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Jigging, country food and music: Iqaluit celebrates a quarter-century of Nunavut

Nunavut officially became a territory on April 1, 1999, when it separated from the Northwest Territories. 

Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon joined celebrations in territory's capital

CBC News ·
A small group of people jig to music being played in the background
Iqaluit Mayor Solomon Awa, front right, jigs with Iqaluit-Sinaa MLA Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster as former Nunavut Premier Paul Quassa dances in the background. (TJ Dhir/CBC )

There was jigging, singing and country food aplenty as Iqaluit residents and special guests celebrated the 25th anniversary of Nunavut on Monday. 

Nunavut officially became a territory on April 1, 1999, when it separated from the Northwest Territories. 

Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon made the trip to Iqaluit for the event. She was joined by Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Commissioner Eva Qamaniq Aariak, MP Lori Idlout, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree and a long list of former Nunavut premiers and politicians. 

"We have shown Canada, and the world, the strength of our consensus-based political structure and what can be achieved when drawing from both Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and contemporary systems of governance," Akeeagok said. 

"I hope this celebration inspires pride in young Nunavummiut, as they are the ones who will take our territory forward as we undergo the process of devolution from the Government of Canada and bring home decision-making about our land, resources, and waters," he added. 

The day ended with a special fireworks display over Frobisher Bay. 

Simon continues her tour of Nunavut, visiting Kimmirut and Qikiqtarjuaq over the coming days. 

Four people hold a knife to cut into a Nunavut flag cake.
From left to right, Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Lightstone, Premier P.J Akeeagok, Iqaluit-Sinaa MLA Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster and Iqaluit-Tasiluk MLA George Hickes cut into a Nunavut cake. (TJ Dhir/CBC)
Two young woman throat sing, facing each other on stage
Leanna Wilson, left, and Tooma Laisa throat sing for a packed audience. (TJ Dhir/CBC )
A man cuts up country food and puts it on a woman's plate.
Country food, including char and caribou is served up at the Nunavut 25th anniversary celebrations in Iqaluit on Monday. (TJ Dhir/CBC )
A three-person band performs on a stage
Iqaluit-based band The Trade-Offs perform at the anniversary celebrations. (TJ Dhir/CBC )
Two women face each other as they talk
Commissioner of Nunavut and former premier Eva Qamaniq Aariak speaks with Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon during her visit to Iqaluit on Monday. (Carl Cardinal/CBC )
Seven people, including Canada's Governor General, pose for a photo
Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon and Iqaluit Mayor Solomon Awa (second from left) pose for a photo with members of the Canadian Rangers on Monday. (Carl Cardinal/CBC )
A man wearing a red traditional Inuit shirt speaks at a podium.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok speaks at an event at Aqsarniit Hotel in Iqaluit to celebrate the territory's 25th anniversary on Monday. (TJ Dhir/CBC )
A crowd of people sit at tables in a room.
People pack into the Aqsarniit Hotel's ballroom to feast and watch live performances as part of the anniversary celebrations. (TJ Dhir/CBC)

 

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