Nunavimmiut have the right to ask questions

As Nunavimmiut we are becoming very concerned and disturbed about the way a small group of leaders are conducting their business in Nunavik, such as what occurred before and during the Makivik AGM.

Usually, we welcome a candidate who we think has the knowledge and the ability to do the work for the position.

Instead, a leader may see these candidates as a threat and work behind the scene to ensure they are not elected by the people. An elected person now appears to be hand-picked. They may not necessarily be the best person for the job, but someone who will not challenge the leader.

People who knew Mary Simon well realized she had a vision with experience, and if elected would do an excellent job in assisting Nunavimmiut to develop economically.

But none of this was considered. Instead, she was seen as a threat because she was someone who could challenge situations.

Earlier in her tour Mary met up with some of the Makivik executive members. What was witnessed was quite disturbing.

Mary was not welcomed by some of them; people who had practically cradled her when they met her before would not even look at her now. Mary knew it would be a challenge to run, not because of the other candidate running against her, but because of the attitudes of these people and the influence they might have on the population.

Witnessing this, one wonders where all this is coming from.

It became very evident at the Makivik AGM when Mary Simon was slyly attacked by the president, live on radio. This incident shook up much of the Nunavik population.

At this time, she had addressed some important questions to the self-government negotiating committee. These were questions many Nunavimmiut would also ask regarding the self-government process.

The response was not from the people who she addressed the questions to, but from the Makivik president, stating she would not be asking these questions if she had been living in Nunavik, implying she did not know what was going on.

Mary Simon reacted to this statement very strongly, because there had been discriminatory words and actions prior to this meeting coming from him.

Generally, we would ask why these questions would be made into a big issue with the kind of experience that Mary has in politics. The fact of the matter is, throughout her career, Mary has worked almost solely for the Inuit at the international, national and regional level.

We know that Mary has all the experience necessary and is very aware of issues in Nunavik. Furthermore, why would it be of concern, even if she had to become familiar with some issues when the other candidate stated during his campaign that he is still learning his position after three years into his term.

It is time, as beneficiaries, that we take a hard and serious look at the election procedures that are used during the Makivik Corporation elections.

First of all these elections should not be held during the Makivik AGM. Secondly, candidates who are running for re-election to their positions in the corporation should be removed from their position for a period of time. In other organizations, candidates are usually removed from their job when they are running for election, whether it is for a one-month period or longer.

Another issue of concern in Nunavik is that people are slowly losing the freedom to voice their opinions on political issues. When people have a different opinion, they are seen as going against the political line. This is not good.

Unless we have an open and honest debate, we will not secure a good future for our children. It is beyond our understanding why some people seem to find it a threat when others make the choice to work more carefully on the development of our region.

Although Mary Simon was not elected, her campaign tour was definitely not a waste of time. It has raised much awareness and it made Nunavimmiut understand the importance of taking the time to plan well for our future and the future generations to come.

As supporters of Mary Simon, we encourage Mary to continue to have the passion that she has always had in helping her fellow Inuit.

We know you have the ability to work in the best way possible. We will continue to support you in your efforts. We are sorry for not having been at the AGM to give you the support that you needed.

(Name withheld by request)
Kuujjuaq