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Teamwork and Job Involvement Training Written by: Pangnirtung, NU
Teamwork and JobInvolvement Training
Written by:
Pangnirtung, NU
It should be noted that the text of this book has been
directly translated into English from Meeka Arnakaq’s
compilation of her traditional teaching, handwritten in
Inuktitut syllabics. Its content and sentence structure
have been minimally edited. It was very important to
Meeka Arnakaq and the team of people working on
this project that the book completely reflects a direct
translation of Meeka’s words to maintain the integrity
of her work and oral traditional knowledge.
A special thanks to Reepa Evic-Carleton and Sadie
Hill for their thoughtful and helpful guidance on this
project. To Reepa, for her insights into my teachings
and simultaneous translation, which allowed all of us
to communicate with each other in telling these
stories. And thank you to Sadie for her remarkable
skill and grace in Inuktitut translation. Thank you to
Rachel Dutton-Gowryluk for her endless efforts in
ensuring that my traditional teachings met the written
English language and for seeing that the project was
funded and only involved “gentle” hands. Thanks also
to Rachel for her respectful editing of the translated
text. And thanks for the ongoing support of Mamisarvik
Trauma and Addictions Treatment Program and the
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. And a special
thank you to Earthlore Communications team for
their dedication to detail and the added care of
their brushes and pens as it touched my story.
Photographs included in this book are part of Meeka
and Reepa’s family collection. Illustrations are based
on Meeka’s original sketches and text.
This document was published by Meeka Arnakaq. Copyright© 2010 by Meeka Arnakaq. All rights reserved.
Arnakaq, M. (2010) “Team Work and Job Involvement Training”. Pangnirtung, NU: Author.
Design by Earthlore Communications. Illustrations by Robert Ramsay.
ISBN 978-0-9867747-6-8
Acknowledgements
Written by:
Pangnirtung, NU
Dedication:I dedicate these teachings to my husband Abraham,
my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
and also to Reepa and Rachel.
Foreword
This manual is produced to help Inuit understand how they can brainstorm and improve
their lives and become self-sufficient. Weak and problem areas in a culture are identified
to study and improve upon.
Good Teamwork – Different Cultures Working TogetherInformation to better understand our different cultures:
• This is not a competition
• One must believe in each other
• Have good working relationships
• Be welcoming
• Start from minimum wage
With patience you can gain useful experience from working in the same area.
Lots of jobs are more involved in the community than they used to be.
Some try to grow on their own and survive, while some jobs involve other communities.
This manual is a healthy
introduction on
how to manage your life.
Written by
Meeka Arnakaq
1999Training Adult Students
Becoming more aware of the changingInuit lifestyle in the communities.
Changes in culture are always occurring
and usually take place over many years.
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The Workplace from the Lowest Point to the Highest Point
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Outside of Iglu DiagramHaving negotiation meetings on issues at hand and making room for different developments.
Making room for different developments.
Getting focused and making changes where changes are needed.
Creating ties with those who have gone through some work on themselves and who
may be able to give aid later on.
The land is our foundation.
Treating others as peers.
Not being overbearing with employees.
Being able to enter a workplace with confidence.
Observing people who are talented in what they do.
Making room for new ideas.
Being co-operative and respectful towards co-workers.
Nunavut has been created with a vast history.
By working together we can be productive.
Nunavut territory is brand new with vast possibilities for development.
Be able to walk the path of our ancestors in peace.
Becoming spiritually mature.
Being able to slow down, reflect and live peaceably with others.
Outer porchOur abilities we take from past experience and in the future.
Keeping in contact with friends and welcoming new developers to our communities.
“Nunavut” means a land where everyone is welcome.
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Inner porchUsing all available tools, both small and large.
Does not treat others with skepticism nor favouring others.
Welcoming people who were leaders at outpost camps to work with us.
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Inner most part Be able to work on your own using what we believe to be true and our understanding of issues.
Be able to work co-operatively with Inuit and qallunaat who have authority.
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Good Teamwork
Different cultures working together.
Information to better understand our different cultures:
• This is not a competition
• One must believe in each another
• Have good working relationships
• Be welcoming
• Start from minimum wage
With patience, you can gain useful experience from working in the same area. Lots of jobs are more
involved in the community than they used to be. Some people try to grow on their own and survive,
while some jobs involve other communities.
