July 16, 1993

On July 9, 1993, the Nunavut land claims agreement and the Nunavut Act became Canadian law.

Coppermine shines for Nunavut celebration

LISA GREGOIRE
Nunatsiaq News

"Let us have a great celebration for this is a day to remember. A day we will always cherish. A day we will call Nunavut Day for the rest of our future."
- NTI President Paul Quassa

But this was a birthday party like no other. The presents? The largest land claim in the history of this country and the tools for creating the new territory of Nunavut.

Prime Minister Kim Campbell wasn't there. Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn wasn't there either. But this wasn't a party for the politicians. This was a birthday celebration for the people of Nunavut. They came from Grise Fiord, Pelly Bay, Chesterfield Inlet, Cape Dorset, Sanikiluaq and Cambridge Bay. They came from all over Nunavut to wave flags and to honour July 9 as the day when words were transformed into deeds.

A special day

About 300 delegates, guests and residents of Coppermine gathered at the OMI Lapointe ballpark early last Friday to witness the proclamation of the Nunavut land claims agreement and the Nunavut Act.

Delegates from each community, led by youths bearing flags from various Nunavut municipalities, paraded onto the grounds at around 11:30 a.m.

Then they spent the next half hour swatting mosquitoes while they waited for the leaders and politicians to arrive from the airport. Some people clad only in T-shirts under the warm noon sun provided a free lunch to Coppermine's swarming mosquito population.

Former leaders remembered

The ceremony began with a word from Edna Elias, the chief organizer for the celebration.

"When John Amagoalik, father of Nunavut, opened the ceremony in Iqaluit two months ago, he said, 'Welcome to my little corner of Canada.' Well, I say today; Welcome to my little corner of Nunavut."

The Coppermine ceremony that proclaimed the Nunavut land claims agreement and the Nunavut Act as Canadian law on July 9 was above all a chance for leaders to say thank you to everyone who gave years of their lives negotiating the two agreements.

In his opening remarks, Tunngavik President Paul Quassa thanked other native groups in the Western Arctic — the Dene and the Inuvialuit in particular — for sacrifices they made to help clear the way for Nunavut. Quassa also thanked federal government negotiators for being patient, and for knowing when to compromise.

Government Leader Nellie Cournoyea said today's leaders should never forget those who came before them.

"The hard work of the Inuit and government negotiators was recognized (at the May 25 signing agreement in Iqaluit), but it's worthwhile mentioning it a second time," Cournoyea said.

"They had the patience and perseverance when things must have been tough. This represents a new relationship between Inuit and government and the success of that relationship depends on our willingness and determination to work together."

Looking ahead

Some leaders also talked about the need for continued patience and cooperation for the next six years, so that the agreement would be implemented properly.

"This marks a new beginning and a bright future for ourselves, our children, and our children's children," said Helen Maksagak, a Cambridge Bay resident who is deputy commissioner of the Northwest Territories.

"May God be with you as we move into the future," she said.

That future is filled with opportunity, Maksagak said. She said in order to take advantage of opportunity, Inuit need to be educated and trained so they will be ready hold to the reins of power in 1999. She said that although the day marked a milestone, there were many more to go before they reach their destination.

Fresh new face

Pauline Browes, the new minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, handed over the Governor General's order-in-council to Quassa, which means that the Nunavut Land Claims Settlement Act is now law.

Browes has only held the job for three weeks and still needs a little practice pronouncing the name of the new territory, but she said her department was committed to implementing the land claim. She called the claim, "a cornerstone in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs agenda."

"It creates a sense of place, and for the youth, a sense of purpose. It's bold and inspiring," she said. "I intend to maintain the partnership formed between the government and the Inuit... I look forward to your strong commitments."

Browes said the land claim was an investment in the Inuit and their children, and she said that Inuit are now recognized as equal partners with the federal government.

She said the federal government would put the Nunavut experience to good use as it works toward settling other land claims in the western NWT and elsewhere in Canada.

After official speeches and gift-giving, the Kugluktuk School Drum Dancers performed a special show for Browes, who had to leave Coppermine in a few hours.

A luncheon was then held at the hamlet office, and this was followed by an impromptu meeting of the Nunavut caucus — the Nunavut members of the legislative assembly in Yellowknife.

High Arctic MLA Ludy Pudluk said these types of backroom meetings are bound to happen over the weekend, even though people were there to celebrate the proclamation. Politicians will be politicians," he said.