Nunavut boosters go bullish in Boston

Ron Irwin, who served as the Liberal government’s minister of Indian and northern affairs from 1993 to 1997 and presided over most of the major decisions that made Nunavut what it is today, is now working on a scheme to boost Nunavut culture in New England.

Irwin is now the Canadian government’s Consul General in Boston. He wants to use his office to set up a “Nunavut Exposition” in New England in 2004.

He’s working with his former seat-mate, Jack Anawak, who was the Liberal MP for Nunatsiaq from 1988 until 1997, to organize a major promotion in New England in 2004. Anawak served for a time as Irwin’s parliamentary secretary.

Last April, they enlisted the support of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., DIAND, Heritage Canada, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

On a trip to Boston last week, a team of Nunavut officials led by Anawak worked out deals with various organizations and businesses in the Boston area that will see some Nunavut residents serving as trainees.

The Boston Children’s Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, the Gloucester Fish Auction, the Pucker Gallery and the Canadian Consulate General in Boston are all likely to take Inuit interns.

NTI has donated $100,000 to help pay the cost of setting up the Nunavut Exposition.

In a news release, NTI President Cathy Towtongie said she would like to see the money go toward cultural demonstrations to help educate Americans about Inuit culture.