Inuit men and violence

I was pleased to read the article by Sara Minogue, “Why Inuit men are falling behind,” Oct. 21, 2005, in which she quotes Archie Angnakak of Iqaluit and Abraham Tagalik of Arviat, who put forward their well-thought out ideas and opinions about the behavioural gender differences between Inuit men and women, as well as effects of the conflicts between Inuit traditional and modern cultures and modes of life.

In the same issue, I read John Thompson’s “Marchers fight violence with chants, candles.” I thought theses articles should have been placed side-by-side in your newspaper because they are inextricably related.

This event shows Inuit women in mourning and sorrow over the overt symptoms of violence against Inuit women in general, as well as spousal assault at the hands of their life-partners and husbands. I believe they are, in effect, mourning the erosion of their men, which this event expresses obliquely.

As the mother of Inuit, I am so happy that a discussion of identifying the problems that beset our Inuit sons and grandsons has begun. The only way that Inuit men will be helped is by the power of their women. Inuit women were aided by feminist movements and the formation of Pauktuutit, the Inuit women’s organization. The importance and influence of this organization is a powerful force for effecting a positive transition from Inuit traditional living to a viable Inuit lifestyle and many Inuit women have benefited.

What equivalent organization exists to help Inuit men in their struggle to bridge the same gap, especially when things go wrong? While there are shelters for Inuit women in Nunavut, where are the shelters for Inuit men? What help exists in communities to assist Inuit men in their daunting struggle to bridge the Inuit traditional and modern lifestyle, especially when they cave in under the stress of it all?

I think it is time to stop the blame. It’s time to do something constructive about the problem.

I believe it is time that Inuit women stand up and not only just “take back the night.”

Inuit women should take their men, their husbands, partners and sons, back out of the night. It’s a tall order, but Inuit women are very strong and I believe they can do it. The future of our Inuit grandchildren depends on it.

Dorothee Komangapik
Ottawa