Hot barbecues and cool tunes on tap across territory for Nunavut Day
July 9 is a statutory holiday, so also expect office closures and holiday hours at retailers
July 9 is Nunavut Day, a statutory holiday across the territory, so expect closures and reduced hours for services. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is hosting gatherings in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay. In this photo, Beatrice Deer performs last year in Iqaluit for Nunavut Day. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
A variety of events are lined up for Thursday as people across Nunavut get ready to celebrate 27 years as a territory.
Many people might likely take the day off to go boating, hunting, fishing, or just enjoy the land. For those who stay in town, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is hosting events in Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet.
Iqaluit
Get ready for some tunes. Noteven!, a local band that performs classic Inuit tunes from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as original songs, is scheduled to perform a set along with other musical acts.
People can feed their hungry bellies with hot dogs, bannock, and country food for elders. There is also planned contests and other activities, including a candy toss to round out the afternoon.
The festivities are scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nakasuk School grounds.
Rankin Inlet
A parade is planned for Rankin Inlet, led by the fire department and starting at 12 p.m., in front of the hamlet office.
Then, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., people can head to the Singiittuq Complex grounds for performances by Terry Uyarak and throat singers. Prize draws and a vehicle decorating contest are also scheduled.
On the menu is caribou soup, barbecued treats and bannock.
Cambridge Bay
Events in Cambridge Bay are planned to start at 1 p.m. with a qulliq-lighting ceremony at the ball field. Activities are planned until 4 p.m. with prize draws, a community meal, and local performers.
Other events include dancing, activities for youth, and family games.
Other communities
People across Nunavut can contact their hamlet offices to find out what events are happening in their hamlets.
Closures
Nunavut Day is a statutory holiday in Nunavut, so expect closures at government offices and limited services.
Iqaluit’s Aquatic Centre will be open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., while all other recreation facilities will be closed. The holiday will not affect trucked services, which will operate regular hours.
The City of Iqaluit has also announced two road closures for July 9. Queen Elizabeth Way will be closed from Sinaa Street to the entrance of the Nakasuk School from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to accommodate the gathering at the school grounds.
Ungalliqpaat Crescent, next to the city’s ball diamond near the airport, will be closed from Ukkivik Lane to Sivumugiaq Street from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the Nunavut Day softball tournament.
Private stores and business around Nunavut will operate on their holiday hour schedules.
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