I'm not Inuit. I really like the Inuit people and I recognize their strengths. I want to demystify what an Inuk is and talk about their reality from my own experience.
I believe this is how we learn how to demystify the paradoxes and stakes of situations that pose problems. The project No Child Should Have to Take the Long Way Home is the work of a lifetime.
No Child Should Have to Take the Long Way Home is a grassroot initiative to help children in need of loving care, of a protective and stable environment to meet their basic needs in a safe house in their own community. Children, mothers, and communities are the object of this project No Child Should Have to Take the Long Way Home. After all, every child is born with the right to have a better chance at a life free from abuse and violence.
Do you know the meaning of the Inuit name?
The first European explorers gave them the name Eskimo, the name by which they are recognized throughout the world. They identified themselves by the Inuit name and many Inuit find it hurtful and derogatory to call themselves Eskimo. They prefer the Inuit name because that is the name they gave themselves. The name Inuit means "the people." The first Europeans had met the Inuit and ended up calling them Eskimo because the Europeans had heard that name from the Cree. In the Cree language, "Eskimo" means "eaters of raw meat."
Do you know the meaning of the Inuit name?
How do the Inuit speak of their spirituality?
The wealth of the Inuit cultural heritage is made of games, dances, songs, stories, legends, and satiric duals, mostly transmitted by oral tradition. In previous times, the complex rules of community life or the role of hunting rites, their religious beliefs, and shamanic practices, attested to the fact that these people were well adjusted to their harsh universe and had risen above their problem of daily survival in a harsh environment.
Are the Inuit resilient?
My answer may seem contradictory. What I perceive is a people who exhibit much courage to deal with all the distress of the women and children, in fact, of all the people. At the same time, when one looks at how they have successfully adapted to events such as relocation, the residential schools, displacement and settlement in houses, I recognize their ability to go forward in a changing world. Today, they live particularly difficult conditions with overcrowding in homes and serious social problems.
Their leaders work hard at improving the living conditions of all. However, they face many challenges due to the rapid changes in their lifestyle.
Their leaders work hard at improving the living conditions of all. However, they face many challenges due to the rapid changes in their lifestyle.
In agreement with my purpose, André Lebon, a DYP professional in Youth Protection of Nunavik declares “Northern villages have an urgent need of centers where youths could go when it is hell in their homes” (translation).
Their “modernized” life sees quite a bit of poverty and unemployment. This, along with discrimination and governance ignoring them as a culture has led to many social issues, such as increased alcoholism. Western diet and a less strenuous lifestyle have an effect on health issues.
How will the Inuit culture survive? One possibility is the interest in tourism in the North and its plentiful natural resources. The Inuit know the area and have an untapped workforce so that at least their financial future might be brighter.
Their “modernized” life sees quite a bit of poverty and unemployment. This, along with discrimination and governance ignoring them as a culture has led to many social issues, such as increased alcoholism. Western diet and a less strenuous lifestyle have an effect on health issues.
How will the Inuit culture survive? One possibility is the interest in tourism in the North and its plentiful natural resources. The Inuit know the area and have an untapped workforce so that at least their financial future might be brighter.
What qualities did you observe?
They place a high value on the qualities of self-sufficiency, independence, and reciprocity. One aspect of the Inuit that is most remarkable is their happy behavior: they smile a lot, joke and tell funny stories. The easy laughter, the happy behavior makes a person safe and non-frightening. Very young children (2 years old) can dress themselves from head to toe and as early as 5 years old, they are encouraged to substitute feelings of amusement for the feelings of annoyance that are frowned upon. Laughter is used to diffuse strained situations.
What are some of the Inuit values?
From memory, they place great admiration on the control of emotions. They are independent, funny, they laugh easily. Their friendliness within their families reveals a great human warmth that is not reflected in the public space. When they disapprove of a behavior, they subtly ignore the presence of the person. For example, they will not initiate a conversation with her, leaving her to initiate all contacts.Someone told me that there is nothing to be done with the Inuit. Is that true?
That attitude annoys me. I don’t know what the Inuit would say, but I am sure of one thing. When I see them working so hard at looking for solutions adapted to their values and their capacity, there is a possibility these people will exceed anything we could have imagined. Because they prioritize the common good, together, they will find the means to effect the necessary changes. First, they must attend to their healing.
How do the Inuit transmit their knowledge?
In our culture, we use language to pass on our knowledge to our young children. In Nunavik, among the Inuit, I had the opportunity to observe mothers with their little ones at church. It seemed to me that, among the Inuit, this transmission was much more by example. I was totally charmed by the warmth and devotion of mothers for their children. Their indulgence also allows them to let them gain autonomy.How many churches do they have in each community?
Inuit communities generally have as many churches as they do any other religious institution. This is caused, at least in part, by their history of aggressive colonization, missionaries, and residential schools.Who do the women contact when they leave their community?
