Dear Candada
by: Tatanniq Lucie Idlout

Dear Candada
and your dark history
which has led us to this ugly day
We tire of explaining our people and our lives to you
Again and again

We tire of educating and re-educating you on our reality. We tire of you being of the belief that we don’t pay taxes, or that we don’t contribute equally to the parts that make up your fabric.

Yes, I will never call myself a proud Canadian, but I am a part of this land; of the original people. We had to create our own territory as Nunavut to join Confederation, and that was over 20 years ago.

Still, 70 percent of our people experience food insecurity, while yet animal rights activists continue their attempts and tell us we should not hunt our traditional nutritious foods, while they wear leather belts and shoes. Still, it is not uncommon to have 14 people living in a 3 bedroom unit, and for those who are fortunate enough to afford commercial rent, they are paying through the nose to live. Still, our suicide rates are 10 times higher than the rest of the country and some of the highest in the world.

But we are resilient, adaptable, mother fucking survivors. It is my ancestors who welcomed yours during the days of exploration, the race to the north pole.

Where are we now?
Where are we now?

I don’t speak for Inuit. I speak as an Inuk with a strong voice.
Where are you? Where are your questions? Where are your answers? Are you ok?

Because we always will be.
We are in harmony of the land. Where is yours?

When do we stand shoulder to shoulder as equals?