Please be quiet while we speak

JOHN AMAGOALIK

One of the most frustrating aspects of participating in the adversarial system of politics and law for Inuit has been the experience of trying to say something when a loud argument about something completely different breaks out next to you. You lose your train of thought because the combatants will not shut up.

Alas, we find ourselves in the same situation with Nunavut only a few days away.

We are at the end of a long journey. It has been full of hardship, adventure, and moments of triumph. We are eager to tell the story of our journey to our children, our people, and the people of Canada. We want to honour our ancestors and our leaders who have brought us to this time and place. We want to tell our children that we have prepared a place for them in Canada. We want to tell Canadians that Nunavut is the baby of the nation and will need proper care so that it may grow up to be a healthy contributing adult in the Canadian family. We want to tell the world that the face of Canada has changed, A new flag will rise into the cold air of an Arctic spring.

We want to tell our story. But another loud argument has broken out?.

This time it is between the CBC, its technicians, Indian Affairs, and news editors. The technicians are on strike. The CBC is pleading poverty. Indian Affairs is being accused of buying the CBC. There are accusations of partisanship and dark references to “propaganda.” At a time like this, it’s a load of pish-posh.

Yes, the integrity of a free press is important. Yes, working conditions and fair wages are important. But could we please talk about them some other time? Could you put aside your tantrums until after we finish our story?

If you won’t, please give the money to IBC and go home for awhile. If you want to attend our celebrations, please be quiet while we speak.