EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As a government sometimes we are told that we don't support the Inuit enough. I think the members realize that we are Inuit and that we should support one another.
Member's Statement 168 - 1(5): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Nunavut
I am glad to be back in the House.
My voice is not very good, so if my children are watching me I would like to say hi to them and say hi to the community of Kugaaruk, and Repulse Bay.
I’d also like to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services and the staff at the hospital.
I had surgery done in here in Iqaluit and I am very glad that I am able to be sitting here again today.
So I appreciate that the minister and the staff at the hospital who did a good job.
I'd like to welcome to the elders into the House and it is because of their hard work we are here today.
I’d like to thank them for their hard work.
Earlier one of the members talked about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and that we are encouraging Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit to be used within the government.
We need to encourage the departments to use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in every way they can.
We are presently working as the government.
I think it is very important that we use Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
We’ve been often told that with Nunavut life is going to get harder, but I know that if we incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit it would be so much more beneficial for the Inuit.
Member’s Statement 169 – 1(5): Contributions of Mariano Aupilarjuk & Rebekah Williams
I'm an Inuk and I want to recognize, I'll probably be asking for your unanimous consent.
As an Inuk, I feel that I, as an Inuk I will be, it will be hard for me to talk because the person I'm going to be talking about is somebody that I don't usually call by name.
This individual has done a lot of work and it is a person that is well known and this individual was recognized during the Aboriginal Awards Ceremonies.
I’d like to recognize Marianno Aupilarjuk from Rankin Inlet for the work that he has done and for his wisdom.
The elders that were just here, while we are talking about elders.
In preparation for Nunavut we asked the elders what our goals should be and I'm very glad that we were able to write out what our goals should be.
I know Marianno and one of the members here, Rebekah Williams were very influential in putting together our vision.
In preparation for Nunavut we were guided by a vision of a government that places people first, represents and is accountable and is fair to all it's residents and is a servant of the people of Nunavut.
A government that seeks direction from the people, is shaped by and belongs to the people of Nunavut, offers programs and services in an integrated and holistic manner, promotes harmony amongst people, places ownership of well-being into the hands of individuals, families and communities.
That conducts itself with integrity and openness, encourages excellence and welcomes creativity and incorporates the best of Inuit and contemporary government systems.
With that, I know Ms. Williams was a part of putting our vision together and my time is up, I'd like unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Speaker: The minister is asking to conclude his statement. Are there any nays.
There are no nays. Please proceed Mr. Anawak.
While we were working on this, we'd have people in the south think that this wasn't going to go through and there were also articles written in the Ottawa Citizen asking why we have Nunavut and that it's very costly.
I know there are a lot of people in Nunavut and when I was a Member of Parliament, the Alliance and Reform parties used to go against Nunavut and people would take our side because they feel sorry for us.
But, when I first started as a Member of Parliament I used to talk in Inuktitut and I told the Reform and the Block parties that it's very important that Inuit use their culture and their language. That we've had our language for many years and the English and the French languages have been here for only 500 years and the elders here weren't asked if Canada could take their land.
When the government came to Nunavut the staff came in and started working with the Inuit and there are different industries, the mining industry and we were told that it's very important that we accept the different industries.
They said it would benefit us, so, there's about 550 million dollars that we receive from the federal government and we ourselves pay for taxes and I think we need to train the people that don't believe in Nunavut that it's important, Nunavut is important and that they are the ones that came to Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 170 – 1(5): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
The elders were here and it was very nice to see them and we were told that the elders would be getting together in Iqaluit to talk about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
As an Inuk it was stated earlier that we often beg for what we need from the government and as Inuit we follow the procedures of the government but with Nunavut we are encouraging that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit be incorporated and it's one thing that Inuit value.
I am glad that we are able to talk about implementing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the government and I wanted to make that statement.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker for giving me this opportunity.
Member’s Statement 171 – 1(5): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit & the Nunavut Government
Mr. Speaker, it was very nice to see the elders visiting in the House and they are people that we depend on for wisdom and there's young children here that are our future, will be our future.
Listening to the member's statements today, it's been very interesting and as people of Nunavut we are working towards making Nunavut beneficial for Nunavummiut.
We are on this land for just a short time and we will often go through hard times but we need to realize that life will always get better.
Some of the comments that were made earlier were very interesting and even though some people of Canada and other provinces or territories might not believe in Nunavut, we need to show them how important it is.
As the member for Rankin Inlet said, when the federal government came to the north, they didn’t ask to have our land, to take control of our land.
As Inuit it's very hard on us when people don't believe in us and when they move into our land it's questioned here and they try to take control.
With that Mr. Speaker, we will continue to make life better in Nunavut and I will be seeking unanimous consent to finish my statement.
