John Amagoalik, the “Father of Nunavut” to receive territory’s highest honour

John Amagoalik will receive the 2014 Order of Nunavut award at a ceremony to be held Oct. 28, 2014, 6 p.m. at the Nunavut legislative chambers in Iqaluit. (PHOTO BY JIM BELL)

John Amagoalik, often called the ‘Father of Nunavut’ for his involvement in the creation of the territory, is the 2014 recipient of the Order of Nunavut, the order’s advisory council announced in a Sept. 24 press release.

The recognition, which adds to Amagoalik’s numerous other awards, including the Diamond Jubilee Medal and a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, is the highest honour of Nunavut.

“John Amagoalik’s work to create Nunavut is recognized throughout the nation as having contributed to changing the face of Canada,” said George Qulaut, speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and chairperson of the order’s advisory council, in the press release.

Amagoalik began his political career in the 1970s and was intimately involved in the creation of Nunavut as a territory.

Over a long career, he held many important positions, including president of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, co-chair of the Inuit Committee on National Issues, chair of the Nunavut Constitution Forum and chief commissioner of the Nunavut Implementation Commission.

On Sept. 19, Amagoalik, who lives in Iqaluit resumed a long-standing column he used to write for Nunatsiaq News called “My Little Corner of Canada.”

An Order of Nunavut investiture ceremony will be held for Amagoalik at the chamber of the Nunavut legislature in Iqaluit Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.

The Order of Nunavut came into force in 2010 and recognizes Nunavummiut who have made exceptional cultural, social or economic contributions to the territory.

Past winners of the Order of Nunavut include Inuit leader Jose Kusugak and educator Mark Kalluak.

Last year’s award went to three recipients including Jimmy Akavak who retired from the Nunavut RCMP after 28 years of service.