Makivik’s annual general meeting in Kangiqsualujjuaq

DWANE WILKIN

Nunavik Inuit say they want the Makivik corporation to combat their region’s crippling social problems.

As Makivik representatives from 14 Nunavik communities made clear at the corporation’s annual general meeting in Kangiqsualujjuaq, the rapid evolution of traditional communities continues to exacerbate pressing social problems.

Tales of suicide, drug addiction, alcoholism and the lingering effects of sexual abuse dominated discussions on Tuesday, along with repeated calls for communities to take back some control of the “healing” process.

Elders have role to play

Johnny Akpahatak, a community representative for Aupaluk, said he himself had suicidal thoughts as a young man, but recalled the intervention of an elder who helped him through a difficult period.

Akpahatak urged elders in the communities to act as counsellors for young people in distress.

“I really think that the elders should be given a chance,” said Akpahatak. “They are very good in helping young people. Let’s turn back to our elders and maybe give them some income for doing this.”

Take charge

Robbie Tookalook of Umiujaq called on Inuit parents to take more responsibility for their own children, and cautioned them against growing dependent on state-run social service agencies.

Otherwise, “we have only ourselves to blame for the problems,” said Tookaluk, who described witnessing children growing up in the streets without guidance, while their parents gambled and abused alcohol.

“No wonder people are committing suicide.”

Parents must parent

In a tear-filled plea for a return to family and community values, Martha Greig, the vice-president of Pauktuutit, declared that Inuit parents have become too accustomed to surrendering parental control to government authorities.

“We have given too much responsibility to others for our children,” said Greig. “We give our children to the social services, and to the priest. But it’s a mother and a father who must look after kids.”

While delegates looked inward and reflected on the work to be done at the community level, at least one representative voiced concern over the birthright corporation’s preoccupation with business ventures.

Candidate speaks out

Lucy Carrier, the member from Kangirsuk who challenged Zebedee Nungak’s presidency this week, said she would like to see Makivik spend less time worrying about the bottom line, and more time addressing social issues.

“Many times the people are left out, whereas the organization thrives,” Carrier said.

“I think that people in positions of power should be more ready to listen to what their people want.”

Makivik vice-president Mark Gordon acknowledged that the corporation is considering playing a larger social role in the communities than it has in the past, especially since the provincial and federal governments no longer have the same presence.

But the division of Makivik’s social, political and economic functions into different entities along the Nunavut model may still be a long way’s off.

“I think that the concept of pursuing this further and looking at this seriously will certainly evolve,” Gordon said. “But things like this are new to us and the other question is, do we have enough resources to deal with issues like these, and deal with them separately?”

Who’s a beneficiary?

Members also pushed hard this week for some sign from Makivik that action would be taken to curb abuses of Inuit beneficiary status.

Unlike entitlement provisions in the Nunavut land claim agreement and those enjoyed by Quebec Crees, authority to determine Inuit beneficiary status resides with the provincial government in Quebec City.

This lack of control over who can have access to hunting rights, educational benefits, free health and dental care and housing assistance goes to the heart of the current self-government debate.

Should non-northerners benefit?

A provision in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) also allows lawful non-Inuit spouses of Inuit and the offspring of these unions to enjoy the same benefits­whether or not they live in the North.

“This has created in the 20 some years since, a unique set of problems,” says Makivik president Zebedee Nungak. “We have more than a few cases of blatant abuse of this provision.”

The Corporation began proceedings three years ago to put a stop to these marriages of convenience, but the issue remains unresolved.

Tightening the rules for entitlement requires an amendment to the JBNQA, and Makivik’s eligibility committee has still to finish consultations with the communities before it can put forward any proposal, Nungak said.

Ideally, such an amendment would transfer authority for granting beneficiary status to a local enrolment committee, with whom Inuit and non-Inuit newcomers alike would have to plead their case.

“We would also like to establish some sort of a regional body where appeals, and any sort of entanglements dealing with beneficiary status can be straightened out,” said Nungak.

Some community members suggested easy access to beneficiary status may already be luring non-Inuit to the North.

George Koneak, an elder and a member of Makivik’s board of governors who sat on the eligibility committee until this week, threw up his hands.

“There’s no point talking about self-government unless we protect our traditional way of life,” Koneak said.