Closed centre a reminder that money can’t buy everything

KANGIRSUK — When politicians arrived at Makivik Corporation’s annual general meeting last week with cheques, promises and suggestions on how to improve the quality of life in Nunavik, they had the empty shell of Kangirsuk’s adult offender halfway house for inspiration.

The $3-million Makitautik centre, which closed down recently 18 months after its opening, is a tangible reminder that money and new buildings can’t resolve all the region’s social problems, which include spiraling crime rates in every category, from assaults to murder.

Quebec’s native affairs minister, Geoff Kelley, spoke to delegates about the need to develop new programs and new agreements, which will focus on preventing crime and restoring social peace.

Jim Prentice, the Indian and Northern Affairs minister, sent a videotaped speech to the meeting suggesting new partnerships could help “meet the challenges and find the solutions that work in your communities.”

The 14-bed Makitautik centre closed when the centre’s director was let go over allegations of drug and alcohol abuse, sometimes in the company of troubled clients.

As well, Makitautik had a 100 per cent recidivism rate, which meant every single client returned to the courts after staying there.

An even larger detention facility was called for in the 2002 Sanarrutik Agreement and in Section 20.0.25 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, which says, “Inuit should not be, unless circumstances so require, detained, imprisoned or confined in any institution below the 49th parallel.”

This long-awaited 40-person jail was to be built in Inukjuak at a price tag of more than $40 million, not including $20 million for housing and an additional amount for training.

But Kelley said building a jail closer to home wouldn’t be a solution — particularly at a time when the federal government is considering more severe penalties for violent crime.

“The police can continue to arrest people and put people in jail, but that is just dealing with the symptom,” Kelley said.

Kelley said he would like to see more supports in place for Nunavimmiut who want to see “a change in their life and go forward.”

“I’d like to come up with a solution that can answer all of these needs,” he said. “We’re very concerned about the challenges that the villages and the police are facing.”

Kelley also delivered a cheque to the region for $10,000 to cover expenses from the recent Arctic Winter Games as well as a letter for the Avataq Cultural Institute, confirming a deal that will give Avataq $940,000 over three years. He also confirmed that a portion of $30 million, recently announced for new youth programs in Quebec, is earmarked for Nunavik.

Kelley told the meeting that Quebec’s premier, Jean Charest, wants to officially sign the Nunavik government agreement-in-principle by the end of his mandate, that is, within 18 months.

“We have to get moving on this. This is very much something that we would like to do this year,” Kelley said.

Nunavik government negotiators hoped the deal would be ready for signing at the meeting in Kangirsuk, but say disagreement over what to call the new government in French continues.

Kelley said Quebec has appointed a negotiator to deal with Naskapi demands.

“They have certain concerns which need to be addressed. I’m hopeful we can come up with an arrangement,” Kelley said.

The Naskapis say they want “the jurisdiction of all Inuit-dominated bodies” to be terminated within their traditional lands.

Yvon Lévesque, Nunavik’s Bloc Québecois member of parliament, spoke by telephone to the meeting, telling delegates he is lobbying for up to 800 new houses for the region, as well as an independent inquiry into the slaughter of Inuit dogs in the 1950s and 1960s.
“I’m always doing my best,” Lévesque told them. “I think we’re in a position to get more this year than last.”