Too much apathy for self-government in Nunavik?

This is to voice a rightful opinion in the face of the ratification of the political accord to form a government in Nunavik.

Although Inuit of the region claim they are ready and that there exist structures that have proven their worth, my conscience questions whether they are aware of the non-existence of a health committee and a community wellness coordinator, as well as a landholding corporation in this village.

We don’t have a local council of elders either. We suffer from the disintegration of the recreation committee and the arena committee. At times, the youth committee barely functions. To top it off, the last two municipal elections have barely produced an effective council.

This is not to say our people are not interested in such government matters. However, if today’s functions are regarded as excellent track records, we may have difficulty getting effective politicians into the Nunavik Assembly.

What are the reasons for this apparent apathy?

People have suggested that the community’s small population simply cannot handle the need for so many different committee members. Indeed we see many people wearing many hats. Others have suggested the honoraria are so small, or non-existent, that it isn’t worth becoming a director, councillor, or member of any committee.

The absence of committees has dire consequences. The arena gets vandalized to the point of being useless. Important health issues aren’t known and community members become ignorant of them through no fault of their own.

We have a terrible time in keeping accurate records of community members. Employees do extra work they are not required to do.

It’s something of a miracle that the community does function as it does at all. That is no thanks to those leaders that come back from meetings from somewhere and then don’t share the important issues that were discussed.

The prediction is simple: the Nunavik Assembly will not serve this community as effectively because its representatives will not have much to represent. The local resources are too few or do not exist.

Adamie Kalingo
Ivujivik