Elders complain about court system

Two representatives of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association raised concerns about elders in the justice system to Premier Paul Okalik, who is also the Government of Nunavut’s minister of justice.

Elders are frequently invited to present their opinions before sentencing at trials, but Piujuq Enoogoo, the community director for Arctic Bay, is concerned that “they are just being used.”

“The elders are listened to but they don’t have any say,” Enoogoo said.

Gamailie Kilukishak, the QIA’s elders’ representative, had a similar concern. Kilukishak wants to see a system where elders and judges have equal power.

“Before the white man came, Inuit treated people differently than today’s culture,” Kilukishak said. “Elders can offer counsel and forgiveness.”

Kilukishak was also concerned about the timing of trials and how it affected the elders involved.

“They extend the courts on and on,” he said.