From Baker to the big city

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ÇÔÍ›ùÀجü ÜÒïúªÄ«, Ç„·√∏≥î Ô‰íÇÕúòî ééËͬéî Çflˆ kivalliqnews@nnsl.com. ÜÒïùÖ˪∏≤ÖÒíflî Ç„·√∏≥î ∂¬∂ĉÖͬü áÀ∏∂ÒπêÖÊçí.

Ulukhaktok Gameti Behchoko

with Cody Punter

Kugaaruk Naujaat Sanikiluaq

Rankin Inlet’s men’s committee plans to host a men’s gathering Thursday, July 13.

The event invites all interested men to attend at the community hall 6 p.m.

“We will be discussing the mental health and social needs of men in Rankin Inlet,” writes the poster for the event. “Ideas and suggestions welcome.”

Manitoba

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami released a joint statement with the Metis National Council ahead of the meeting of National Indigenous Leaders and Premiers in Winnipeg July 10.

“ITK generally welcomes any opportunity to share Inuit priorities with territorial and provincial leaders, but any such meeting should be done with clear objectives and be respectful of Inuit governance,” stated ITK president Natan Obed in the release.

He and Metis National Council President Cassidy Caron went on to say that the two organizations believe in the need for intergovernmental forums where Inuit and Metis representative institutions can meaningfully engage with provincial and territorial governments.

“However, the invitation of various organizations to said meetings, such as the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and Native Women’s Association of Canada, which claim to represent Inuit and Métis rights, is inappropriate,” states the release.

“These organizations are not recognized by the four Inuit treaty organizations which collectively represent all Inuit, or the democratically elected Métis governments which represent Métis citizens across the homeland in Inuit and Métis relationships with the Crown. Discussions with such organizations are not constructive because only Inuit treaty organizations have the mandate or the ability to work on behalf of Inuit, and Métis Governments the mandate to represent Métis Nation citizens. It is both ITK and MNC who are the duly mandated national representatives who are best placed to collaborate with federal, provincial or territorial governments.”

The news release goes on to state that “Canadians deserve more than an annual photograph of politicians” and that when federal, provincial and territorial leaders are in a position to work constructively with Indigenous peoples, Inuit and the Metis Nation will be happy to work in partnership.

Qulliq Energy Corporation used a news release to remind Nunavummiut to exercise caution around power poles and power lines to avoid power outages, injury and death.

The suggestions include keeping a minimum distance of three meters from overhead power lines; not flying kites near power lines; keeping away from service wires going into buildings; refraining from placing large items such as crates and sea cans underneath service wires; using a spotter when operating powered mobile equipment and a view of the path is not clear; and contacting QEC if digging near a power pole is required.

To report a power outage or power-related emergency, call QEC’s 24-hour emergency number at 1-867-222-3807.

By Stewart Burnett Northern News Services Local Journalism Initiative Baker Lake

Samantha Putumiraqtuq had vacationed in the south, but it wasn’t until high school graduation when she had the opportunity to move away from Baker Lake.

“Moving down permanently was so much different,” from trips south before, said Putumiraqtuq, who graduated from Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School in 2022 and attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) in Ottawa for the last school year.

“I love that I can decide what type of lifestyle I want for myself when I’m on my own.”

Going to NS was great in terms of the education, she said.

“I learned a lot about my territory and what my ancestors went through.”

She was also glad to learn more about Inuktitut, saying she wishes the NS programs could be held in Nunavut.

“From not being fluent in my language, I’m proud to have gone and learned how to speak it comfortably to help with employment opportunities in Nunavut and even with an Inuit organization,” said Putumiraqtuq.

As the NS campus is located downtown Ottawa, students are exposed to a diversity of cultures as well, and Putumiraqtuq enjoyed being around French people more and getting back into that language again.

“NS staff, let alone Inuit always encouraged us to have knowledge in every aspect possible,” she said. “Whether that is in our studies, going further in your studies such as earning college certificates to degrees, learning as many languages as possible, and even having knowledge on how to survive on the land. This truly makes us future generations thrive in our environments since colonization and assimilation.”

She also learned artistic skills such as seamstress work, traditional songs, making ulus and playing Inuit games.

Although she enjoyed the city life, she would have liked learning about Inuit history without the distraction of downtown sights.

“Living in Ottawa was probably the best change I made in my life up to this day,” said Putumiraqtuq. “There’s going to be a time in my future where I will definitely move back.”

This summer, though, she returned home to Baker Lake –and that wasn’t easy.

“I got so used to being on my own, having my own space and doing what I wanted any time I wanted,” she said. “I miss being able to do whatever I wanted, like going out shopping for things other than groceries and going out to eat at the same two restaurants. The thing I miss most about southern life is the culture.”

If she could do it again, she would have gone straight to university after high school instead of the one-year college program at NS.

“That way, I don’t need to keep applying to another post-secondary school,” said Putumiraqtuq. “NS offers a second-year program, but you have to apply to the second year, whereas