Opening of Nunavut’s legislature a joyous occasion
IQALUIT — It was a joyous occasion on Oct. 19 as Nunavut’s first team of MLAs, and dignitaries from legislatures across Canada officially opened Nunavut’s new legislative assembly.
Elders Johnny Nakoolak and Naomi Panikpakutsuk cutting a sealskin to open Nunavut’s new legislature at a ceremony in Iqaluit on Oct. 19.
And as elders Naomi Panikpakutsuk and Johnny Nakoolak sliced a sealskin instead of a ribbon, to cap the ceremonies, cheering, clapping and thumping spontaneously arose from around Nunavut’s legislative chamber.
This sealskin cutting also honored the presence of new and old within Nunavut’s new government.
“We have not only inherited our traditional Inuit values, but the strength and sureness that Inuit had so long ago,” master-of-ceremonies Peter Irniq told those present.
“It will be a modern system of government, similar to those shared by our fellow Canadians. That is what Nunavut strives for. We want to be a partnership with Canada.”
A letter of congratulations sent by DIAND minister Bob Nault emphasized Nunavut’s example as “model of partnership.”
Officials representing the federal government and the legislatures of Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Yukon and the Northwest Territories also welcomed Nunavut into the parliamentary fold.
“A long life to the democratic tradition of Nunavut!” declared Rosaire Bertrand, a member of Quebec’s National Assembly.
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the former “baby” of the Canadian confederation, offered its best wishes to Nunavut.
“It is my wish that the people of Nunavut will enjoy the same level of happiness and prosperity as we have over the past 50 years,” said Lloyd Snow, speaker of the Newfoundland House of Assembly.
The visitors also brought gifts that will become permanent fixtures in Nunavut’s legislature.
These include sealskin chairs from DIAND and Newfoundland, a print from Quebec, a handcrafted wall-hanging of the coat of arms from Nova Scotia, a bookcase from British Columbia, a wood carving of Nunavut’s official symbols from New Brunswick, a coat of arms crafted in caribou fur tufting from the Northwest Territories, and a spectacular speakers’ podium from the government of the Yukon.
This podium, from Yukon’s Tlingit Nation, shows their legendary creator, the Raven, bringing light to Nunavut, its people and government.
The elegantly traditional design and furnishings of the assembly room, and its use of natural resources, impressed many who came to the opening.
The performances by Arqsaniit Iliniavivik’s choir, David Serkoak’s young drummers and throat-singers Madeleine Allakariallak and Phoebe Atagotaaluk brought home this same combination of old and new and underscored the union between a public government and ancient traditions.
“I see the best of two worlds,” said Nunatsiaq MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell.
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