Inuit elders to advise territorial government

The Nunavut government has new parents, some MLAs said last week after they were introduced for the first time to the Katimajiit, or elders advisory council.

The group will provide advice and assistance to the government on how to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or Inuit language and culture, into its operations.

Its members are Miriam Aglukkaq, Rynie Audla, Atiima Hadlari, Henry Isluarnik, Jackie Napayok, Metuq Nowdluk, Albert Nuvviyak, Peter Peetooloot, Kananginak Pootoogook, George Qulaut and Mary Ann Tattuinee.

The Katimajiit members were in Iqaluit last week for their first get-together. They met with the deputy ministers as well as with Tuqtarvik, the interdepartmental Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit committee.

“I am very pleased and would like to congratulate the new Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit appointees,” said Amittuq MLA Enoki Irqittuq. “I have always been frustrated about it being used or just put out as a lip service by the government.”

Peter Kilabuk, the minister responsible for culture, language, elders and youth, pointed out that the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit will not be able to make or change legislation.

“But what they will be doing is advising the government departments, to give them advice on how the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit are to be used by the government. And the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit will be working with all the departments of the government … and as the years go by we will eventually see some changes within the government.”

The group plans to meet four times a year.

Minister Manitok Thompson suggested that the elders group should receive information on the territorial legislature, so they would have a better understanding of how the system works.

“It is apparent that in this House, we are still not really using the British Parliamentary procedures, yet it seems like we are just against each other because we have not incorporated Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit well enough into this process,” Thompson said.

Rankin Inlet North MLA Jack Anawak wanted to know if the elders would look at the way hunting zone boundaries and quotas are established.

“Will this issue be dealt with by the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit with their knowledge of hunting issues within the Inuit culture, because the issue of boundaries is ridiculous to us.” Anawak asked Olayuk Akesuk, minister of sustainable development.

Akesuk assured Anawak that his department would work with the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit on this issue.

“We can’t do it in a day but we will work with the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, in regards to traditional Inuit hunting especially in regards to polar bear quotas,” Akesuk said.