QIA dumps on GN’s draft violence prevention plan

The Government of Nunavut’s draft Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Framework for Action is disappointing and a shadow of what it should be, a Qikiqtani Inuit Association news release said March 22.

The draft, tabled March 19 in Nunavut’s legislative assembly, is not nearly enough to deal with the serious issue of family violence in Nunavut, the QIA said.

“This draft is not a serious document from the Government of Nunavut and we’re disappointed they’ve chosen to release it,” QIA president Okalik Eegeesiak in the news release. “There were significant delays in its release and what was presented, even as a draft.”

“This draft is a shadow of the document that QIA and other organizations spent a considerable amount of time working on with the Government of Nunavut.”

A strategy towards preventing family violence is something the QIA takes seriously and has worked diligently towards for years, the release said.

Although QIA was listed as a contributor in this draft, the QIA said it does not consider itself a participant in the framework that was tabled.

That’s because of “the significant changes in the document that were made without consultation.”

While the QIA is disappointed in this draft, “it is important that Inuit organizations, the [GN] and other key bodies work together to provide solutions on family violence in meaningful collaboration,” the release said.

The QIA said it looks forward to working more closely with the GN on an improved strategy.