It highlights the fact that there are still Inuit (though from Nunavut) who still have that sharing spirit and are concerned for their brothers and sisters back home.
I wonder if the same siprit could be on offer here in Labrador. Beneficiaries of the Nunatsiavut land claim agreement living outside the land claims area could come together and find a way to help out their less fortunate brothers and sisters back in the claims area. Lord knows there are many in need.
I mention this because during the recent presidential election one highlight of the campaigns hit home hard for me. The highlight is of greed and me my I want what you got.
Many people living outside the claims area seem to have a belief that they are be ill done by compared to those inside the claims area. They want what they perceive they in the claims area get.
The only extra benefit I can think of is access to homes at a cheaper monthly rent and no property taxes. But personal tax and water and sewer taxes are charged. And the names on the housing list are many and overcrowding is a serious problem.
Well maybe they should try living inside the claims area before deciding how well off the people are here compared to those living outside the claims area.
Sure some inside the claims area are doing very well, but most I know are living from week to week, and those are the ones with 1, 2 or more jobs in the family.
People who work seasonally, are living on welfare and fixed incomes do not get to live from week to week comfortably, their monies do not last that long.
Everything cost more inside the claims area, therefore pro rata higher HST taxes are paid. 95% of federal income taxes are paid to the Nunatsiavut government.
0% of taxes paid by beneficiaries outside the claims area go to the Nunatsiavut government.
We have no doctors, roads are gravel and very dusty. No cabs, no restaurants and for the most part no bars just for starters.
So beneficiaries outside are not contributing yet you want all these perceived benefits you are not getting.
Products and services are cheaper. Better roads, better infrastructure in every area of life, Transport outside Labrador is cheaper and more convenient with road and air all year round.
So maybe some reverse thinking is needed, instead of me me me how about getting together and thinking about how you can help the real needy back in the home land, the claims area, the land of Nunatsiavut.
What a day yesterday, up to 24 official and 26 at the house. Speed boats going off and people fishing with rods along the shore.
Temperatures are supposed to stay in the mid to high teens for most of next week, though showers are on the cards.
2 comments:
Not being a beneficiary yet, I have no illusions what becoming one back in Canada would entail for myself. A great reduction in life quality despite the benefits. To be honest my idea was to return to help with economic development partnering with other young Inuit. Actually transitioning out of the projects, which would hopefully charter being a local and community asset as a function of it's Articles of Incorporation.
Like other adopted Inuit I have talked too, we do not particularly seem all that wanted as far as the NG government has acted to date. Despite many adoptees having great skills and venues advantageous to Nunatsiavut. One would think having a member in prime Trade agreement locations with markets you seek would at least draw some interest. Sadly Adoption of Inuits is a Taboo and verbotten subject up there.
Great blog Brian, suggest the following book (Where the pavement ends): http://books.google.ca/books/about/Where_the_Pavement_Ends.html?id=WILVq5NRFWUC&redir_esc=y. I'm sure you've noted the protests in Iqaluit on food program etc.
As for discussion linked to adoption of Inuit by non-Inuit, the practice is still very strong in NU and not sure how publized it is...are there programs in place to break the cycle started in times of TB outbreak and education/statistically support times (1950s ish)...both Nunavut and Nunatsiavut suicide numbers are at high of 10 +yrs suggesting a loss of hope in the future (as it's simplest root cause). Lots of topics are taboo but in doing so establish "underground" networks that no one will talk about...whether they work well or not.
Post a Comment