In Nunavik, violence is acceptable

It was with great pleasure that I read the declarations of the Nunavik Women’s Manifesto, as presented at the recent Makivik annual general meeting.

I have lived in a small community in Nunavik for many years. I have heard of and witnessed acts of domestic violence as well as been a victim of it myself.

Now I have a daughter, and wonder how she will ever find a husband or boyfriend here who will not beat her up too. I have come to believe that some or all forms of violence are being experienced in almost every home in Nunavik.

Families are hurting from years of tragedies from which they have yet to heal. I have often heard, “It’s over. It’s finished,” after a particularly horrific incident because people are not willing to speak of things out in the open. Many people are so angry and yet they never voice their true feelings unless they are drunk. I have heard of violent arguments over incidents that date back many years!

All the pain and suffering is buried so deeply in people, and yet they pretend that nothing is wrong. The next thing you hear is that they are in jail after beating up their spouses.

There are also many violent women who fight each other due to jealousy. If there was less cheating going on, maybe there would be less violence. The vows that people take when they get married are rarely respected it seems. The violence is just accepted here.

But we, as a society, cannot “accept the unacceptable” any more. My message to men is this: look at your children. Do you want your beautiful, little baby girl to grow up to receive black eyes on a regular basis?

If you continue to hit her mother, chances are you daughter will end up with the same type of man as you. Look at your son. He follows your example when it comes to hunting and hockey. Why not when it comes to violence? Chances are he will grow up and beat up his wife or girlfriend too.

If we really want a better world for our children in Nunavik, then we must start with ourselves. Parents, talk to your children about violence. Don’t show them that it is acceptable by committing acts of violence at home or while you are out drinking at night. Talk about your feelings with your children. Learn to apologize for past wrongs that you have committed against family members. It will go a long way towards healing the wounds of the past.

I would prefer to have my name withheld to protect my family against any backlash they may receive for my opinions.

(Name withheld by request)
Kangiqsujuaq