4
Table of Contents
1. 1800 to 1889 ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
2. 1920 to 1929 ................................................................................................................................................................ 31
3. 1930 to 1939 ................................................................................................................................................................ 33
4. 1940 to 1949 ................................................................................................................................................................ 35
5. 1950 to 1959 ................................................................................................................................................................ 37
6. 1960 to 1969 ................................................................................................................................................................ 39
7. 1970 to 1979 ................................................................................................................................................................ 41
8. 1980 to 1989 ................................................................................................................................................................ 43
9. 1990 to 1999 ................................................................................................................................................................ 45
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Pangnirtuuq Community
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Map with Place Names
Please note the place names start at the top of the page and are numbered.
Qinngua
Igluralaaruluk
Aulativikjuaqq
Quurngu
Aulativik
Qullik
Qaqajaaq
Nunaliit Maani (community)
Irnaqalik
Utaqiurvik
Nasaujaq
Upajana
Alanirq
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The Difference of Being in the “Workforce” : Then and Now
Having a job in the past is different from today because Inuit now hold jobs in management
positions. Beginning in 1800 and on through to the 1960s, Inuit had been hired to do minimum
wage jobs, and this went on for a long time.
During the 1800s, the whalers hired Inuit to work but treated them more like servants than
employees and would pay them with items, like tea, every Saturday. This was done in Qikittani,
Umanaqjuaq and other places where the qallunaat camped.
When the qallunaat settled in Pangnirtung, those employed by the Health Centre, the RCMP,
and the Anglican Mission treated Inuit as servants in their place of work, not as their peers.
Around 1964 the Inuit started getting involved in jobs that paid wages. Inuit were no longer treated
as servants, but “wage earners”. In 1969 when the co-op store was opened in Pangnirtung, the Inuit
joined the workforce. Then in 1970, Inuit joined the RCMP for training and the Health Centre started
hiring Inuit workers. This was around the time the Hamlet Council was formed. In 1978 the Inuit
joined in the construction of houses to get on-the-job training, and since then the Inuit have
become more involved in construction work. The Housing
Association has since been hiring Inuit as employees,
not merely as servants. The Health Centre has been
hiring Inuit for training in the health care fields.
During 1980s the number of Inuit in the workforce
had grown rapidly; they were employed at different
workplaces.
In the 1990s, good job positions have grown rapidly
with the creation of Nunavut. There are more jobs
expected to be formed that are still in the preparation
stages. Locally owned businesses and other develop-
ments are creating more jobs in the communities.
Other training for technical jobs is being created that
will be helpful for acquiring work in the future.
8
1800-1889
During this time, what was useful for the Inuit? What helped them?
Answer:
What are some of the things that were introduced then, that Inuit regret now?
Answer:
Name some things that Inuit are happy having been introduced to.
Answer:
9
How to Improve Your Skills as a New Employee
When you get a job you may feel uncomfortable in some ways. For example: you are not familiar
with the agency or your position and you do not yet know your new co-workers very well.
Some factors in your work environment:
A. Expectations in the workplace
B. Some unexpected experiences that occur
C. Conflicts that may arise
D. Things that need improvement
When you look at problem areas in a workplace from an outsider’s view, it would appear simple
to find a solution.
Once you enter the work environment it is difficult to perform everything as people expect.
Some people are not open to change, while others are. If you are able to express your concerns
about the workplace this will be helpful.
The drawing of the Iglu represents you when you first walk into your new job. Some jobs are a bit
more difficult to become familiar with. You may know a little about the job from past experience
or education, however, you have to become more familiar with it. When you start your job you
will start learning from co-workers.
The porch of the Iglu in this drawing represents a new employee. The inner part of the porch
represents you after you have been working for a while, once you have learned about your jobs –
about the things that are involved. Also get to know your co-workers in the agency and this
builds your confidence about yourself and about your job.
The innermost part of the Iglu represents the management level – where these individuals provide
leadership for employees in the performance of their duties. When an employee has been working
for a long time, he/she will get promoted into management. Those who have the experience can
be hired for such positions in management, but usually new employees have to work their way up.
If the job position is long-term, then this is usually the way things are handled.
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Sometimes a new employee fools themselves by demanding the same level of pay as a
longtime employee. This is usually the reason why new employees just leave their positions –
when they feel that the rate of pay is too small. Whereas if they had stayed on longer, they
could have worked their way up the ladder. When new employees act too rashly, they end
up losing in the end of what could have been a rewarding career. For these reasons a person
needs to be careful. The diagram of an Iglu with different levels sets a good example of
how things are managed.
