My Little Corner of Canada: The non-Inuit of Nunavut

John Amagoalik

Representing about 15 per cent of the population, the non-Inuit of Nunavut are a small but significant segment of our community.

A large portion of Nunavut’s trained and professional work force is in this minority. This work force is still vital to the functioning of Nunavut’s infrastructure.

Hopefully, over the next 20 years, with a concerted effort to train the local population, the professional jobs will be more evenly distributed among the general population.

There are other reasons why this minority is important. Most of them are long term and committed citizens of Nunavut.

Many of them were born here and a large number have spent most of their lives here. Many will live out their lives in what they consider to be their home.

Unlike many parts of Canada, the non-Inuit population of Nunavut get along relatively well with the aboriginal population. They have always supported Inuit land claims and supported the final agreement.

They have a significant force in the efforts to create Nunavut. Like all of us, they want Nunavut to be a success.

They are also our friends and partners. Many of them are our Ningnauks and Okuaks. Their children are our Ingutuks.

If Nunavut is to reflect the Inuit character, this minority should always feel welcome and needed.

This corner quotes

“For me, it does not exist.”

-Lucien Bouchard, commenting on the controversy created by his intergovernmental affairs minister about using force against dissident communities.

“For me, he does not exist.”

-Lucien Bouchard, about federal intergovernmental affairs minister Stephane Dion.

Let’s see. Mr. Bouchard has already declared that Canada was not a real country. Now he is saying that his ministers never say or do anything and that Mr. Dion is just a figment of his parent’s imagination. What is this guy?