Religion should remain outside of the public sphere

I’m writing in regards to the news that the Arviat DEA has decided to allow Bibles to be distributed in the schools.

This causes me great concern as a parent with a child who will be entering into the Nunavut school system in the near future.

As we attempt to build and foster a unique learning environment in Nunavut, one built on Inuit culture and providing the tools necessary for our children to function and represent Nunavut in the global environment, it is important that we make that learning environment free of personal faiths.

What someone believes in their own home is their own business, but in a public school, no one should be introduced to a belief system and religion that may not be their own. Religion and faith is a deeply personal thing that should remain out of the public sphere.

More than that though, it is important to point out that Christinanity is not Inuit culture. Christianity is a product of colonialism, introduced by missionaries and church bodies that saw the origional Inuit culture as inadequate and sinful. This view was reinforced by the creation of residential schools, one of the darkest chapters in Canadian colonial history.

I do not wish to offend those who hold the Christian faith close to their heart. My intent is simply to point out how foreign Christinanity is to this land in the overall picture, and the support and promotion of any religion in the public school system is inappropriate and counter productive.

Ironically I am not comfortable revealing my real name for fear of being ostracized in my home community. Such is Nunavut.

(Name withheld by request)
Arviat

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