ullukut ilonnasi [ee-loon-nah-see] | good day, everyone!
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day. For NunatuKavut Inuit, it is a time to celebrate our connection to our place, our home. Our way has always been one of sharing, caring, fairness and respect. We cherish days like these that honour not only our contributions, but also the contributions of all Indigenous peoples—to society and to one another.
It is a day to recognize and uplift the original peoples of this land. We reflect on our strength and resilience, and we teach our children and youth of our history, so that they may carry it forward with pride – knowing who they are and where they come from.
NunatuKavut Inuit have a longstanding relationship with our territory and the land, ice and waters that surround us. This relationship is a living tapestry that weaves together our past, our present, and our future. As we fish in our waters, harvest on our lands, trap our rivers, navigate hunting routes and provide for our families, we honour those who have protected and sustained these places over generations.
We are on a beautiful journey together as we reclaim our Inuttitut language and our drum, protect and preserve our husky dog teams, share our own stories, speak our truths, and work to ensure that modern education systems reflect the history and culture of our people. Our youth and Elders are at the heart of this effort, eager to share their skills and knowledge – work that will be central to our new NunatuKavut Youth Action Project.
NunatuKavut Inuit are beneficiaries of the British-Inuit Treaty of 1765, a significant milestone in our history. Today we celebrate that Treaty, one that first recognized and protected our rights as Inuit 260 years ago. We look forward to commemorating this important anniversary this year in Charlottetown, NunatuKavut on August 23.
The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) continues to engage in modern Treaty talks with the with federal and provincial governments. This is part of our ongoing journey toward the full recognition of our Indigenous rights and self-determination. We are working hard to ensure our rights are respected and our lands and waters are protected from significant impacts like climate change and resource development.
Wherever you are today, I encourage you to celebrate and reflect. I encourage each of you to continue taking action to affirm your identity, your place and your rights as NunatuKavut Inuit. We have always been here and we are still here. This is our home.
On behalf of NCC, I wish you all a meaningful and enjoyable National Indigenous Peoples Day.
nakummesuak,
President Todd Russell