ullukut friends,
Inovia is upon us once again! This is a special time of year. A time of hope and reflection, to be with family and kin, and to celebrate one another and the beautiful land which we call home.
NunatuKavut Inuit are connected by a shared system of values and traditions that remind us of who we are and where we’ve come from. It is important that we maintain our deep connection to our land, ice and waters, but also to one another and our communities.
During this time of year, we know that there are those within our communities who may be feeling alone and vulnerable. It is important that we live our lives practicing what we have learned through our teachings, culture and way of life. Reach out to those in need, help them and be a source of encouragement. Be the reason that they smile this Season.
Our communities have experienced much loss. I personally lost my father, Freeman Russell. He was a knowledge holder, an angajukKâk, an Elder. He loved to interact with people and he took every opportunity to share his culture and traditions and his experiences. He did his part and so much more to help our people move forward. My family and I will miss him dearly, yet we are very proud of the legacy he has left behind and the immense impact he has made on those around him.
While 2024 was filled with lots of good work and accomplishment, it was not without its challenges. And now, we look to 2025 with optimism and promise. With so much development potential on the horizon for Labrador, NCC is committed to ensuring the rights and interests of NunatuKavut Inuit are recognized and respected. When our families are strong, so are our communities, and our places. There is much to be done and I, the entire Council and team, are energized to make our future the best that it can be.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual General Assembly (AGA) in February and March 2025. Charlottetown will host the meetings this year and the closing supper will be held in Mary’s Harbour. This year’s theme is anKamit (ahn-ha-mit), which means ‘where we are from, our home.’ The AGA is a tremendous gathering of our people to plan for our future and to take part in activities that celebrate who we are as Inuit.
On behalf of the NunatuKavut Community Council and my Governing Council colleagues, I wish you many blessings and abundant love, and that these follow you into 2025.
kuvianak inovia – Merry Christmas!
President Todd Russell
Photo credits: Seal Skin – Alan Russell; Northern Lights – Morgan Elson; Caribou – Tara Keefe