Re: [Paddlewise] ACA Greenland certification controversy

I am sure the ACA has no malicious intentions, but I think they could
easily back off on describing whatever it is they are certifying:
"Greenland". Even among Greenlanders I am sure there is disagreement with
regards to what is correct technique. The ACA should be free to "certify"
anything they want, but to set themselves up as authorities of what is
correct "Greenland" techniques is an insult to anyone who is actually from
Greenland.

Why not call it something else? I doubt "Silly Little Skinny Paddle
Technique" would fly :-), but how about "Freestyle Sea Kayaking". This does
not have the authoritative ring that the "Greenland" traditionalist of the
US may desire, but it leaves room for growth in the sport. Instead of
trying to lock the techniques into some misbegotten idea of how the
Greenlanders traditionally paddled, the name "Freestyle Sea Kayaking" would
permit innovation in techniques which is probably closer to the Greenland
tradition than anything the ACA could reasonably certify.

If the goal is to show respect for the traditional kayakers of Greenland,
the ACA could not start better than showing respect for the modern kayakers
of Greenland by paying attention to their wishes. The people of Greenland
do not have a lot. One thing they do have is their tradition. Let them keep
it. We have enough here that we do not need appropriate anyone else's
traditions.

Nick

At 1:01 AM -0400 7/2/99, Greg Stamer wrote:
>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
>
>
>
>***************************************************************************
>PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
>Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
>Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
>Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
>***************************************************************************




Nick Schade
Guillemot Kayaks
10 Ash Swamp Rd
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 659-8847

Schade_at_guillemot-kayaks.com
http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/

>>>>"It's not just Art, It's a Craft!"<<<<


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************