Services are available for people who have just arrived in the South, however, the women are often hurting with shame and mistrust. It is easier when they can go to their family members’ homes. Just like here, it is not because a service exists that they will use it.
Everyone knows someone loaded with credit cards. Is it because they could use the services of ACEF or go to their local syndic (for a bankruptcy) that they will necessarily use it? It is the same principle when a woman is vulnerable. When the women get to Montreal, they reach out to those who will not judge them and make them feel bad about themselves.
How do we ensure women are not in danger? (ie: prostitution)
In another life, I knew someone who worked on the street welcoming very young women who had just arrived in the big city. Her work was mostly informing them about the dangers of sexual predators’ ways for prevention purposes. After that, it was a matter of letting them experiment freedom while leaving the door open.
Children's attendance in the school system
How about their school attendance?
One of the difficulties resides in the fact that their homes are overpopulated: the children have little space to do homework. This is compounded by the arrival of the midnight sun. Also, one must remember that violent events are equally deterrent where school attendance is concerned.
Children also follow the example of their parents. When they go hunting, they go too. It is about learning the methods of hunting and traditional fishing.
Is economic insecurity a cause?
In this region, for example, the average cost of food for a household with children was $ 19,760 in 2007-2008, while 49% of Inuit had incomes below $ 20,000. According to recent polls, 31% of Inuit preschoolers live moderate food insecurity, and 70% know food insecurity.
Lack of government action is a major contributor to poverty. Lack of good, steady work is also another reason for the high levels of poverty. As you may well know, the Inuit do not live in reserves. Therefore, they pay taxes like we do.
Household items and food in the North cost 97% more than in the South. The skyrocketing costs of transportation, food, and especially housing well exceeds the incomes.
The continuous shortage of housing in combination with a rapidly growing population has Inuit leaders and government officials struggling for a better way to describe a deteriorating situation referred to before as a ‘housing crisis,’ now called a ‘critical public health issue,’ underlining the role played by housing in the health of the Canadian Inuit population, particularly children. The housing crisis in Nunavik, for example, is a contributor to the high proportion of Inuit among Montréal’s homeless population.
Children also follow the example of their parents. When they go hunting, they go too. It is about learning the methods of hunting and traditional fishing.
How many children end up in a foster care home?
Nearly one in three Inuit child is the subject of a report to the leadership of the youth protection. Half of these children are under the age of five. And a high proportion of reported cases involve gross negligence situations. These are 30% of young people under 17 years against 5% for all of Quebec.What rights of the children are least respected?
The least respected rights jeopardizing the well-being of children: the right to health, the right to non-violence, the right non-violence attached to sexual exploitation.Is economic insecurity a cause?
In this region, for example, the average cost of food for a household with children was $ 19,760 in 2007-2008, while 49% of Inuit had incomes below $ 20,000. According to recent polls, 31% of Inuit preschoolers live moderate food insecurity, and 70% know food insecurity.
What causes the poverty of the North?
Inuit confront the highest cost of living with the lowest national income. Traditionally, women were responsible for maintaining their families and social order while the traditional roles of men as hunters and providers made them derive satisfaction for being able to take care of his family. The rapid changes in their lifestyle have accentuated the erosion of traditional culture, knowledge, practices, lifestyles, and roles within the family and community. Despite significant progress made in communities, Inuit continue to confront the highest cost of living with the lowest national income.Lack of government action is a major contributor to poverty. Lack of good, steady work is also another reason for the high levels of poverty. As you may well know, the Inuit do not live in reserves. Therefore, they pay taxes like we do.
Household items and food in the North cost 97% more than in the South. The skyrocketing costs of transportation, food, and especially housing well exceeds the incomes.
How would you describe the housing situation?
The continuous shortage of housing in combination with a rapidly growing population has Inuit leaders and government officials struggling for a better way to describe a deteriorating situation referred to before as a ‘housing crisis,’ now called a ‘critical public health issue,’ underlining the role played by housing in the health of the Canadian Inuit population, particularly children. The housing crisis in Nunavik, for example, is a contributor to the high proportion of Inuit among Montréal’s homeless population.The 8000-kilometer trek
Will you be walking alone?
There will be periods where I will be walking alone. At this time, I am presently creating walking groups: Inuit, chorales, walking clubs will exchange their walk with me for a conference or an animation on the subject of the Inuit and related to my project.
Where will you sleep?
I’m hoping to have a volunteer per province with a small caravan. My tent will be put to good use when needed. Occasionally I will rent a room for a change.
Are you really crossing Canada?
I am going to cross Canada on foot. If you go on this page, you will be able to follow me. My trek is from Victoria BC to the county of Nova Scotia.
How much time will it take?
I am anticipating to do a two-year trek at 20-25 kilometers a day. I will not be walking in the winter and it also depends on the distance between towns and cities that will invite me to give lectures and conferences across Canada.
For the project No Child Should Have to Take the Long Way Home, I expect to put in it a lot more than two years.
