News

Learning the art of the arm pull

Fourth grade finalists go for the win at Jaanimmarik School’s Arm Pull event in Kuujjuaq, during part of the school’s all-day Inuit games on March 7. The left pair is Sakgaliasi Koneak (front-facing) and Matthew York, who took first and second place respectively. On the right are Christopher May (on the floor) and Gulucky Grist, who took third and fourth place. (Photo by Isabelle Dubois)

Kuujjuaq celebrates winter fun

Kuujjuaq celebrated its Winter Carnival on Saturday, March 2, when residents met at Stewart Lake for a day of fun and treats organized by their local youth committee. Six tupiks housed activities and treats, including storytelling, live music, tea and bannock, and maple taffy. Each tent also had a wood stove to keep people toasty, while games and contests brought people outside. (Photo by Isabelle Dubois)

Meliadine pours its first brick of gold

Agnico Eagle employees gathered to celebrate the first pour of gold from the company’s Meliadine mine on Feb. 21. The mine, located near Rankin Inlet, is expected to begin production this spring and to operate for 15 years. (Photo courtesy of Agnico Eagle)

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Telling The Inuit Story

Nunavut Sivuniksavut presented “The Inuit Story: A Dramatization” at Ottawa’s Arts Court Theatre on March 5 and 6. The play helped students raise funds for their end-of-year cultural exchange trip. In two hours, students told the story of the Inuit’s role in Canadian (and pre-Canadian) history, from pre-contact to modern efforts in revitalization. The multi-media show featured live acting, music performances, video and slideshows, and was presented in English and Inuktitut. At the end of their March 6 matinee performance, the students paid special tribute to Peter Ittinuar, the first Inuk member of Parliament, who was in the audience. (Photo by Kahlan Miron)

Quassa raises questions about child welfare in Nunavut

Could jurisdiction over child and family services in Nunavut be transferred to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.? Paul Quassa, MLA for Aggu, put that question to Premier Joe Savikataaq in the legislature on Tuesday, March 12. He brought up the matter while discussing Parliament’s Bill C-92, a proposed new law that would give Indigenous people more say in child welfare matters, including apprehensions. Savikataaq replied that it’s premature to say what lies ahead, but the Government of Nunavut plans to make a presentation to the Senate committee studying the proposed law. “I can’t commit to a hypothetical situation here,” he told Quassa. At one point, Savikataaq pointed to his ministers, noting they are all Inuit, and implying they are well-placed to protect the rights of Inuit. Nunavut’s legislative sitting wrapped up yesterday afternoon. (Photo by Jane George)

Zach Kunuk to receive Order of Nunavut

“[His] creative vision has brought Inuit culture and language to a global audience”

Igloolik filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk will be the next recipient of the Order of Nunavut, the territory’s highest honour, handed out each year to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to Nunavut’s cultural, social or economic well-being. (File photo)

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Celebrating women’s strengths

From left: Elisapee Sheutiapik, Nunavut’s minister responsible for the status of women, and Sileema Angoyuak, president of Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, stand together on Saturday at Qulliit’s photo exhibit at Iqaluit’s Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum. This exhibition represents a small portion of the last five years of photos submitted for the International Women’s Day Photo Competition held by Qulliit. This year there were no new submissions and so no winner, but the sampling of photographs from the last five years brought in a small crowd to Saturday afternoon’s reception. The photos on display represent women’s strength, family, work, community and traditional clothing. They will be on display from March 8 until April 6. (Photo by Courtney Edgar)