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Two Things that a New Employee Has to Consider When Entering an Agency: Your New Job and Co-Workers
When you are hired, you are entering into an important job position and you bring your
qualifications into the agency.
As you begin in your position, you may start with a small workload and then move onto
bigger, tougher jobs.
Once you enter the workforce, you will become more involved. You were hired for your abilities
and qualifications and the job will require increasingly more concentration.
You must view your job with an open mind. The management always flows outward to the
community, even touches other communities as well.
Your lifestyle, your character, your past and present life experiences; the good and not
so good deeds are all involved in your work life.
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Following the Rules of the Workplace
Follow the rules at your workplace, and listen so that you can learn the job. You are supposed
to learn by listening. By following this rule, the understanding will come.
Listen to co-workers.
Follow the rules at work.
Have good listening skills.
Be sure to listen, and in this way you will know what directions you should go. You will know which
person is just focusing on themselves. You should view your job forwards and sideways; using your
knowledge in this way you will be able to tackle the job.
Setting goals can be accomplished by listening to what your co-workers have to say; the seed
comes from you and it’s possible for growth. Having brainstorming sessions leads to the creation of
plans. Working closely with your peers, sharing your ideas and listening to their ideas puts things
into perspective.
In this way, you can be part of creating a plan using your wisdom. This will help in picking people to
join the conversation, share ideas and make decisions.
Here are some pointers to follow:
1. Come up with “usable” ideas.
2. Hold brainstorming sessions.
3. Involve everyone’s skill.
4. Make good decisions.
The things that you have kept to yourself can then be tabled for discussion and worked on
by everyone. The things that you had always thought about may improve the workplace for
everyone and other places could benefit from these ideas.
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Training Opportunities for People Whoare Entering the Workforce for the First Time
An important part of searching for a job is education, as the level of education for a job position is
always considered. Qualifications are required for any job. It is important for a person to strive for a
higher education and to complete their studies. Some goals that will provide you with the education
required to qualify for a job position that you might strive for may be going to college or university
after completing high school, or entering a workforce that includes training for a higher position.
Some jobs are impossible to tackle (paperwork, for example) if you haven’t had the training. If you
haven’t had the education or training to manage paperwork, for example, it’s impossible to try and
manage what would be involved, but for someone who has training, it’s easy to do. If you would like
to enter the workforce, it’s important to strive for a higher education, to graduate even
if it is challenging. It is always better to try something and stand on one’s own feet. This will be
instrumental in finding a job that you enjoy.
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What it is Like to Be a Member of the Team in an Agency
You need to be aware of how the agency works and how your job is managed. The first thing
you need to understand is your job description. Second, you need to know other people
working at the agency and the type of people they are.
Advertised jobs are usually permanent or term positions. Term positions start on a given date and
end on a certain date. Some positions require full-time hours while others require only part-time
hours, e.g. ½ day as opposed to a full day of work.
One needs to consider the salary of the position because some good positions do pay more.
Some jobs aren’t always what one hopes for, but if the person does a good job the rate of pay
sometimes increases, depending on the length of time you’ve held the position.
Need for Inner Strength
Usually when you enter into a new workplace, there is an uncomfortable and unfamiliar feeling even
around the older team members. You may not be used to all the rules that you need to follow. Trying
to fit into a new workplace, regardless of all these new things, requires inner strength.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Being patient.
2. Being capable of handling the work.
3. Getting to know your co-workers.
4. Mind your own business.
5. Remain respectful of all co-workers.
6. Remain on friendly terms with everyone.
Recognize the problem areas in the workplace where there are serious disagreements
between co-workers. Sometimes valuable workers leave the agency when disagreements
become unresolved.
The agency will have some rules that you may disagree with and that are perceived to be unfair for
some employees. Regardless, the rules are there for a purpose and need to be followed.
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Viewing the Differences of Agencies
Different employees, envious employees, patient employees; people who may have differing
views are able to let things go.
We can view these things in different ways:
1. Employees who show respect for their leader.
2. Very good managers who people can approach.
Employees who are judgmental in a workplace may need to improve their behaviour through
education or training. Judgmental employees tend to start gossip in a workplace about
things that should be kept discreet. How can these things be dealt with? A workplace can
make improvements by holding regular meetings and training towards making changes.
As a result the employees can become more united.
