Seal meat, dinosaurs and friends: Nunavut Day celebrated in Canada’s eastern Arctic

July 9 is Nunavut Day, and in Iqaluit, people took to the streets to celebrate 26 years since the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act went into effect.

The territory of Nunavut turned 20 on April 1. The territory was separated from the Northwest Territories on that day in 1999.

Here are some shots from Nunavut Day festivities in the territory’s capital.

Canadian Rangers prepare seals and hand out fresh meat as part of the day’s celebratory feasting. (Sara Frizzell/CBC)

Tables and chairs were set up in downtown Iqaluit for Nunavut Day festivities. (Sara Frizzell/CBC)

Addison Tsang introduces his granddaughter Stella to some dinosaurs who were out celebrating Nunavut Day. (Sara Frizzell/CBC)

Madeleine Allakariallak, host of CBC’s Igalaaq, poses with Paul Quassa, MLA for Aggu, far left, John Amagoalik, known to many as the ‘Father of Nunavut,’ Evie Amagoalik and Elisapie Quassa. (Madeleine Allakariallak/CBC)

People mill around Iqaluit’s Four Corners in the city’s downtown core. (Sara Frizzell/CBC)

People soak up the sunshine in Iqaluit as Nunavut celebrates 26 years since the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act went into effect. (Madeleine Allakariallak/CBC)

Related stories from around the North:

Canada: Nunavut residents see progress, more work as territory turns 20, CBC News

Finland: Finnish gov pulls bill to ratify convention on Indigenous peoples’ rights, Yle News

Sweden: Calls for more Indigenous protection in Sweden on Sami national day, Radio Sweden

United States: Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated in Alaska, Alaska Public Media