Take responsibility for alcohol problem

The capricious actions of bureaucrats plus the antagonistic and rancorous allegations of our leaders and elders infuse prejudice and racism in our society.

In the June 28 issue of Nunatsiaq News, Amittuq MLA Enoki Irqqituq is quoted as saying: “This is not our culture. It’s when the white people started coming here that they introduced alcohol.” This is a reprehensible declaration from a statesman.

When are Inuit going to muster some self-respect and accept responsibility? Stop reprimanding others for your problems.

I do not blame the Indians for the nation’s tobacco afflictions, nor do I point the finger at Asians for opiates, or Brazilians for cocaine. I am not shooting your dogs, fornicating with your children, forcing you off the land or even littering in your city.

As beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, you have more advantages in Canada than your white counterparts. What may have been in the past is not now. And what is now, will most certainly not be the future. Take hold of your destiny that Canadian citizens and taxpayers are funding.

Adopt the good and discard the bad. There are hundreds of agencies and thousands of caring people who are willing to help you get a leg up.

Wally Bootsma
Iqaluit