Sunshine, celebrations brighten Nunavut Day in Iqaluit

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says Nunavummiut have a lot to be proud of as hundreds gathered to celebrate Nunavut Day in Iqaluit.

“When I look across this area and see so many people, I just feel that there is so much to celebrate today,” Simon told a crowd at Nakasuk Elementary School.

“When the territory was created, a lot of a lot of things happened. I think there will always be challenges in our lives, and we will have to continue working to improve life in our communities. But we must also recognize the achievements that you’ve made in the territory.”

Simon told the crowd to “feel the connection you have with one of the most special places on Earth.”

Her speech ended on an awkward note when she concluded by saying, “Happy Canada Day.”

Realizing the slip, she ran back to the microphone to enthusiastically proclaim “Happy Nunavut Day!” and was met with applause.

Iqaluit’s Nunavut Day gathering, organized by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., gave people the chance to bask in the sunshine as temperatures reached 16 C.

Lineups for food were hundreds of people long, whether you wanted hot dogs from the Government of Nunavut barbecue, doughnuts that Canadian North shipped up from SuzyQ in Ottawa, or country food from the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre.

On the Nakasuk basketball courts, people gathered for bannock-making and Inuit games.

The main stage kept the audience’s attention with performances, a traditional clothing show and draw prizes.

Nunavik singer Beatrice Deer had people singing and dancing throughout her set as she sang her hit “Nalligivagit,” which means “I love you” in English, and other songs of the North.

“I’m very happy to be here. The crowd is huge!” Deer said after her set.

Simon’s presence at the festivities drew much of the attention as people approached her for hugs, handshakes and photos.

At one point, she joined Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Commissioner Eva Aariak in serving hot dogs.

NTI president Jeremy Tunraluk said he was glad Simon came, spoke to the crowd in Inuktitut and touted the progress Nunavut has made over the years.

“It’s just a beautiful day to celebrate Nunavut Day, and I’m very excited,” he said in an interview.

Nunavut Day marks Parliament’s passage of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Nunavut Act on July 9, 1993.

For Paul Quassa, who signed that agreement 32 years ago, celebrating it never gets old, and he thinks about the many people who helped make it happen.

“I would be interested in seeing, what will another 35 years bring?” Quassa asked.

“That’s what I’m looking forward to, but I don’t know if I will be around.”