Nunavut Day celebrated across territory

Nunavut Day is being celebrated across the territory Friday, to mark the 28th anniversary of Parliament’s passing of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

Nunavut formally came into being later, on April 1, 1999.

In Pangnirtung, residents are celebrating Nunavut Day with a wide range of events, including a parade featuring a candy toss, a vehicle-decorating competition, a contest to craft amautis and parkas out of garbage bags, elders sharing stories over community radio, games in the community centre, a community barbecue and live music.

Premier Joe Savikataaq marked the occasion with a social-media post that touted his government’s accomplishments over the past three years.

“Despite COVID, I’m really happy with what we’ve accomplished over the last year,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Nunavummiut, we’ve been working hard to build a stronger, better territory, with programs, services and infrastructure to help everyone. Happy #Nunavut Day!”

Federal ministers also chimed in.

“Canada is a proud Arctic country and today, we join together with Nunavummiut to celebrate Inuit self-determination and Nunavut’s contribution to Canada and the world,” says a joint statement issued by Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller and Northern Affairs Minister Daniel Vandal.

“Happy Nunavut Day! Nunavut ullunganit nalliunirsiutsiarit!”