Tourist guide to new territory launched on Nunavut Day

John Amagoalik celebrated Nunavut Day in the nation’s capital by helping to launcha comprehensive guide to Canada’s new territory.

About 200 people, including several members of Parliament, gathered at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa on Wednesday to mark the occasion. They were treated to Inuit games, drum dancing and traditional music.

Amagoalik, the chief commissioner of theNunavut Implementation Commission, wrote sections of the 400-pageNunavut Handbookdealing with Nunavut’s political development. He’s one of 46 writers, mostly Nunavut residents, who contributed to the guide.

Published byNortext Multimedia, the book’s launch was timed to coincide with a special exhibition at the Museum of Nature entitled Arctic Odyssey.

In a brief address, Amagoalik said Nunavut Day is a celebration of sharing and strength, “which come from the quiet, determined spirit of the people.”

The Handbook, which features color maps and pictures, took a year to write and produce. It was published first on the World Wide Web this spring before being printed in book format.

Nunavut Day celebrations in Ottawa were kicked off with fiddle music by Bill and Sarah Ekoomiak. Elder Mary Peter then lit the ceremonial qulliq.

Ayaya Singers Sophie McRae and Malachi Kigutaq sang Inuit songs accompanied by drum dancing and drumming by Mapaloo Ashoona.

Rhonda Ford and Simeonie Kunnuk kept the audience enthralled with their exhibition of Inuit games.