Mamidosewin Centre hosts Nunavut Day activities

Nunavut Day, celebrated annually on July 9, is a public holiday in Nunavut that recognizes the 1993 passage of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Nunavut Act, which laid the foundation for the creation of Nunavut and advanced Inuit self-determination.

The day was enthusiastically marked at the Mamidosewin Centre.

Students from the Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) program joined Inuit drummer Donovan Gordon-Tootoo, Indigenous consultant Pitseolak Pfeiffer and Elder Reepa Carleton for learning, singing and conversation.

The occasion celebrates Inuit culture, heritage and traditions, while highlighting the significance of the land claims agreement.

Algonquin College is proud to recognize Nunavut Day and its Inuit students.

Inuit elder Reepa Carleton lights the traditional light or lamp called a qulliq (also spelled kudlik or qulleq). The oil, made from rendered animal fat, also uses a form of cotton and grass or moss to make the wick with the oil.

Drummer Donovan Gordon-Tootoo shared Inuit songs and drumming while also allowing students from NYA to participate and perform drumming and singing.

Pitseolak Pheiffer shared his experiences growing up in Nunavut and spoke about the importance of learning, healing and connecting.