There are no nays. Please proceed.
Our young people and our children need a safe place to live in and they should be able to control their future.
As people, as Inuit, as an adult or an elder, we went through a very hard time trying to get back our land and we want our young people to live in harmony.
So Mr. Speaker, earlier today the members made statements about living in Nunavut and it's very touching.
We need to work towards making life better for our young people and our government needs to work harder to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the government.
When we deal with different items in the government, there are a lot of areas that we need to include Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in and bring the government to the people.
Mr. Speaker, in our life we need to learn from our mistakes and learn from trying new things, learn on the job and it's very important that we do this because nobody else will do it for us. If we want to live well, we need to make sure that we do things because other people won't do it for us.
We need to support each other.
Mr. Speaker, we should not try to work alone, it's very important that we work together and learn from each other.
Member’s Statement 172 – 1(5): Gratitude to Members and Pages
I would like to make a brief statement and I would like to make my statement brief because we are at the end of our session.
I would like to give my thanks to you Mr. Speaker, and the members of the House for teaching me when I became a Member of the Legislature just recently.
Not just in this House but in my work as well.
They keep telling me I'm a new member but I'm one of the older members.
Even though the people keep saying that I'm a new member, I'm quite old.
But I wanted to be able to talk when the elders were here because there were a lot of them from my riding and I wanted to thank them.
I would also like to thank our pages and they will be giving something to the Premier for letting them work in this House.
I know that we are the government for all people in Nunavut and we have to remind ourselves of that every day.
We are the government for the people of Nunavut.
We have to think about each and every one of the people in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 173 – 1(5): Support for Rankin Inlet Delegation
I have a sore throat today.
I apologize Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Before I make my member's statements, my short member's statement Mr. Speaker.
I know my granddaughter in Rankin Inlet is watching me, so this is a little flower for you my little babylaq and her name is Manitok Bruce Savannah and her father Herman Bruce. Also my son Trevor.
Have a good weekend guys.
This past week, Mr. Speaker, the delegates from Rankin Inlet came to Iqaluit. The mayor, the council members and the SAO met with the minister.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the minister for taking the time to meet with the delegates and also the Premier for making time to have tea with the Mayor of Rankin Inlet and chatting with him.
They had quite a few issues on their agenda and they were very well prepared with their presentations to the ministers. I would like to commend the council of Rankin Inlet for being motivated and creative with their proposals to the ministers, they were very well thought out.
(interpretation begins) Mr. Speaker, the people of Rankin Inlet have to be supported as well because the population is growing and the town is growing and it was an opportunity for the mayor and the councillors to come here to talk to the government.
One of the topics that they discussed was the garbage site that had to be moved from its present location.
It's very unhealthy because it's too close to the community.
They would like to relocate it.
They would like to have an access road to Diane River.
That was one of the topics that the council discussed.
This is not the first time that they have discussed an access road to Diane River but just recently…I would like to get unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Proceed, Ms. Thompson.
I have spoken to a lot of people and I have talked to a lot of elders in Rankin Inlet.
I spoke to an elder recently over the summer and he was very concerned that there should be an access road for the fishing spots in Rankin Inlet and it's very easy to make access roads because it's not a hilly place in the Kivalliq region, especially in Rankin Inlet.
It seems like our community, the vegetation is being ruined by using those all terrain vehicles and there should be an access road built to that fishing place.
They made a really good presentation to the government when they were here.
They had numerous concerns and they also wanted to get a bulldozer because there are none at all in Rankin Inlet.
They already looked at their budget and then they came back over here to talk about what they wanted.
Thank you for letting me have this opportunity to make my member's statement.
Member’s Statement 174 – 1(5): Pangnirtung Elders
I really enjoy announcing celebrations and congratulations.
The elders' group called Inumariit in Pangnirtung, I would like to congratulate them because they work on the issues that they believe in.
This morning we heard that the department's not incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as much as they should but Mr. Speaker, I don't agree with that because I would like to say I'm very proud of our elders and their work has been very instrumental to us.
I encourage them to stand up on their own two feet and to work harder and to work closer with us because only through their work, can we overcome and understand the hardships.
Through their work, they all have the goal to preserve and protect language and culture.
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit could be used and have different meanings but we still understand it and it still means one thing.
It means Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Inuit traditional knowledge.
If we have any opportunity to be proud of them and congratulate them, we should take that opportunity and thank them.
Member’s Statement 175 – 1(5): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Government
It's very good to hear the statements done by members this morning.
I would like to say that I'm very proud of the people of Nunavut and because our government is going to be using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit within the government and it's very good to be part of it.
