Photo: Celebration of the Seal in Iqaluit

A crowd of hungry Iqalummiut and curious onlookers armed with cameras turned out for the annual Celebration of the Seal event in Iqaluit June 28 at Iqaluit Square. People watched three hunters carve up seal in a competition, and they also saw group of youngsters dressed in seal sing traditional songs. “People are really enjoying the celebration and are really thankful for the food that we have,” said seamstress and master of ceremonies Elisapi Davidee-Aningmiuq. “The seal is the main diet of the Inuit, and it’s so very important.” Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna also showed up to the event. “The Government of Nunavut helps to support this annual event to show our support for the seal hunters,” Taptuna said. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the importance of seal in our culture, our heritage and our health, and in our economy.” (PHOTO BY DAVID MURPHY)