Nancy Karetak-Lindell

[Arts and Culture, October 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the honour of attending the opening of the first solo exhibition of an exceptional artist from Baker Lake, the geographical centre of my riding of Nunavut.

The National Gallery of Canada is featuring Marion Tuu'luq and her wonderful wall hangings which are truly masterpieces.

This was a very poignant evening too, as Marion passed away two weeks ago at the age of 92, but she was graciously represented by three generations: her daughter, Rosie, granddaughter, Phoebe Anne and six month old grandson, Obid.

I invite all hon. members to view these amazing wall hangings as the show will run until January 12, 2003.

My thanks to all those who have worked hard to make this show possible and celebrate Marion's work.

[North American Indigenous Games, October 10th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, this past summer more than 6,000 aboriginal youth gathered in Winnipeg for the 2002 North American Indigenous Games, a 10-day celebration of sport and culture.

Sport is an important part of aboriginal life and is a proven successful means by which to build healthy lifestyles, self-esteem and strong communities.

These games brought together the best of aboriginal sport, culture, heritage, community and spirit from throughout North America. The Government of Canada is proud to have supported this significant event.

I congratulate all those involved as volunteers, organizers and participants for the success of the 2002 North American Indigenous Games. These games contribute to the ongoing development of aboriginal sport and recreation in Canada.

I look forward to 2008 when Canada will again host this important event.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, today the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Nunavut Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth will sign a renewal of the Canada-Nunavut General Agreement on the Promotion of French and Inuktitut Languages.

The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the cultural identity of Inuit through the recognition, revitalization, preservation, use and development of Inuktitut and to provide for community involvement.

The agreement also ensures the provision of French services in the Government of Nunavut and supports community development in compliance with the Nunavut Official Languages Act.

The federal government's contribution will amount to $2.55 million; $1.1 million for Inuit community based projects in Inuktitut and $1.45 million for French language services and community projects.

[National Aboriginal Day, June 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, today is National Aboriginal Day, a day when Canadians from sea to sea to sea celebrate the culture and achievements of Canada's aboriginal people.

I celebrate the strength and the courage of the people. I celebrate the adaptability of the people. I celebrate the youth who have so many opportunities but also many challenges.

I celebrate the great knowledge that we have to share with the country, and even though we did not have a written language until very recently, the ability to pass on all that information, knowledge and creativity. I celebrate the creativity and the artistic ability of the aboriginal people.

I am very pleased to share this day with Canadians. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing all Canadians a very happy National Aboriginal Day.

[Arts and Culture, June 18th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, this week in the national capital region the first national gathering on aboriginal artistic expression is taking place. This event brings together more than 250 Canadians, such as aboriginal artists, performers and entrepreneurs, with special departments, agencies and the private sector.

Could the Minister of Canadian Heritage please tell the House why the government is investing in this gathering?

[Aboriginal Affairs, June 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

First as an aboriginal and second as a member of the aboriginal affairs committee, I am very interested in any developments in the Marshall decision.

Could the Secretary of State for Indian Affairs and Northern Development tell us what progress is being made on treaty rights with regard to the Marshall decision?

[Anglican Diocese of the Arctic, June 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, recently members of the Anglican Diocese of the Arctic met in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.

During their 10 day meeting, the first Inuk Bishop of the Arctic was elected, Andrew Atagutaaluk.

Andrew will succeed Chris Williams, who is retiring after serving in the Arctic for 42 years. Chris and his wife Rona came to the north from Cheshire, England and brought up their two children, Ron and Julia, in various communities in Nunavut. Chris has dedicated his life to the Anglican Church, serving Inuit in Inuktitut respectfully and thoughtfully.

I would like to ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Andrew Atagutaaluk, who will be ordained as bishop in September, and in thanking Chris and Rona Williams for their lifetime of service and wishing them a very happy retirement.

[Nunavut, June 3rd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to a great Canadian, Graham Rowley and his wife, Diana.

Graham Rowley has dedicated his life to Nunavut and Nunavummiut from mapping unchartered land in the 1930s by dog team to excavating archaeological sites in the Iglooik area. He has contributed greatly to the knowledge of Nunavut while working with the Inuit respectfully sharing and learning with them.

Graham has received both the Order of Canada and the Northern Science Research Medal and has written an exciting book about his adventures in Nunavut.

My son, Keenan, and I have had the honour of spending time with both Graham and his wife Diana, and I ask my colleagues to join with me to pay tribute to this great explorer and his wife.

[Nunavut Sivuniksavut, May 23rd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, on May 15 this year's students of Nunavut Sivuniksavut celebrated their graduation with family and friends.

Nunavut Sivuniksavut is a unique eight month training program based here in Ottawa for young Nunavut beneficiaries to study Inuit history, contemporary issues, the Nunavut land claim, Inuit government relations and learn cultural activities that include traditional games, drum dancing and throat singing.

It is very exciting for students to come south to explore a different kind of culture and to experience living on their own. The students act as a support group for each other and lasting friendships are made during the program.

Nunavut Sivuniksavut is a beneficial program providing both excellent academic and life skills to the future leaders of Nunavut.

I congratulate the students of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut training program for their achievements and wish them luck in their future endeavours.

[Goo Arlooktoo, May 9th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I inform the House of the passing of Goo Arlooktoo on April 30 at the age of 38.

As MLA for South Baffin in the government of the Northwest Territories Goo Arlooktoo was involved in the creation of Nunavut. In the government of the Northwest Territories Goo served as minister of justice and housing, was deputy premier and was acting premier of the Northwest Territories for a short period of time.

I have fond memories of visiting Goo's beautiful home community of Kimmirut with my colleague from Brant, Ontario and enjoyed the great fishing.

The loss of such a man as Goo Arlooktoo deprives Nunavut of an energetic visionary and we will all feel the loss of his contribution. My thoughts are with Dorothy Zoe, Goo's wife, and their four children and all his family in this time of sorrow.