Success has to do with the character of a nation

Inuit have been able to overcome great obstacles and have had some great accomplishments. Anyone can see that we are able to succeed in what we strive for, but we must begin to realize that success does not depend on us alone but in our obedience to the God of the Bible.

Our grandfathers had little light on the ways of God, but their decision to act on that light is the reason for our success. It now depends on us for this success to continue but it will take more responsibility and accountability.

Governments and corporations now share in that responsibility and accountability because they have the bulk of the resources and finances.

The Inuit have one of the highest suicide rates in North America. We have rising rates of alcohol and drug abuse, family violence, sexual abuse and child abuse. We have a very high unemployment rate and many people live below the poverty line. We also have a very high illiteracy rate and drop-out rate.

Community leaders live day to day wrestling with social problems when they should be planning expansion and other great projects. Is it really possible to rise above our problems? What in the world is the solution?

The governments and corporations are more into secular methods of healing (which is not bad) because of the policy of separation between church and state. That separation definitely should continue, but that is not the issue. The issue is healing for our nation and we need to seriously look into God’s way of doing things.

Leaders most often think in terms of creating jobs and providing good education and they usually think that our natural resources are the key to our success. Our success has to do with the character of our nation. We must have life before creativity. That is real progress.

Qalingo Tookalak
Puvirnituq