Listening to the elders speak, they are very concerned about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and the only way the government can run properly is by using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and listening to our elders.
Perhaps in the future we will not be making everybody happy because we can never make everyone happy.
While we are talking about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as to how we can incorporate it in our government, there are different things that we can use to do things that we want to do in each department.
Today it is a modern world that we live in now and we don't use some of the stuff that we used say 40 years ago, but as Members of the Legislative Assembly and Nunavut Government, we have been in existence for about two years.
We’re going to be using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the every day work of the Legislature and the government, not just for today or tomorrow.
There will be some mistakes that we will probably encounter but we can use the wisdom of the people and work together for all Nunavummiut.
Return to OQ 035 – 1(5): Seniors’ Discounts
The question asked by Uriash Puqiqnak on February 28, 2001.
Mr. Speaker, this is in regards to the seniors’ discounts or subsidies in the retail sector.
I answered this on March 5, 2001 but I re-committed myself to giving a statement on this issue by the end of March with further information.
Mr. Speaker, this is an area for retail sectors to decide what discounts are available but I will undertake to write a letter to major retailers that they consider seniors’ discounts in their future marketing plans.
However, my department is involved with federal, provincial and territorial committees.
Research and recommendations are being discussed on consumer protection for older adults and this will be one of the topics discussed at the September 13 meeting of ministers responsible for seniors.
Return to OQ 190 – 1(5): Language Use in Publications
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a response to an oral question raised by Mr. Arvaluk on March 26, 2001 concerning the use of language in publications.
There is a legislative committee on languages which will be studying these issues and identifying for Nunavut the requirements for new legislation to do with languages.
I will bring this issue to committee for their consideration.
Return to OQ 207 – 1(5): Wildlife Officer Trainee Position
Mr. Speaker, this is a response to a question asked by Mr. McLean on March 28, 2001.
Mr. Speaker, I’m responding to the question asked by the member of Baker Lake about the Wildlife Officer's Training position in his community.
I am aware that in the larger communities there is increasing pressure on our Wildlife Officers.
Training positions within the Government of Nunavut must be funded within the department’s budget.
In 2001/2002, the department is funding three training positions within its wildlife service and all three of these positions are presently filled.
I will review our budget situation in the new fiscal year and determine if there is any opportunity to establish new training positions in the wildlife service for our larger communities.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Good morning.
Today we have elders from Iqaluit in the gallery.
I would like to welcome you very much to the House although I can't name, I don't think I can name all of your names because it's going to take too long. But I would like to equally welcome you all and also I would like to welcome my aunt.
This is her first time, Mary Ishullutaq, that's the only aunt I have left.
I would like to recognize her.
Could you please stand up aunt.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you.
I'm going to go on and on until we go to 20 on the Orders of the Day.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the elders.
Three elders that are in the gallery today.
They come from my constituency, Petaloosie Saila, Itee Timilak, Iqaluk Nungusuitok.
Also I would like to recognize students from Kimmirut School, Grade 9 students.
I will introduce Katie Lyta and Mark Pitseolak who are the chaperones, and Philip Flynn a teacher, also other students, Qappik Kolola, Akavak Tikivik, Mialia Lyta, Tommy Ituluk, Rosie Akavak, Peter Pitseolak, Ulami Palluq, Pitsie Killiktee, Oqituq Qimikpik and Jamesie Aqpik.
I would like to welcome all these people to the gallery.
At least I now have the opportunity to recognize somebody and it is not often that I do.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce a couple of people from my constituency.
When we were first elected in 1999, I hired a Constituency Assistant and she is still my CA today and she helps me very much and she is a very competent worker and I would like you to recognize Elisapee.
Where is she.
Mr. Speaker, I too would like to welcome all the Iqaluit elders to the Assembly today.
I would like to give a special welcome to couple of the visitors.
First of all, the person who needs no introduction to many of the members here is Inga Alainga.
Inga is well known for taking people to her house when they come to Iqaluit for the hospital.
She made three beautiful blankets for me a couple of years ago.
One for Oppah and me and for our two kids.
So I would like to welcome a lady that is a great blanket maker Mr. Speaker, you might want to get one later for yourself.
Mr. Speaker, I’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize another elder who needs no introduction, just seated behind Mr. Arvaluk.
Another old friend of ours.
My father-in-law would always stay at her house when he would come down to Iqaluit for the hospital instead of going into the boarding home.
She is well-known Mary Wilman's mother Naki Ekho.
Also Mr. Speaker, over here in the wheelchair, Bernadette Kublu.
Bernadette is well known.
She is a fantastic artist and a few weeks ago we had an opportunity to have a session with mental health and so on.
