There really is no “language issue” in Nunavut

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

There really is no language issue in Nunavut.

The majority want Inuktitut as an official language and that was made clear when the special committee on languages visited communities during the first term of the Nunavut legislature, but even then, there was really no need.

The whole issue of the “creation of Nunavut” was to address the lack of Inuitness in the government, while maintaining a public government concept, but there has not been the political will to get outside the box and create a government truly reflective of the population.

Until we get more visionaries in the political and public service who would address the reason for the creation of Nunavut, I am afraid that, as John Amagoalik pointed out some time ago, we will continue to have a government that will think in terms of “steady as she goes” instead of bold decisive action that is badly needed.

We have a small glimmer of hope when a school like Nakasuk takes action to deliver bilingual education without prodding, which is to be admired and should be followed by other schools. Hopefully, the government will finally notice.

Jack Anawak
Ottawa

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