Well, the holiday season is nearly upon us, so it’s time to wonder aloud where did the year go?
It’s also supposed to herald in a time of peace, family warmth, blissful feelings and love for your fellow humans.
In short, it’s a time of peace and happiness.
The problem is the real world has precious little time for such sentimental malarkey, especially in this age of the easily offended when every word, every mannerism and every meaning has untold numbers of people (with far too much time on their hands) combing over every inch in hopes of finding something to be offended by.
And here in the Kivalliq, we are approaching the holiday season with our kettles of discontent seemingly bubbling over with angst.
The thing is, most of the anger being vented comes from many folks who seem to think perfection exists for everything.
Yes, there are bones of contention to be picked with some of the prerequisites to be voter-eligible for the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA), but really, the only one that truly needs to be revisited quickly by the KIA concerns students away for post-secondary studies.
I truly apologize to Tagalik Eccles for dropping her name here, but she is a perfect example of what’s wrong with that particular stipulation, being from Rankin Inlet and studying law in Iqaluit, with the KIA actually picking-up a piece of the tab (scholarship money) for her education.
And if that’s not a serious misfire all on its own (and it is), anyone who knows Eccles will probably agree there are few more pro Kivalliq out there than her.
But, as for Premier Joe Savikataaq’s concerns over not being able to vote in the KIA elections – Dude! You hold the highest seat in the territory and are doing a great job as the first Kivalliq premier of our territory. We’ll still be here when you get back home full time (and let’s hope that’s a number of years away yet).
Another issue that’s raised its head for the first time in a good many years (at least that I’ve been aware of) is the dreaded curse of the Rankin inuksuk.
And, yes, while it’s true the vampire’s greatest strength is disbelief, it’s time that one gets put to bed for all time.
The problems that plague Rankin – suicide, depression, crime, etc. – are complex issues that have taken root over decades of change, neglect and federal government ignorance.
Tearing down what has become an iconic Kivalliq figure in its own right is not going to lift any curse and magically make everything all right again.
I almost wish it could be so, but we have all just started down the path of understanding, reconciliation and healing, and it’s going to take a good many years of hard work yet to undo all the damage done, and see our territory’s collective pshycholgical state rise to where we all want it to be.
And, of course, here in Rankin, amidst the joy of a beautiful, new, state-of-the-art arena, the voices of the few (but loud – funny how that works, eh?) who just don’t get the benefits to our youth this community’s incredible hockey program provides, were outspoken in their putdowns of hockey, hockey, hockey.
Nothing but hockey in Rankin Inlet and not everyone likes hockey.
Well, here’s a thought. It takes a tremendous amount of work and support from many, many good people to build the type of hockey program this community has (and having a Donald or a David Clark on the shelf doesn’t hurt).
And complaints of that nature are a slap in the face to every coach, player, hockey parent, volunteer, on-ice official, sponsor and arena worker who have given so much over the years for Rankin to have a hockey program the community can celebrate and support.
But that’s the sticky-wicket of it all, isn’t it? The working and giving parts.
It’s not like someone can come to Rankin and through their passion for a sport like gymnastics – and their willingness to work and sacrifice – could be taking a group of young Rankin female athletes literally halfway around the world to participate in numerous events, competitions and promotions, including being part of an international Team Canada excursion.
It’s not like someone can just do that through passion, hard work and dedication, right? Oh wait!!
A little less talk and a whole lot more action would certainly make for a more festive season year-round in our community.