Premier, ministers celebrate International Women’s Day

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok and territorial ministers including Margaret Nakashuk honoured International Women’s Day in the legislative assembly Wednesday.

The premier and ministers made statements noting women who have made a difference in Nunavut, and spoke to the significance of this year’s theme, which is “embracing equity.”

Akeeagok recognized, in particular, the contributions of the territory’s former deputy commissioner Rebekah Williams.

Sworn into the position in 2019, her term ended in December 2022.

Williams wore many hats while in government, including helping establish Nunavut’s Department of Justice and being appointed the department’s assistant deputy minister upon the creation of the territory in 1999.

“I say thank you to Rebekah for her dedication to Nunavut,” Akeeagok said in the assembly.

“I am honoured to be recognizing Rebekah for her instrumental leadership on this International Women’s Day.”

In her statement in the legislative assembly, Nakashuk — who is Nunavut’s Minister Responsible for the Status of Women — also spoke to women in Nunavut who have spearheaded equality in myriad ways.

She highlighted, in particular, the work of the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, which advocates for the rights of women and girls.

“I look forward to working with the council in the coming years,” Nakashuk said in her statement.

The Government of Nunavut, Qulliit and the YWCA together also hosted a gender-diverse marketplace to mark the day in Iqaluit.

Involving local artists, vendors and information service providers such as the Nunavut Arctic College, the marketplace took place from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Tukisigiarvik Centre.

Other Inuit officials and organizations honouring International Women’s Day include Governor General Mary Simon, who shared a message about creating safer digital spaces for women on her social media accounts.

As well, the City of Iqaluit marked the day by having an all-women team on call at the fire department.