Iqaluit celebrates Nunavut Day with games, performances and lots of hot dogs
Alianait Arts Festival also wraps up Tuesday
A woman wrapped in the Nunavut flag stands in a crowd outside of a Nunavut Day concert in Iqaluit on Tuesday. The annual holiday marks the signing of the land claims agreement that led to the creation of Nunavut, but is usually the occasion for community celebrations across the territory. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
Thousands of people gathered Tuesday at Iqaluit Square and in the Canadian North tent next to Nakasuk Elementary School for the 25th Nunavut Day celebration with entertainment, door prizes, games and a barbecue.
Nunavut Day marks the adoption of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in 1993 and the establishment of Nunavut as its own territory six years later in 1999.
Tuesday’s celebration was delayed a half-hour due to an afternoon power outage in Iqaluit.
While people were encouraged to stay outside the tent and wait for the power to come back on, many gathered on the basketball court in front of Nakasuk school for a quick game of moneyball.
About 1:30 p.m., the concert at the tent started with performances by Monica Qattalik, Eva and Angu, Rosalie and Felix, the band Not Even, and JoEllen Pameolik.
Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Nunavut Commissioner Eva Qamaniq Aariak joined with the volunteers and spent more than two hours at Iqaluit Square helping grill more than 1,000 burgers and 2,000 hot dogs.
“I thought this lineup was never going to end,” Akeeagok said at the end of the celebration.
The 20th edition of the Alianait Arts Festival also wrapped up on Tuesday. The festival opened July 6 and offered a daily roster of live entertainment, food and cultural activities.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Commissioner Eva Qamaniq Aariak help grill burgers at the community barbecue at Iqaluit Square on Nunavut Day celebrations Tuesday. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
Hot diggity dog!