College ignored Inuit studies for seven years

So, the official story is that the Inuit studies program has collapsed because a “seasoned instructor” abandoned it.

I wonder if there is an alternative explanation.

That seasoned instructor joined the interpreter training program seven years ago, in a full-time teaching position to train interpreter-translators.

For seven years, she and her supervisor also ran an Inuit studies program over and above the full-time responsibilities they were being paid for.

Every year for seven years, the supervisor requested funding for the extra position needed to run two two-year programs, and for the supplies needed. Every year for seven years, the college turned down these requests. For seven years, the two women carried a double teaching load.

In addition, working with students, elders and visiting professors, they produced a series of internationally applauded books on Inuit culture, for which the college was delighted to claim responsibility.

(The professors’ expenses were not paid by the college. In fact, even the sealskins used in the practical courses had to be donated!)

In December 2002, the seasoned instructor informed the college that she intended to move on to a more senior position, one with a single set of responsibilities. And we are expected to believe that in April 2003 the situation has taken the college completely by surprise!

We should add to the story that the college abruptly cancelled its successful Inuktitut literacy program in the fall of 1999 – not quite six months after the creation of Nunavut.

I would suggest that the cause of the collapse of the Inuit studies program is much deeper, and more institutional, than a career move by a long-term employee.

Your headline referred to the problem as a “glitch.” I think of it as “The seven-year glitch.”

Mick Mallon
Husband of the seasoned instructor
Iqaluit