An Open Letter to the Globe and Mail, January 13, 2007

I am willing to entertain the notion that stories of the social problems that exist in Aboriginal and Inuit communities, such as those written by John Ibbitson (“A bleak choice for young Indians”, August 3/06) and recently Katherine Harding (“In Nunavut an Epidemic of violence and despair”, Jan. 13/07) are meant to educate the general public and hopefully prompt government and others into action. These stories, and other similar ones, discuss disproportionate rates of suicide, violence, addictions, child neglect, poverty, etc. that exist. The historical record regarding the treatment of Aboriginal and Inuit people, and the current social conditions are not among Canada’s proudest moments. Furthermore, the statistics regarding the disproportionate rate of social and health problems cannot be ignored and need to be addressed.

However there is something profoundly disturbing about the style of reporting that goes into stories and editorials like these. Many readers have never visited these communities, and their views are shaped by what they read in the media. They are left with the impression that life in these communities consists of unemployed, addicted, violent and suicidal people who neglect their children. In the case of Katherine Harding’s story, they refuse any help that is offered.

There is little attempt to provide a deeper analysis of the social conditions that exist. More to the point, there is little that is offered to provide a more balanced view of the community. Yes there are serious social problems, but there are also stories of success. I have had the privilege of traveling across Nunavut, and a number of Aboriginal communities through the Dreamcatcher Tour with Tom Jackson, and other projects. One of the most memorable stops was in Cambridge Bay. The community was hospitable, the youth were bright and dynamic, and our stay was enjoyable. People did talk about the social problems, but they also talked about their successes, what they have accomplished, and what the community has to offer. There was a manner of celebrating life, even when the temperature was frigid, which makes the recent events there more tragic. This was not only evident in Cambridge Bay, but across many of the communities across Nunavut.

A second problem with this style of reporting is the additional hardship it places on the people who live within a community. I have heard numerous stories from Aboriginal and Inuit communities as to how the media “invades” the community, sticks microphones into people’s faces while they are trying to deal with the trauma that has just occurred. All to get a story with little consideration of the impact it has. Even with repeated requests by community leaders that media speak to a designated spokesperson, media roam the community pressuring people who are vulnerable until they get what they want. There is little or no consideration for what community members are experiencing with respect to their trauma and the grief. This practice also happens too often in Non-Aboriginal/Inuit communities and is too widely accepted. I doubt that media reporters would tolerate such behavior towards themselves if the situation were reversed.

In the end, this style of reporting as evident in Harding’s article and the earlier one by John Ibbitson is not helping, but reinforces the stereotypes and prejudices that exist. They have a responsibility to provide a more balanced view of any community, especially when they are in the position of shaping attitudes and beliefs about that community.

A final thought. If I was a young Aboriginal or Inuit person, and all I read publicly about my people was what Harding and Ibbitson printed, I would wonder what there was to live for.

David Masecar