Bernadette gave a very interesting speech at the Astro theatre on how to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into some of those areas.
So I’d like to take the opportunity to welcome these three special people to the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I also would like to recognize Bernadette Kublu who is behind me and she is also one of my in-laws.
Rita Nashook one of interpreters’ mother.
Also our Sergeant-At-Arms sister and our Sergeant-At-Arms is my first cousin.
I will try and recognize our Sergeant-At-Arms today because I have been trying to get him to Iqaluit since January.
Joanasie Arreak was born in 1927 on December 18th in an outpost camp called Anaulirialik.
It is in between Clyde River and Pond Inlet and it is called Anaulirialik.
He has 13 children and over 100 grandchildren.
When he was 16 years old he was also on the ship called the St. Roch going through the Northwest Passage and they wintered in Cambridge Bay.
That St. Roch ship that recently travelled around the communities was celebrating the first trip of the St. Roch through the Northwest Passage, which Mr. Arreak was on.
He has been working for the RCMP for 28 years in various communities and he has also been in Grieg Harbour in the High Arctic where there was an RCMP station in the past.
He was one of the first people to be elected to the Hamlet Council when Hamlet status was introduced to the communities. Ever since he has gone back to Pond Inlet, he's been a member of various boards and agencies such as the education authority and alcohol and drug committee.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker for giving me the opportunity to recognize Mr. Arreak, our Sergeant-At-Arms.
I would also like to welcome the students from Cape Dorset, because the Cape Dorset people are very receptive and I'm sure that they're related to my atikuluapik from Coral Harbour.
I also wanted to recognize and thank Inga Alainga. I just wanted to recognize her, her real mother was named Ilitika originally from Coral Harbour. She used to visit my mother because when we were living in the outpost camp called Sinaako, we were outside of the community of Coral Harbour and her mom originated from Coral Harbour, I think there were only three families living in the outpost camp.
Her mother and my mother used to go for tea and her mother's name was Ilitika, but although I didn't know Inga, I used to draw Ilitika when I did my artwork and I think I can still draw her today.
So I would like to thank her for spending time with my mother.
Last year, or the year before, during the summer on my way here my colleague Mr. Arvaluk and I, went to Cape Dorset when the motor broke down. Many people of Cape Dorset were very welcoming and receptive and they are very good at working with machinery.
I also would like to recognize Bernadette Kublu who is very capable.
It would be very nice to pick her brain so I urge my colleague the Minister for Culture, Language, Elders & Youth to look into her mind because she is very capable. Therefore, I would like to recognize her.
I would like to recognize our Sergeant-At-Arms. I visited the museum in Vancouver and they still have the tent pitched up at the front of the ship.
I would also like to welcome and recognize my two first cousins and one of Mr. Arreak's grandchildren, she's in the booth and everyone is related to them.
Mr. Speaker, I am going to try and move recognition of visitors in the gallery up in our Orders of the Day because many of the people I was going to recognize before we reached item 5 left even though I was watching them, anticipating to recognize them.
Therefore, I would like to ask some time in the future to move up the recognition of visitors in the gallery in our Orders of the Day. Therefore, I would like to recognize each and every one of you here and we are a government on behalf of you, representing you and welcome.
Mr. Chairman, my colleague made a good note of moving up recognition of visitors in the Gallery in the orders of the day.
Maybe as he's the chair of the rules and procedures committee, I might ask him if they would look at changing the title of question period to question and answer period as well, it would be nice to see if they could do that Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize today and as all members know, our Legislature is probably the only one in Canada that has a separate section set aside in the Gallery for elders.
I'd like to welcome all the elders that are here today and some of them are constituents of mine and some of them are from out of town and from elsewhere in Iqaluit. But I really appreciate having them in the Gallery, I like to think that having them coming here and watching us work is the result of all the hard work that they've done throughout their lives.
I'd just like to welcome them all here to the Gallery.
A brief recognition.
I want to recognize, because this is our last day, before we forget about our interpreters, for a job well done and for our technicians who show our faces on the screen.
I'd like to take a minute to recognize also the elders here today.
I'm sure we all believe they are the true pioneers of Nunavut.
Also the youth, who I'm sure will be our future leaders and will be sitting in this House in the near future.
I think we should also acknowledge some of the elders that are not with us today, that have passed on, for their dedication and belief in Nunavut.
Because Nunavut is not what we read about in the National Post or the Globe and Mail, Nunavut is the dream that is now reality and it's because of people like the elders that are here today and the ones that are not with us.
This is why this is a reality.
So once again I would like to recognize the elders and the youth.
Question 209 - 1(5): Funding for Women’s Shelter
I will clarify my question by starting off with an issue about the women's shelter.