Celebrating Nunavut with style

IQALUIT — Communities throughout the territory rang in July 9, Nunavut Day, with games, parades, feasts and Inuktitut dances.

The day commemorates July 9, 1993 — the day the Governor General of Canada proclaimed the Nunavut Land Claims Settlement Act and the Nunavut Act.

In the capital, about 500 Iqalungmiut gathered for an outdoor concert in front of Nakasuk School, where local band Uvagut performed a mix of Inuktitut songs and rock ‘n’ roll tunes.

The crowds were also treated to a fashion show that highlighted traditional Inuit clothing, such as the amauti, and more contemporary items, including dyed seal-skin vests. Following the fashion show, judges gave out awards for the best designs.

The celebrations ended with an evening of Inuit games and Inuktitut dancing at the Iqaluit parish hall.