GG’s Nunavut tour packed with community events

Governor General David Johnston’s tour of Nunavut, which starts Aug. 15 in Iqaluit, will take him through a packed schedule of events in five communities, including two places where residents will a experience a Governor General’s visit for the first time: Kugaaruk and Qikiqtarjuaq.

Johnston, 70, a former law professor and university administrator, was sworn in to the position this past October. This is his first visit to Nunavut.

His tour schedule, release Aug. 12, includes the following events:

Iqaluit, Aug. 15, 16

1:35 p.m., Aug. 15: Arrival at airport and welcoming ceremony at the RCMP hangar in Iqaluit

6:00 p.m., Aug. 15: Community feast at Arctic Winter Games arena, with presentation of Northern Medal

Also on Aug. 15, Johnston will make visit the offices of various Nunavut VIPs in Iqaluit, such as NTI president Cathy Towtongie and Iqaluit mayor Madeleine Redfern.

On Aug. 16, Johnston will tour the Nunavut Research Institute, the Tukisigiarvik Society, and the Nunavut Hockey Stars Camp.

Qikiqtarjuaq, Aug. 17

11:00 a.m. Community gathering and welcoming reception at the community centre.

1:00 p.m. Visit to Auyuittuq National Park, in a boat tour to Coronation Fiord.

Repulse Bay, Aug. 18

9:30 a.m. The Repulse Bay annual Terry Fox run

11:00 a.m. Community gathering at the community centre.

12:30 p.m. Lunch with students from Tusarvik School.

2:20 p.m. Discussion with Repulse Bay elders.

Kugaaruk

10:45 a.m. Participation in kayak workshop.

11:45 a.m. Lunch at elders camp, with students from Kugaaruk School.

Resolute Bay, Aug. 19, 20, 21