Olympic torch burns in Nunavut this week

Iqaluit’s torch relay march will start in Apex and continue around the city until it arrives at the Parnaivik parking lot, where an evening of celebrations will start at 6:00 p.m. (COURTESY OF THE CITY OF IQALUIT)

The Olympic torch relay is now on in Nunavut, starting with its Nov. 5 visit to Kugluktuk.

“This is a special occasion for Nunavummiut to inspire the rest of the country with our vast landscape, diverse culture and strong and joyful spirit,” said Louis Tapardjuk, Nunavut’s minister of culture, language, elders and youth, in a Nov. 4 news release.

After Kugluktuk, the torch will head to Alert, Resolute Bay and Iqaluit on Monday, Nov. 9.

Celebrations are planned in each community to generate enthusiasm for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games — the final destination of the torch.

Each celebration along the way will showcase local talent, youth, culture and sport, notes the Government of Nunavut news release.

“I am very proud that so many Nunavummiut are taking part in this event,” said Peter Taptuna, MLA for Kugluktuk and Nunavut’s minister of economic development and transportation.

The GN has been working with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to bring the torch relay celebrations to the territory.

The City of Iqaluit will host the torch relay on the evening of Nov. 9, where it will start in Apex at the old Hudson Bay Co. building, from which point the torch will travel throughout Apex and Iqaluit.

The Iqaluit celebration will include drum-dancing, throat-singing, 2010 Olympic merchandise giveaways and fireworks.

It’s set to start at the Parnaivik parking lot and the Four Corners intersection at 6 p.m.

The torch will land in Kuujjuaq Nov. 10 at 8 a.m.

This map shows which roads will be closed in Iqaluit between 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Nov. 9 to accommodate the Olympic torch relay. (COURTESY OF THE CITY OF IQALUIT)