Japanese Shinto priests deliver environmental message

IQALUIT — A group of Shinto priests from Japan visited Iqaluit’s elder centre last week to share gifts of friendship and an important message.

“The global environment has been destroyed,” said Yoshinori Miyazaki, head of the Shinto Renmei delegation, before an audience of elders and invited guests. “This is the most important challenge for mankind.”

The Shinto priests signed a memorandum of understanding with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., highlighting concerns shared by their ancient religious order and Inuit.

“Both peoples share a common view of nature which has been cultivated since ancient times,” read the document signed by Miyazaki and NTI’s Raymond Ningeocheak. “Despite the many blessings bestowed upon mankind through scientific and technological progess, urgent action must be taken to address the negative impacts on the natural environment.”

Shinto and Inuit promised to learn more about each other’s culture and values.

Shinto, Japan’s official religion, empasizes the being one with nature. About 107 million people in Japan, more than 80 per cent of its population, are said to be followers of Shinto. Most Japanese follow two religions at the same time, Shintoism and Buddhism.

Originating in 500 BC, the Shinto religion has no founder or set beliefs, and has a very loosely-organized priesthood. Shinto believers worship Kami which includes native deities such as emperors or heros, as well as spirits of nature and mythical objects.

Its name comes from the Chinese words, shin tao, meaning “the way of the Gods.”

Respect for nature

Miyazaki said his group came from Japan to see Nunavut and its people for themselves. He said that although Inuit and Japanese have very different histories, they share a deep respect for nature and for elders.

Miyazaki presented Ningeocheak and Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik with several presents, including watches, a wall-hanging, traditional Japanese writing set and two Shinto symbols, an arrow and a tassle.

“The arrow protects you from danger,” explained a Japanese translator. “The tassle is used in purification ceremonies.”

The Shinto delegation also showered Iqaluit elders with gifts, including Japanese fans and other decorative objects.

NTI presented the visitors with a print by artist Germaine Arnaktauyok.

The priests visited Ottawa, Quebec City, and Pangnirtung during their stay in Canada.

The Icebridge Forum, a group of educarions, scientists and civic leaders who want to promote an understanding of the Arctic and Antarctic, helped organize the visit.

Links established by the Shinto Renmei delegation’s visit are expected to open new doors between Nunavut and Japan for student exchanges and business deals.