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Iqaluit celebrates Nunavut Day

Nunavut Day marks Parliament's passage of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act, which went into effect July 9, 1993. It's celebrated as a milestone on the road to Nunavut becoming a territory, though that didn't happen officially until April 1, 1999.

Festivities included speeches, musical performances and a bannock-making competition

A person stands onstage before a crowd.
Nunavut Day in Iqaluit pictured on July 9, 2025. The festivities included speeches, competitions and musical performances. (David Gunn/CBC News)

Nunavut Day celebrations were held in Iqaluit on Wednesday. 

Some of the events included a speech by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, the presentation of King Charles medals, a bannock-making contest, musical performances and a barbecue. 

A woman stands behind a podium.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon delivered a speech in Iqaluit for Nunavut Day. (David Gunn/CBC News)

Nunavut Day marks when Parliament passed the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act, which went into effect July 9, 1993. The event is celebrated as a milestone on the road to Nunavut becoming a territory, although this didn't happen officially until April 1, 1999.

A band stands on stage during a sunny day.
Nunavut Day celebrations in Iqaluit included musical performances from Beatrice Deer. (David Gunn/CBC News)

Nunavut has continued to take on more autonomy since the agreement.

A woman crouches over a small stove outside.
Participants competed in bannock-making, among other events. (David Gunn/CBC News)

In January 2024, Nunavut signed a devolution agreement, giving it final say over a long list of decisions that were previously made in Ottawa.