(October 27, 2016 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)             “The incident in Cape Dorset invoked emotions on a very sensitive issue that we thought we would never live through again,” says the Vice President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., James Eetoolook.

“Reports of an eighth grade student being threatened with punishment for speaking Inuktut are very disturbing,” said Eetoolook.  “As Minister Quassa has properly noted, it brings back painful memories of the past for many Inuit.  That era is over.  NTI is relying on the Minister to oversee a full and prompt review of the practices and policies of the Department in this regard, to make that report public, and to take the necessary corrective action.”

Until we have fully bilingual teachers and classes where the majority of educators speak Inuktut, language and cultural conflicts may unfortunately continue.

To prevent this from happening across Nunavut, we need an education system and strong legislation that are built upon fully effective bi-lingual Inuktut and English instruction in our schools.

Eetoolook is hopeful that bolstering the Inuit Language will bring a sense of pride for parents to be involved in their schools as well as foster a sense of belonging for children from Kindergarten to grade 12.

The time is now to enhance the roles of DEAs and provide them with full support, as a way for parents and children to channel their sense of belonging within the schools.

The Teachers Education Program was a great success story for many Inuit to become teachers after the residential school era.  We can learn from that example to bring more Inuit educators into the school system.

Eetoolook noted that “NTI has been and will continue to be active in offering options and solutions to education in Nunavut that will result in Inuit children graduating with a high quality education, fully bilingual in Inuktut and English.   We hope the Government of Nunavut will work with us closely on these options and solutions to improve the education system in Nunavut.”

Download (PDF, 159KB)

Download (PPTX, 80KB)

Download (PPTX, 85KB)

Pauktuutit’s Newest Cancer Resource
Inuusinni Aqqusaaqtara – My Journey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON (April 28, 2016) Pauktuutit Inuit women of Canada is pleased to announce the launch of a new online Inuit-specific cancer resource. Rebecca Kudloo, Pauktuutit’s President, commended this new online resource and noted that “Cancer has affected many Inuit women and their families. Understanding cancer through Inuit-specific resources will enable people to improve their self-care and cancer prevention to live healthier lives.”

The new online cancer resource, entitled Inuusinni Aqqusaaqtara – My Journey includes resources such as:
• Pauktuutit’s Kaggutiq Inuit Cancer Glossary, which is a glossary of cancer related terminology in plain English and five Inuktitut dialects, developed with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC);
• a series of cancer related videos that share the cancer journey through the eyes of Inuit cancer survivors, health care workers and family members, also funded by PHAC;
• an interactive map that identifies cancer treatment centres, support resources and places for Inuit to stay in urban centres during treatment; and
• other Inuit-specific cancer awareness tools to be developed in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, with funding generously donated by Jaguar Land Rover Canada.

The online resource is being launched during the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Month (April), as the daffodil is a symbol of strength and courage in the fight against cancer. To see the resources available, visit www.pauktuutit.ca/canc e rpartnerin g

About Pauktuutit
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is the national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada. Its mandate is to foster a greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, and to encourage their participation in community, regional and national concerns in relation to social, cultural and economic development.

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).

About Jaguar Land Rover Canada
• Jaguar Land Rover is the UK’s largest automotive manufacturing business built around two iconic British car brands with a rich heritage and powerful consumer appeal and loyalty. Additionally, Jaguar Land Rover is at the centre of the UK automotive industry’s drive to deliver technical innovation in all areas of vehicle development.
• As the UK’s largest automotive employer, JLR has a world class team of nearly 32,000 people.
• Jaguar Land Rover has two state of the art engineering and design facilities and four advanced manufacturing plants in the UK.
• Headquartered in Mississauga in Canada, Jaguar Land Rover Canada ULC is represented by 24 retail outlets.
– 30-

For more information, contact: Irina Appa
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada 1-800-667-0749
www.pauktuutit.ca