ITK approves new identity cards

The national Inuit organization, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami has approved a new national Inuit photo identification card, which would replace or complement existing beneficiary identification cards.

The decision to approve the new cards came at a board meeting in Repulse Bay, where the organization also held its annual general meeting.

Among the highlights of the back-to-back meetings was a special commemoration of the recent ratification of the Labrador Inuit land claim.

Toby Anderson, the vice-president of the Labrador Inuit Association, thanked ITK for its help in rallying beneficiaries to vote.

Anderson and elder Mariano Aupilardjuk lit candles in the meeting room.

During the meeting, Aupilardjuk received an award from ITK for his leadership as an elder. Jessie Mike received the Youth Role Model and Athlete Award.

The president of the Qullit Council on the Status of Women in Nunavut, Madeleine Qumuatuq, received the women’s award and filmmaker Zach Kunuk was also honoured for his contribution to Nunavut.