Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon praises community spirit in Nunavut Day remarks
Canada’s Governor General, Mary Simon, delivered Nunavut Day remarks on July 9, saying that the sense of community in this Arctic territory of Canada is one of its defining features.
“When I was here last spring, I saw first-hand the great work you are doing in Iqaluit, and across the territory,” Simon said in the speech, given in Iqaluit and posted on the Governor General website.
“Young adults, ready to lead, with new and exciting ideas. Teachers, Elders, mothers and fathers, passing down knowledge, in school and out on the land. Inuit educators, speaking and strengthening our Inuktut languages. The time we take to teach and learn is a powerful source of hope.”
July 9 marks the signing of the 1993 Nunavut Agreement which led to the creation of the territory, carved out of the eastern part of the Northwest Territories.
- agreement between federal government and Inuit in the eastern Arctic
- signed 1993
- led to the creation of Nunavut territory in 1999
- ensures Inuit rights to land and resources, including wildlife management and economic development
“On Nunavut Day, we celebrate the culture, strength, and achievements of Nunavummiut [people of Nunavut],” Rebecca Chartrand, Canada’s Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, and Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, said in a joint statement
“This day marks a key moment in our shared history when the Nunavut Agreement was signed, which led to the creation of Nunavut and the protection of Inuit rights to land, culture, and self-determination.”
Day marked by community events
Nunavut Day is typically marked by BBQs and games in communities across the territory and several online events.
Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay will hold community BBQs along with a selection of other events including family activities and games.
Online contests and giveaways, including a snowmobile and ATV draw, will also take place. Inuit residents enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will automatically be entered into the snowmobile and ATV draw, with winners announced on Nunavut Day.
Online contests start on Nunavut Day, with winners announced on July 25.
- Inuktitut Song Challenge for Children (Ages 4-11): Children can record and submit a video singing their favourite song in Inuktitut. Ten winners will receive prizes.
- On The Land Art Contest for Youth (Ages 12-16): Youth are invited to create artwork using natural materials from the land. Ten winners will receive prizes.
- Decorating Contest for Adults (Ages 16+): Adults are challenged to decorate a vehicle, boat, shed, cabin, or house to celebrate Nunavut Day. Ten prizes of $500 will be awarded.
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Canada: Celebrations begin Saturday to mark 50 years of Yukon land claims history, CBC News
