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Cece Hodgson-McCauley
Guest comment
Monday, March 31, 2008
I was in Inuvik yesterday as an escort for brother John. It was a quick visit and hello to many friends. The only sad part was people are very mad about the 35 cuts in government jobs. I even heard about the need for a new election.
I guess anything can happen if the citizens revolt. They are all saying "cut that huge bureaucracy in half in Yellowknife. Cut out government travel and bonuses and cut out answering machines.
I agree that they must not close the Arctic Tern Rehabilitation Centre. It is up to the local people to fight. Don't just sit back and moan. As citizens, people can make change. I don't blame the smaller communities. They have been ignored by the GNWT, while all the concentration has always been placed on Yellowknife.
Another complaint I always hear, as I mention often, is housing - The $32/month rent to some able-bodied people and the working person paying according to wages. In addition, repairs to houses should be paid for by the tenants who abuse their houses.
The corporation collects about $500 as a damage deposit but in most cases the damages are in the thousands of dollars. Houses should be checked and inspected every so often. If a tenant abuses and wrecks the house, they must repair at their own expense. People will take more pride in their homes if they are made responsible for them. Simple as that. So let's see if the honourable minister of housing will make changes.
People are also puzzled about the housing problems for professionals. On one hand we supply houses for $32/month to people who manipulate the system and on the other hand we are losing teachers because they can't afford the high rents.
We need our professionals, especially teachers, to educate our children. Why can't housing come up with a happy medium.
The only ones who should pay $32/month are the sick, crippled and elderly. They need more small units for these people. So, all you good people out there, write housing with your ideas. The GNWT needs your ideas and input.
People are not happy about the bad publicity in Norman Wells, written in the papers regarding the 12-year-old boy, who was assaulted last fall by four boys.
Nobody likes bullies. Bullies are to be pitied. They have an inferiority complex. They need help and their parents need help. I think we have a youth justice council. If we do, why are the RCMP involved? The youth justice should work with the children and parents.
I see in Hay River a new kind of church is opening up. It is called the Light House and is for youth in the region. We need more diversion for youth in our town. Somewhere they can work off some steam to become calm, healthy and happy. I have some ideas. Do you?
Anyhow, Easter was nice. It was cold but I had good food with my family and spent a couple of hours Easter Sunday watching the New York City Opera at the Lincoln Centre. Two hours, live, Puccini's Madame Butterfly. I was in heaven. Someday I will go to a real opera. Our channel 14 from Boston gives us a lot of good programs and a lot of classical music.
It is March 27 as I am writing this. I hope the snow starts to melt soon. We hear the winter road will be open until March 31 - a good year for winter ice roads. Another cry for help. People say that with all the money spent on the ice roads for years and years we could have had an all weather road by now. Right?
- Cece Hodgson-McCauley is the founding chief of the Inuvik Dene band and will remain honourary chief for life. She can be reached at fax (867) 587-3003 or by phone (867) 587-3037.