ᓇᓂᓯᓂᖅ ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᖃᐅᔨᒪᔭᑐᖃᖏᑦ
Inuit lived for thousands of years as a self-governing people. We had our own learning systems, justice system, and lived our lives based on a philosophy of how to live a good life, at peace with the land.
Our lives changed abruptly only a short time ago. Missionaries came to our land and changed our names, and our lives. We were kidnapped from our parents and put in residential schools where many of us suffered unspeakable abuse. We were taken off the land and into communities. Commercial forces depleted the wildlife on which we depended to live. But we perservered, and we were patient in our efforts to reclaim our land.
The Fathers of Nunavut were brave and went south to negotiate in the interests of our people, and the land.
In 1993 the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement was signed, the largest land claim in Canada's history.
And in 1999, Canada's newest territory was created: Nunavut. In the language of the Inuit, Nunavut means our land. Our land.
Did you go see the new Legislature of Nunavut in Iqaluit before you boarded the ship? No? You must... I will help. I was the Commissioner of Nunavut and I will personally guide you. The Legislature represents the dream of Inuit to reclaim the land, their lives, and their way of life.
Let's go! I'll meet you there, you'll find me!