnirtung, and Yvo Samgushak from Baker Lake," said James MacDougall.
A new glossary and poster have been completed.
The institute is an ally, as is Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuqtit Society, Kownak added.
Priorities for the society include improving access to health services with sign language interpretation in all communities - as mandated a Supreme Court decision - and access to justice services, education and employment.
Kownak estimates there are about 150 deaf Nunavummiut.
"We have to look at those objectives and definitely keep reaching out to government departments and other Nunavut organizations for funding opportunities and alignment with Nunavut's current priorities," said Kownak.
