ICS-min Aglait

LETTERS FROM ICS

UBLAAMI! In this issue, we are looking back at what life has been like for Inuvialuit near and far after one full year in a global pandemic. I can go on about how it has been challenging, and unprecedented—and it has been—but I would rather take some time now to say quyanainni for the encouragement, kind words, and appreciation we have received from not only our readership, but our leadership as well.

Inuvialuit have received ongoing supports from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) to get out on the land, stock up on necessities, and hunt and harvest for ourselves and each other. Learn more about the intervention strategies implemented by IRC in the special insert on page 49, On Te Land. Afterwards, enjoy photo submissions by Inuvialuit who directly benefitted from the program and documented their adventures.

We love what we do as an organization, and the work is even more meaningful knowing we are producing and publishing content that will uplift and comfort Inuvialuit in place of physical connection.

I will leave you with a thought I have been turning over the last few months especially: we cannot survive without community. ‘Community’ can mean many things, but before there was anything, we had each other. Before radio, television, and the internet, we had storytelling, games, and togetherness. It took a global pandemic to remind us that we are very capable of putting our excessive wants on the backburner to protect each other. We have spent this year nurturing our most basic human need for connection by meeting virtually, taking part in collaborative projects, and following public health orders so we can be together again—sooner rather than later.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS EDITION OF THE MAGAZINE. Te ICS Board of Directors, with the great help of our staf, held a virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) in December. It went really well, and I was so happy to see everyone’s faces and hear their voices over a Zoom call. ICS’s Finance and Administration are in order; lots of good work by the ICS production team and magazines are being prepared and managed on a consistent basis. Technology is pretty amazing, but we need to greatly improve the bandwidth in the outer communities as the connection continues to be spotty.

Many people are saying that we have lost a year—but have we really?

Tis COVID pandemic has caused us to re-focus. What is really our priority—a trip to Edmonton, or a trip with your family to the coast, Husky Lakes, or spending spring at your cabin in the Delta?

We were forced to think: okay, what is most important? My family; my health; and my basic needs including shelter, food, water, and heat. We have taken so many things for granted. Grocery clerks, pharmacists, truck drivers, factory and migrant workers, and nurses were suddenly pushed to the forefront. We needed these essential workers to exist in a society shut down and isolating in place.

Tinking about COVID vaccine development when writing this—Canada has three vaccines on board and ready to use to protect its citizens, and another soon to be ready for public use.

When Canada announced the Moderna vaccine would be administered in the North, I immediately spent much time reading about its development. Self-education is key; knowledge is very important. When there is no knowledge, that’s when fear and vaccine hesitancy sets in.

I want to acknowledge our Elders, bravely leading the way—getting in line to be vaccinated. It’s easy to think about when you are in the South with 15 hospitals surrounding you and hundreds of doctors available. Imagine being in an isolated community, 700 kilometres by air from the closest hospital—no doctors, no hospital available, and a team of nurses fly into your community with this new vaccine! You understand based on science and clinical trials that this will protect you from the severe COVID disease, so what do you do? Put on a mask, line up, and roll up your sleeve to get vaccinated with a vaccine that has been approved for emergency use by Health Canada!

Many of those vaccinated experience some side efects, but when they mention it, they just speak practically of what happened and the need to get it done. No drama, no “woe is me”— they get it done.

Our time is precious. Te world is so near but so far. Tis year has allowed many of us to reflect on our lives, so I encourage you all to reflect on the past year and what we all can do a little better.

Te resiliency and bravery of our Elders leading the way is a powerful message to all of us. We push ourselves to the limit, exhaust ourselves in our day so that when we lay our head down at night, we feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Anaqanaallu Inuvialuit!

READER RESPONSES for UKIAKRAQ FALL 2020

“I believe [Tusaayaksat] is now showcasing our Inuvialuit people the way I stared many years ago, especially to our benefciaries that have moved away from the ISR. Following their dreams and showing their dedication and commitment to the Inuvialuit goals laid out in our claim in one way or another, meaning education, and still holding onto their roots—which I believe the magazine is doing.

Quyanainni!” —James Pokiak

“I love this issue of Tusaayaksat. Excellent stories and pictures!”

—Mary M. MacKenzie Chandler

Inuvialuit qanuq iliuqpat

Anniarutiqpak-19 inman?