Art book shouldn’t have been recommended for children

I recently read an article in Nunatsiaq News published on May 2 titled “Offensive workbook banned in Nunavut.” I understand the comments in the article are in reference to the elementary workbook Let’s Visit Nunavut, as offensive and inappropriate material for children.

However, there is one mention in the article to a resource in the workbook, a Theytus Books publication entitled Arctic Dreams and Nightmares.

From the article: “One resource, Arctic Dreams and Nightmares by Alootook Ipellie, contains erotic and violent images.”

The problem with this statement is that our publication Arctic Dreams and Nightmares was never marketed for a Grade 2 audience. The material in this book is the artist’s interpretation of his dreams and shamanism, intended for an adult audience.

If the workbook used Arctic Dreams and Nightmares, it was poor judgment on their behalf to think the material was appropriate for elementary children.

I felt in the context of your article, Arctic Dreams and Nightmares received undeserved bad publicity. Arctic Dreams and Nightmares is a unique and obscure book, and of course like all art, it is not suited to everyone’s taste.

Leanne Flett Kruger
Publishing Assistant
Theytus Books

Editor’s note: It was the author of Let’s Visit Nunavut who recommended Arctic Dreams and Nightmares as a resource for elementary school children, not Nunatsiaq News.