Manitok Thompson

Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Manitok Thompson is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly March 1999, as MLA for Aivilik

Won her last election, in 1995, with 46% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Member's Statement 73-13(6): Marble Island Television Documentary September 22nd, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, thank you colleagues. Mr. Speaker, there have always been theories about the demise of the Knight Expedition, but to publicly state that the death of the crew was at the hands of the Inuit is disturbing, and more importantly, completely incorrect. There is little evidence, and I stress, no concrete fact that supports such an accusation. Again, to conclude a documentary based on such speculation and theory without taking the time to truly investigate the Marble Island story by interviewing the elders of Rankin Inlet and other communities leads me to believe that the producers of "Oceans of Mystery" were only looking for a sensational ending to their show.

This documentary has delivered a severe blow to the Inuit and to our elders. In an interview by Louis Taparti of CBC radio, with the producer of "Oceans of Mystery", Mr. Taparti had this man finally admit, after being asked the same question three times, that elders were not interviewed about the Marble Island story. The producer said that he received his information from a person who was neither Inuk nor an elder. Rather than confirming this information, the makers of "Oceans of Mystery" used their conclusion to sensationalize their show at the expense of the Inuit who were trying to help the explorers at the time to survive.

Mr. Speaker, as Inuit, we have always kept our tradition and culture strong by listening to our elders. Oral history is important to our culture. If we wanted to learn about our past, our ancestors, or how to hunt or sew, we went to our elders for our answers. Any time we needed to know the facts about something, our elders, these libraries of knowledge, were there for us.

Mr. Speaker, had the producers taken the time to interview our elders, they would have found that there are no oral histories that support such a fabrication and would have saved us the insult and pain of these unfounded lies. Furthermore, it would have also maintained the investigative integrity of "Oceans of Mystery" as well as avoided great embarrassment for those who produced this show.

Mr. Speaker, this is just one more example of southerners not being familiar with our culture, and sadly taking advantage of a part of our history, or at other times, a situation or a natural resource, by manipulating it for their own personal gain and recognition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Member's Statement 73-13(6): Marble Island Television Documentary September 22nd, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am making a statement on behalf of the elders of the Keewatin region who have been offended by a television documentary that was made about Marble Island, which is located on the west coast of Hudson Bay, near Rankin Inlet.

Mr. Speaker, a great disservice has been dealt to our people and our elders because they were not consulted during the production of this documentary. As a result, the information on the Marble Island Story was incorrect and poorly researched. "Oceans of Mystery" was aired on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, September 6, 1998. It outlined the mysterious disappearance of Captain James Knight and his two ships, the Discovery and the Albany, while in search for the Northwest Passage over 275 years ago.

The remains of the two sunken ships as well as a foundation for a sod house were discovered on Marble Island. Almost 300 years later, we have found the remains of Captain Knight's expedition, but there is much speculation about how Captain Knight and his 40 crewmen died. Mr. Speaker, a documentary on the rich history of our north is both welcomed and encouraged. However, I was deeply disappointed and angered at the conclusions that were drawn by the producers of "Oceans of Mystery".

Based completely on speculation, it was decided by the producers of this show that the demise of the Knight Expedition was a direct result of the Inuit that lived in the area of Marble Island. It was suggested by the narrator of "Oceans of Mystery", that the Inuit killed the remaining crew from the Discovery and the Albany and then sank the ships by piercing their hulls and piling rocks on top of them. As if the Inuit had the time to do that. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Property Assessment And Taxation Act September 21st, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kitikmeot, that Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Property Assessment and Taxation Act be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill extends the period of time within which an assessment, supplementary assessment or a

revision of the assessed value of assessable property may be carried out before the assessed value lapses. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Property Assessment And Taxation Act September 21st, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to proceed with the second reading of Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Property Assessment and Taxation Act.

Bill 8: An Act To Amend The Property Assessment And Taxation Act September 21st, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kitikmeot, that Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Property Assessment and Taxation Act be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 72-13(6): Sport North Update September 21st, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there have been terminals opened in Nunavut other than Iqaluit and Cambridge Bay. There is also a terminal in Rankin Inlet and we are pursuing ideas on how we are going to generate revenue for Sport Nunavut. I still do not have all the details on that. As soon as I get that, I will give the information to the Member or to this House on how we are going to raise revenue for Sport Nunavut. Thank you.

Question 72-13(6): Sport North Update September 21st, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Member for his correction.

There are plans for the transition of two sports delivery systems. There is an interim board for Sport Nunavut at this time which was elected by the Nunavut members at the NWTAM that happened already. The interim board for Sport Nunavut will be guiding the creation of the two federations. It is also anticipated that Sport Nunavut will ratify the by-laws and the constitution and elect a full board at the next AGM, which will be held in May 1999. There is an interim board right now to deal with Sport Nunavut. Thank you.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery September 21st, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize my son, Trevor Kusugak Thompson, in the yellow jacket. He would also like to say hi to his friends in Rankin Inlet and Coral Harbour.

--Applause.

Return To Oral Question 21-13(6): Additional Funding On Purchase Of Calcium Chloride For Tuktoyaktuk September 21st, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Steen on September 16, 1998, on additional funding on purchase of calcium chloride for Tuktoyaktuk.

Under the Municipal Operating Assistance Program, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provides funding to communities for road maintenance and dust control. To maintain fairness and equity in the distribution of the funding available for dust control, each community's share is determined by a formula that is based on the total kilometres of eligible roads within the community. This fiscal year, the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk will receive $55,067 for dust control purposes.

The department is aware of the hamlet's request for additional funding for dust control this year. Staff from the department's regional office are working with the community to review this problem. Should the inventory of eligible roads in Tuktoyaktuk be greater than previously calculated, an adjustment will be considered in future years. Thank you.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery September 20th, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Johnny Ningeongan, who is the mayor of Coral Harbour from my riding. It is a pleasure to have him here. He is meeting with the Ministers. I would also like to thank the Ministers for giving him time to meet with them. Thank you.

--Applause