[Paddlewise] ACA Greenland certification controversy was Re: video of Maligiaq's rolls

At 09:03 PM 7/1/99 EDT, Bhansen97_at_aol.com wrote:
>John (Winskill) - Is there a way one can find out when John Heath's video of 
>Maligiaq Padilla's rolls  will come out - and a way to get in line to 
>purchase a copy? I'd sure like one. - Bill Hansen

Bill,

I was talking with John Heath tonight. He is currently wrapping up the
final details of getting his book published and it should appear in the
not-to-distant future. John is lacking some underwater footage for the
video and hopes to shoot it before Maligiaq heads back home in the fall.

Unfortunately John is spending a tremendous amount of time and worry
fighting the ACA in their plans to offer a Greenland-style kayaking
instructor certification program. The Greenlanders are very sensitive when
it comes to kayaking issues and for fear of exploitation, Maligiaq Padilla
was instructed not to "show everything" during his paddling demonstrations
on his visit to the United States. According to John, the Greenlanders are
outraged at the news of the ACA program and will be meeting to discuss this
issue at the Greenland National Kayaking Championships later this year.
Unfortunately this will be too late to prevent the program from being
enacted. I will admit that I don't understand all the issues involved but
kayaking is important to Greenlanders in a way that many Westerners fail to
understand and the Greenlanders feel that their culture is being sold by
outsiders without their endorsement. I believe that many people involved in
the ACA project had good intentions and are genuinely surprised at the
controversy. I cannot speak for John, but in the letter that comes with his
1986 videotape he states "My observations in Alaska, Canada, Greenland and
the Lower 48 United States are that many native people have been exploited
by outsiders. The Inuit of Greenland have good reason to be suspicious of
dealing with us, and some of them did not want to so. But they trust me,
and I trust you."

Perhaps you can argue that no one owns the rights to any kayak skill, but
the matter really boils down to respect. Had the Greenlanders been
approached and offered their advice and input, perhaps the outcome would
have been different. Perhaps the ACA should donate a portion of its take to
kayaking and cultural programs in Greenland. At any rate, the Greenlanders
and John Heath are extremely opposed to this program (and news about a
similar BCU program) and can use your help. 

What to do. Out of respect for the Greenlanders and John Heath I feel the
ACA should hold off on a decision to start certification until the
Greenlanders have had time to meet, heads have cooled and the issues have
been discussed. In the meantime, please write to the ACA
<mailto:acadirect_at_aol.com> and urge that the Greenland kayak instructor
certification program be suspended. You can reach John Heath at
<mailto:jdheath_at_fbtc.net>

Greg Stamer



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