Another disgruntled reader

So Patricia D’Souza objects to an elementary school workbook used by a substitute teacher in an Iqaluit schoolroom (“Offensive material removed from Iqaluit schools,” April 18.)

But could she please present her opinions on the editorial page – where they belong – and not embed them in a news story on the front page of the paper? It is unpardonable for a reporter to describe the incident in question as “offensive,” “alarming,” “frightening,” and “heartbreaking” in a purported news item without attributing such characterizations to real sources, named or otherwise – especially when evidence of any public reaction to the affair is so woefully slim.

Meanwhile, I note that your newspaper – ever the paragon of promoting the true Inuit culture – offered its readers in the same issue a double-page feature about another recent Iqaluit happening (“Fear was not a factor”). Eight (count ’em) full-colour photos illustrated an “event” dedicated to selecting northern winners of a fancy Caribbean vacation, as a reward for the privilege of eating a cocktail of putrid blood, country food guts and worms. Talk about your cultural change. Talk about something offensive, alarming, frightening and heartbreaking, indeed. And you can quote me.

Emanuel Lowi
Inukjuak