For the project No Child Should Have to Take the Long Way Home, I expect to put in it a lot more than two years.
What kind of shoes will you be wearing?
During my training, my best shoes were an ADIDAS-Response. I did close to 600 kilometers in 4 months: that pair had already walked much more kilometers. I should give them a medal for good performance. Two more pairs are in training but it is over time that I can tell whether they are good walking shoes. But in newly bought shoes, I have noticed that my feet get hot. That is not a good sign.Since July 27, 2015, I am wearing Brooks shoes, model DYAD, courtesy of Mrs. Simone who has sponsored them to my intention. They are comfortable and I intend to walk thousands of steps for the rest of my training workout.
Is the project only about the Inuit?
Do the Inuit want this solution?
When the project began, I spoke only about the Inuit. But since then, many events have reshaped my project. I came to realize that apart from two aspects-the isolation and the fact that there are no judges in Nunavik-the project concerns all indigenous people.
The project was modified slightly in that regard. I will be walking for all the Inuit and Indigenous people. The first home for the children will be built in Nunavik. This project will be offered as a model anywhere where it is wanted in Canada.
In fact, the Inuit are looking for their solution. Their solution with regard to the safety and protection of their children is the one that is going to be applied. It is hard to think that the solution could be mine as that would be just as it is now where the white man’s decision always applies.
The people work hard at making their lives better. I want to be part of the solution and I will listen, offer my support and give them all the support I can to help them succeed in putting forth the most durable solution.
The project was modified slightly in that regard. I will be walking for all the Inuit and Indigenous people. The first home for the children will be built in Nunavik. This project will be offered as a model anywhere where it is wanted in Canada.
In fact, the Inuit are looking for their solution. Their solution with regard to the safety and protection of their children is the one that is going to be applied. It is hard to think that the solution could be mine as that would be just as it is now where the white man’s decision always applies.
The people work hard at making their lives better. I want to be part of the solution and I will listen, offer my support and give them all the support I can to help them succeed in putting forth the most durable solution.
Who will be in charge when the project is done?
I am just at the beginning of the 10-month project. One year is not very long to develop such a project. It has to be sustainable over time. I will give my ideas when the time comes. I consult the various programs which already exist in other First Nations communities-those operated without assimilation, of course.
How will it work?
It is a project in several stages. Some of them are not yet determined. As the project moves forward, there will be more information to be given. The first step is to get collaborators. The second is to walk and give information on “Who are the Inuit?
The goal since I started thinking about the project is to greatly reduce the number of foster care placement. It aims at promoting the strengths of the families and restore parental abilities of men and women as well as encourage family unity within the communities. To aim at a solution, I have explored three very good models from which we could derive one that is culturally appropriate.
The goal since I started thinking about the project is to greatly reduce the number of foster care placement. It aims at promoting the strengths of the families and restore parental abilities of men and women as well as encourage family unity within the communities. To aim at a solution, I have explored three very good models from which we could derive one that is culturally appropriate.
In the media, it seems that it is the parents who abandon their children: is this true?
The problem of women and missing Aboriginal children currently in the headlines did not start yesterday. Once their children are removed, some parents do not have a chance to visit their children over several years. Some parents of foster families perform well the task of visiting the communities to keep in touch with the child's family and his culture, but others move away gradually. Aboriginal parents in order to stop suffering, sometimes resign and do not seek to see their children again.What is the meaning of quinuituq?
The word quinuituq means deep patience. Patience is this quality that allows one to face moments of uncertainty with calm and circumspection even when confronting tensions and difficulties. I chose the word because it represented best what I feel the Inuit have to do and also what is ahead of me that requires a lot of patience.
Also, my project seems more inclusive than before. I used to live by the principle that I needed to publicize the plight of women and Inuit children, but every time I meet another nation, I realize the similarities between the stories of our aboriginal Canadians and those Inuit.
I remain convinced that certain factors-the isolation and the fact that the absence of a judge to make the decision about the fate of children do a lot of harm to these people. My quest is now about all Indigenous people in Canada.
Children are the greatest natural resource of a country. It's not just to give them the health care they need: they need good foundations. That is, for all practical purposes, what motivates me every day.
How do you keep motivated?
I've got to think a moment. Of course, as soon as one asks me about my project, I feel transported back to my initial enthusiasm. Lately, my doubts have given way to even more determination because I have noticed the indifference of our present government.Also, my project seems more inclusive than before. I used to live by the principle that I needed to publicize the plight of women and Inuit children, but every time I meet another nation, I realize the similarities between the stories of our aboriginal Canadians and those Inuit.
I remain convinced that certain factors-the isolation and the fact that the absence of a judge to make the decision about the fate of children do a lot of harm to these people. My quest is now about all Indigenous people in Canada.
Children are the greatest natural resource of a country. It's not just to give them the health care they need: they need good foundations. That is, for all practical purposes, what motivates me every day.
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