9 de nov. 2008

Els inuit


Un dels primers paissos que vam visitar (abans de ser pares) va ser Canadà. Vam tenir la sort de poder destinar un estiu a visitar la costa oest del Canadà.

Només arribats a Vancouver vam llogar un petit cotxe que ens va portar a través de mil.lers de quilòmetres pels parcs naturals de la costa oest (Banff, Jasper, Yoho).

Moltes vegades hem comentat a casa la infinitat de sensacions que vam viure durant aquelles setmanes d'agost (i amb la neu caient un dia rera l'altre).

Vam tenir la sort de tenir alguns contactes amb els inuit i amb la seva cultura. Avui he trobat una informació que va aparèixer sobre el suport i l'ajuda del govern canadenc a les comunitats dels inuit.

Recordo perfectament quin era el tracte que a principis dels 90 encara rebien aquests esquimals canadencs. Fins i tot ens vam emportar algun record molt especial que encara guardem. Ara sembla que les coses estan canviant i això seria fabulós.

A Canadà conviuen cultures diferents; el seu model em recorda, moltes vegades, situacions molt properes. Això si, aquí sembla que hi ha gent que en sap més que ningú (deixarem que s'ho creguin? ... ).


Deixo constància de la informació a la que faig referència:


Canada's New Government Supports Northern Aboriginal Communities
EDMONTON - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Mr. Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), today announced a total of more than $1.1 million in funding for Aboriginal communities in Alberta, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.
"Aboriginal communities are a vibrant part of Canada's diverse society," said Minister Oda. "Canada's New Government is committed to supporting projects that help First Nation, Inuit and Métis organizations and provide innovative opportunities for Aboriginal women and youth."
"We are committed to improving the quality of life for First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples," said Mr. Hawn. "Today's announcement represents another step forward in ensuring that Canada's Aboriginal communities have appropriate resources to develop programs specific to their needs."
The Métis Nation of Alberta Association, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and Qikiqtani Inuit Association will receive funding for day-to-day operations, and to strengthen their capacity to develop policies and programs with the input of their respective communities.
"Responding to the extensive range of community, regional, territorial, national and international issues that affect the lives of Inuvialuit draws heavily upon the human and financial resources of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation," said Nellie Cournoyea, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair and Chief Executive Officer. "This contribution from the Department of Canadian Heritage will help our efforts in this regard and will also support an enhanced level of participation by our communities in decision-making processes."
"We appreciate the funding provided by Canadian Heritage," said Audrey Poitras, President, of the Métis Nation of Alberta. "It helps support many of the Métis Nation of Alberta's activities, primarily our Annual Assembly, where Métis people from all over Alberta gather to provide direction to our leaders and celebrate Métis culture."
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association will receive further support for projects that promote and increase cultural awareness, life skills, healthy living, personal development, leadership development and community involvement among Inuit youth.
"We very much appreciate the support of Canadian Heritage. The RO contribution will help strengthen our organization and build our capacity. As a result, we will be able to more fully represent the interests of Baffin Inuit," said Thomasie Alikatuktuk, President of Qikiqtani Inuit Association. "This contribution under the UMAYC program will enable us to engage over 1000 Inuit youth across the Baffin Region in meaningful and enjoyable activities. We are very grateful to Canadian Heritage for this tremendous contribution."
The Whitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circle and the Tender Ties Agency will receive funding for projects to encourage the full participation of Aboriginal women in their own communities and within Canadian society.
"We appreciate the funding received today from Canadian Heritage," said Adeline Webber, President of the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circle. "This will allow us to develop a leadership course curriculum that is empowering and relevant to Aboriginal women."
"The funding we have received from Canadian Heritage will provide Métis women in Alberta with an opportunity to contribute to strengthen their communities based on their culture, build capacity for them to work on priorities that they identify and contribute to the kind of society in which they want to live," said Marge Friedel, Co-Chair of the Tender Ties Agency.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program, which supports the full participation and cultural revitalization of Aboriginal people in Canadian society. It enables Aboriginal peoples to address the social, cultural, economic and political issues affecting their lives.