KIVALLIQ/IQALUIT
A special men's group funded by Nunavut's Department of Justice met to discuss issues facing men in Nunavut and take part in a number of healing and knowledge sessions with elders this past week in Iqaluit.
The gathering was co-facilitated by well-known men's activist and counsellor Noel Kaludjak of Rankin Inlet, who said the Department of Justice selected two men from each of 10 Nunavut communities to attend the sessions.
One would have the potential to be a community leader in crime prevention and healthy living, and the other identified as someone who has been involved with crime in the past and is a high risk to re-offend.
He said the meetings covered a variety of topics, including the elders giving their views on trying to live a better life, and what it takes to become a better father and husband while raising one's family.
"We also had two days of healing circles; one in a building here in the community and one out on the land," said Kaludjak.
"The one in the community was a men's group healing circle, with each of the men having a chance to speak about where they're from, and we had some counsellors on hand to help them with anything they may be dealing with emotionally.
"We went out on the land for a day where we set up tents and had a presentation from the elders on hunting schools and the land, as well as an awesome session on mental health while we were out there."
Kaludjak said the gathering was a big step forward, funding-wise, for men's groups in Nunavut because it was funded by resources they don't usually receive funding from.
He said the Department of Justice staff involved with the project were very good, and they did a great job of organizing the meetings.
"Meeting with men from all over Nunavut and hearing them talk about issues they're dealing with in their communities was very interesting.
"And, listening to elders talk about how they dealt with their problems when they were younger, and working with the younger generation and the issues they face today, was a universal experience for all of us.
"We also discussed crime in our communities, what crimes are committed at the highest rates in our communities, and what
we can do to help lower the crime rate in our communities.
"It was a very informative session that gave us something to build upon and discuss more at our next meeting.
"So all together it was a very good gathering that examined a lot of issues men are dealing with in Nunavut right now.
"And that also produced a lot of positive and constructive ideas we can work with as a group going forward."