Here are some examples:
A. Patient employees
B. Employees who complain
C. Employees who avoid consequences
D. Satisfied employees
E. Employees who lead by good example
“What next?” An agency can grow strong by holding a meeting and sharing ideas/knowledge.
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Aspects that Lead Towards Being a “Good Employee”
A good employee is an employee who is co-operative with respect to the duties of their job
description and who follows the requests of their supervisor.
A job based on social issues may have aspects that are difficult to deal with and involve stories
that are unpleasant to hear about. It is a job that deals with different situations than what goes
on in one’s own home environment. The employee will be seeing a variety of people dealing with
different issues and circumstances. Maintaining confidence with clients is important and helps
to put boundaries in place so you don’t start bringing your work home. It is not to start
mirroring the clients’ issues outside of work.
Having a boss who may not be very understanding is another issue the new employee may
encounter. You definitely need to make sure that you do not become careless in your job and
you shouldn’t be talking about your job outside of the agency. You need to have discretion
and respect in regards to your workplace and your clients.
You must also be aware of your lifestyle and take care of your personal needs. Too many good
employees with good salaries, but who can’t manage on their own are usually let go because
they became careless and gossiped too much about confidential information regarding their
workplace. Having inner strength is a very important part of leading a healthy lifestyle and
respecting yourself and others.
People always have differing views about employees. There are those who say an employee is
doing their job well, and those who disagree. An employee is constantly evaluated/judged by
those outside of the agency.
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Increasing Knowledge in a Workplace
Becoming confident in a workplace comes by learning about how the agency works,
which is usually done through observing and listening. As a person learns more about
the job requirements they will become more comfortable and more adept at the job.
Being a resourceful employee helps in growing a better understanding of their job.
An intelligent individual capable of brainstorming will bring valuable resources to the agency.
Being open and understanding in one’s job helps retain information about the job. Open people
have a vast capability to understand what is expected of them when performing job duties.
An agreeable employee has a lot of room to grow within their environment. A creative employee
has no limits to their capability in getting a job done. A wise person is knowledgeable and aware
of what needs to be done and can work out issues in a wise, intelligent manner. A well prepared
employee is able to make things run smoothly, avoid obstacles and will maintain confidence
with highly sensitive information. Being prepared is a very important part of good management.
A person who is resourceful prepares goals ahead of time. Setting goals is a good way
to achieve results.
Remaining focused on the job and handling difficult tasks is like taking care of a loved one.
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Doing a Good Job
Duties are usually given to employees of an agency. Good management of your work is
a very important part of any job. Attaining knowledge helps one grow outward to accept more
responsibilities, and a valuable employee is able to oversee tasks on hand, and from that can
and will point out other jobs arising from that. Though an employee may not have a high level
of education, they will learn what is required as they tackle jobs or through working as a team
member alongside peers who can teach new skills. The older or more experienced employees
will usually be the ones who will lead the people within the agency.
Here are some examples that define the introduction and training for a job.
1. Write down what routes you would take to get to Iqaluit from here.
2. Write down what routes that you would take to get to Ottawa from here.
3. Write down what routes you would take to get back home from here.
Writing things down isn’t always a solution. Tackling some jobs requires more work and time
to sort out and will seem impossible if we aren’t equipped. So it is understandable that no
one should apply for a job that they know they aren’t qualified for.
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Training for New Employees
1. Training on the agency’s rules, and Inuit rules through jobs.
2. Learning how to be a good team member in a workplace and how to manage
an organization.
3. Understanding how the agency or organization is making changes through management.
4. An authorized person in the agency will do the hiring for positions that are vacant.
They will only select those who have the qualifications to do the jobs.
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Demonstration Sessions for those New to the Workforce
It is a good idea to hold “demonstration sessions” for those new to the workforce. They can find
out how many people are employed and what it is that they do. The demonstration session will
increase the desire to enter the workforce (where before there had been little interest)
and show on paper that there are jobs available that they can do. Having a demonstration
session also helps to get young people interested in attaining a higher level of education
and ultimately find a job.
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31
1920-1929
During these years, what instrumental things were introduced and were very useful?
Answer:
What were some of the things that touched Inuit culture and lifestyle that were negative?
Answer:
What are some of the things introduced that we welcomed?
Answer:
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33
1930-1939
Was there anything during these years that was useful and made life easier for Inuit?
Answer:
Are there also some things that touched Inuit culture in a negative way?
Answer:
Name some things that are good, that we are happy to have.
Answer:
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35
1940-1949
During these years what were the things that helped Inuit develop their lifestyle?
