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| Kathleen Merritt and Nelson Tagoona on the mic in Rankin Inlet (2015) |
These are all complex questions, much as they would be anywhere else on earth, but made more so by the unique gifts and difficulties of the Arctic. Goods and services are expensive -- goods have to be flown or shipped up, and getting services provided -- from water delivery to health care -- is also more costly, simply in terms of either A) Training and education so that more Inuit and other residents can do the jobs needed; or B) Flying trained people up there. On my way back from my last summer's voyages, I met a young man who was one of Nunavut's fire inspectors; his job was to inspect all public buildings and accommodations -- schools, health centers, and so forth -- for fire safety. He had to be flown into and out from dozens of small hamlets, accommodated (doubtless at an Inns North, where a room can run $400 a night, and a single sandwich costs $40) and fed throughout the year, just to perform a service that, down south, would require nothing more than a pickup truck, gas, and maybe a night or two at a Motel 6.
And there's much that needs doing. Every social and ecological issue we have down here is present, and often more severe. Secondhand smoke from cigarettes, to take one example, is many times worse in northern houses that are pre-fabricated to be practically airtight. Suicide has touched nearly every family. The general lack of jobs -- unemployment in many communities hovers around 30% or higher -- fuels drug and alcohol abuse among the young. The sheer cost of getting from one place to another makes even a simple family holiday a costly challenge. Within Inuit culture, which emphasises the value of community, these problems resonate in a singular manner -- one way I've put it is simply to say that, among the Inuit, there simply are no bystanders. To be proximate to pain, or loss, is to feel it deeply, fundamentally -- and that pain can drive people to many hard passes. And, if a young Inuk does find his or her way to university or a career, this often comes at the cost of having to live many miles from family and friends.
So how can we learn more -- and possibly do more -- about some of these problems facing the North and its peoples? We can start by reading the Nunatsiaq News, as well as other sources (CBC North, the Alaska Dispatch News, Eye on the Arctic). We can also make virtual visits to many communities, to their schools and health centres, as well as gather information from the Government of Nunavut (GN) in Iqaluit. One of the issues worth special consideration is the impact of the great expansion in Arctic expedition cruises -- there are good articles on the subject here and here and here, and AECO -- the Association of Arctic Cruise Operators -- offers guidelines and information on their site. See also this video produced by VICE news, which features an interview with my friend Ena Maktar of Pond Inlet.
During the 20201 and 2021 seasons, there were no cruise ships due to COVID-19, but in the time since then they've crept back up to their old numbers, with 26 ships doing all or part of the Northwest Passage in 2023; bookings are now at record levels. And, while COVID is no longer a pressing issue, the larger question of the economic and cultural impact of this kind of tourism remains a source of concern, both in the Arctic and in other remote locations.
BONUS: Here's an advance look at the PowerPoint I'll be sharing with you in class tomorrow!
SECOND BONUS: I can't believe I forgot to mention Elisapie in my section about Inuit musicians. In addition to appearing on a brand new stamp from Canada Post, she's recently released an album of rock and pop standards, which she's translated into Inuktitut! Check out the first track, Taimangalimaaq -- I think you'll find it familiar!
This article really touched me. It is sad to see that the same social problems, like suicide, poverty, and secondhand smoke. However, what touched me was that the Inuit people have great empathy, and they are affected by one another's pain. This reminded me of the Scripture where it says, bear one another's burdens in Galatians 6:2. The Inuit people really outshine us in bearing one another's burdens, and it breaks my heart that there is so little of that here in the United States. There is another Scripture in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 12:26 that describes how if one member of the body of Christ is hurting that it affects the other members. I was moved by the love and the concern the Nunavuts and the Inuits had for one another.
ReplyDeleteIt is unsettling how limited opportunities for employment are, and this affects families greatly. Hopefully, more programs will be established to help needy families and universities will open within each area so children will not have to travel so far away from their families.
The realization that many American communities lack this kind of support is devastating. There is much for all of us to learn from the Inuit's strong sense of community and mutual care. It is crucial and shows a caring and proactive approach to tackling these issues that you hope more programs and nearby universities will provide support to these communities. By pushing for more opportunities and social networks, we can work toward a society where caring for others and empathy are more common, which will be helpful to all.
DeleteMadison Brodeur
I wish I could copy paste my entire essay on here!!
ReplyDeleteThe Inuit culture is so beautiful and fascinating, and they hold really strong values that I think we could all learn from. Their elders are afraid of the culture being lost with the new generations being influenced by western culture so much, and I completely understand why.
And I think the Nunatsiaq News website is a great source for not only keeping ourselves informed about what is happening, but also to keep a lookout for any opportunity to help! There are a lot of resources that can be found on there. But I think this class did a great job of making us aware of the world that is unknown to many.
Veronica Leonardo
Inuit culture is completely rich and rooted in strong values that offer invaluable lessons for all. Their traditions, deeply connected to nature and community, reflect resilience in harsh Arctic conditions. However, there is a genuine concern among Inuit elders about the decrease of their cultural heritage due to the widespread influence of Western culture on younger generations. This cultural shift risks the fall off of traditional practices, language, and values that have long defined Inuit identity and community connection.
ReplyDeleteLearning from Inuit values such as respect for elders, community cooperation, and sustainable resource management provides insights into encourage resilient communities and harmonious relationships with the environment. Efforts to preserve Inuit culture include initiatives to pass down traditional knowledge, revitalize language, and celebrate cultural practices through education and community engagement. These endeavors are essential for maintaining cultural continuity and identity.
Appreciating and protecting Inuit culture not only honors their heritage but also enriches global understanding and promotes mutual respect among diverse communities. By supporting these efforts, we contribute to a more inclusive, empathetic, and interconnected world where cultural diversity is celebrated as a source of strength and wisdom.
I feel sorry after learning about all these Inuit people go through like really high suicide rates and folks dealing with substance abuse, which kinda stems from not having enough jobs to go around.
ReplyDeleteYeison De La Rosa
It is very painful to see such a rich, proud, and resilient people and culture struggle so much facing the difficulties of the modern era. I do believe that more needs to be done on a widescale level to address the needs of those in the arctic, whether through private charities or government subsidies. Since there is such an increase in cruises in the area, a tax or levy on the money those cruise companies are making to help fund the services and living of the inuit people seems like a decent place to start, though it certainly won't be enough. Treating the unemployment crisis in the north will hopefully have a downstream effect on the drug and alcohol abuse, as people with no way to provide for themselves or even feel productive in a society will often turn towards destructive addictions. I do believe that things can and will get better for the people of the north. We are living in a time where the awareness and public will to alleviate the problems of underserved communities are higher than they ever have been before, especially in the case of indigenous peoples all across the globe. Hopefully a more active government involvement can be attained through protest or lobbying. I am rooting for all the people of the arctic, and I believe the future has good things in store for them.000000000000
ReplyDeleteFrom the high cost of living and limited job opportunities to the pressing need for mental health support and cultural preservation, it's clear that this region requires a multifaceted approach to address its unique challenges. The influx of tourists and cruise ships can bring economic benefits, but it's crucial that these visitors also respect and learn about Inuit culture, language, and traditions to possibly find a solution.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is important to be educated on other cultures and respect them. Learning about another culture always requires a multifaceted approach.
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