A Territory’s Shame: Leaving its ‘Father’ to Fend for Himself

John Amagoalik’s long fight to age in Nunavut, a territory he helped create through decades of tireless advocacy, is a stark reminder of the failures of the very government he served. As one of the key architects of Nunavut’s creation, he was instrumental in shaping its public government and was recognized with prestigious honors, including the Order of Canada.

Amagoalik’s story begins long before his current struggles, rooted in the trauma of residential schools and a lifetime of pushing for Inuit rights and self-determination. Despite his stature as the “Father of Nunavut,” he finds himself at odds with the very system he helped build. After being transferred to an assisted living facility in Ottawa for medical reasons, he pleaded with Nunavut’s health minister to return home.

When that request was ignored, a grassroots campaign led by his friends and allies raised funds to secure an accessible unit in Iqaluit and hire private support workers. However, this makeshift solution is only temporary, and the costs are mounting. The funds secured by the John A. Committee will not last forever, leaving Amagoalik’s future uncertain.

The territorial government’s response has been to offer a paltry two hours per week of public support worker care – a stark contrast to the $30,000 a month it spent on his care in Ottawa. This lack of dedication to supporting its own citizens is emblematic of the systemic failures that have plagued Nunavut’s health care system for years.

A shortage of dedicated care facilities for seniors has left many Inuit elders struggling to access basic care and housing. Amagoalik’s case has drawn attention to this issue, but it also highlights a deeper problem: the erosion of respect for leaders who have given so much to their communities. Public service is often reduced to transactional politics, where reputation takes precedence over obligations.

The fact that Amagoalik must now appeal to the courts to secure his right to age at home is a testament to the despicable treatment he has received. The court challenges filed on behalf of Amagoalik will bring attention to this egregious failure of government. However, as we wait for justice to be served, it’s worth remembering that this case represents more than just a single individual’s struggles – it speaks to a broader crisis in the values that underpin our public institutions.

The Inuit have always valued community and interdependence above all else. Yet, when their leaders are treated like pawns in a game of bureaucratic politics, we are reminded that there is still much work to be done in building a system that truly serves its most vulnerable members. As Amagoalik fights for his right to age at home, he is also fighting for the very principles of respect and dignity that should underpin our public life.

Nunavut’s government cannot seem to see fit to support one of its own. What does this say about its commitment to the values of community and care? The silence from those in power speaks volumes – but Amagoalik’s determination will not be silenced.