Answer:
What are some of the things that made it more difficult in the Inuit culture?
Answer:
There are numerous good things that were introduced, that have touched the Inuit lifestyle.
Write some down.
Answer:
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37
1950-1959
During this time period, what new things were introduced that Inuit had never used before?
Answer:
Write down some of the things that negatively touched Inuit culture, introduced
during this time period.
Answer:
Write down some of the things that touched the Inuit lifestyle in a positive way.
Answer:
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39
1960-1969
Write down some things that came into effect, or some things that occurred.
Answer:
What were the things that affected Inuit in a negative way?
Answer:
What are the things that affected Inuit in a positive way?
Answer:
40
Question: When did the Inuit start living in houses?
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1970-1979
During this time span, what are some of the things that improved Inuit lifestyle
in our communities or in our homes?
Answer:
Write down some specific things that touched the Inuit lifestyle and culture
that were difficult to adopt.
Answer:
Write down some of the things that had a positive impact that are still visible.
Answer:
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43
1980-1989
Looking at the 10-year period of time, write down things that we have used that had a
positive impact on our own lifestyle and our communities, and that have helped in our
progress as a society.
Answer:
What are some of the things that we did not use beforehand that negatively
touched our lifestyle?
Answer:
Write down the positive things that were introduced.
Answer:
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45
1990-1999
Looking at the 10-year time period, write down some things that we have experienced,
that have touched our lifestyle and our communities in a positive way.
Answer:
Write down some things that negatively impacted our lifestyle, that were not readily
available before.
Answer:
Write down some things that you are happy for having been introduced to.
Answer:
46
Meeka Arnakaq is
an Inuk Healer and
Elder from Pangnir-
tung, Nunavut. She
has been involved
in her local church
for over 30 years as
the organist and lay
reader. Meeka writes
her own music and
has recorded a CD;
she is currently working on other songs for
another CD. She taught life skills and Inuktitut at
Nunavut Arctic College and retired in the summer
of 2007 after 30 years of service. Meeka has
one biological child and four adopted children,
10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Meeka has been recognized for her efforts in
helping people deal with social issues and she
is well known as a leader of healing circles.
Meeka provides individual and group sessions,
working on her own and with other healers,
including her husband, Abraham. She travels to
many communities in Nunavut and other regions
in the North. She also travels to southern Canada,
where she delivers group and individual healing
sessions, and trains counsellors and healers, some
of whom provide healing to the prison inmates
within the Tupiq program, a federal correctional
program for Inuit inmates. Meeka has been working
with Tungasuvvingat Inuit and the Ottawa Inuit
community since the 1990s. She works particularly
closely with the Mamisarvik Healing Centre,
which provides a unique Inuit trauma and addiction
treatment program based on Inuit traditions and
culture, serving Inuit clients from around Canada.
Meeka received a Wise Woman award in 1994
by the Status of Women of NWT, and on Canada
Day 2009, Meeka received an honourary degree
in justice from Dalhousie University. Meeka partici-
pates as an Inuit Elder on the Elders Advisory
Council for the Canadian Centre on Substance
Abuse (CCSA). In November 2008, CCSA and
Tungasuvvingat Inuit/Mamisarvik Healing Centre
signed a three-year memorandum of agreement to
partner and collaborate on a project that will help
record the teachings of the traditional Inuit society
of yesterday and today. Meeka’s teaching manuals,
written exclusively in Inuktitut syllabics, will be pub-
lished for Inuit Nunaat and all Canadians to learn
more about Inuit culture and traditional knowledge
and healing.
Meeka Arnakaq’s Biography
For more information contact:
Mamisarvik Trauma and Addiction Program
1863 Russell Road, Ottawa, ON K1G 0N1
Tel: 613.563.3546 or [email protected]
Funding for the publication of this
document provided by:
In-kind support for this publication
was provided by:
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
75 Albert Street, Suite 500, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7
Tel: (613) 235-4048 Fax: (613) 235-8101
www.ccsa.ca
Working to reduce alcohol-and drug-related harm
Production of this document has been made possible through
contribution from CCSA. The views expressed herein do not
necessarily represent the views of CCSA.
Aboriginal Healing Foundation
75 Albert Street, Suite 801, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7
Tel: (613) 237-4441 Toll-free: (888) 725-8886
Fax: (613) 237-4442 Email: [email protected]
www.ahf.ca
Helping Aboriginal people heal themselves
