ullukut ilonnasi [ee-loon-nah-see], good day, everyone!
On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate all the Indigenous peoples of this land and who we are as NunatuKavut Inuit.
It is an opportunity to reflect on our deep connection to the land, waters and ice that make up our home. For generations, our ancestors respected our natural environment, understanding its rhythms, its seasons and learning how to survive. We honour them by continuing to pass that knowledge forward.
Our youth are an important part of our present and our future. At NCC, we look to provide opportunities for youth to learn our traditions, understand our history and take pride in who they are as NunatuKavut Inuit. They are becoming our leaders and our knowledge keepers. Equally important are our Elders, who continue to share their wisdom and traditional knowledge. Together, our youth and Elders are building bridges between generations, ensuring that the values, teachings and identity of our people remain strong.
This year, NCC celebrates 40 years as an Indigenous governing body. Over the last four decades, our work has sparked a renewed commitment to the reclamation and revival of our culture. Our efforts to revitalize our Inuttitut language are helping reconnect our people with an important part of our identity. Our traditional drum continues to play a role in bringing people together. We are strengthening our sense of belonging, and creating spaces where healing and cultural pride can flourish.
NCC is also building for the future. This means being able to make decisions for ourselves. Like around managing our own fisheries. Advancing food security. Working toward clean energy and sustainable development that benefit our communities. Making responsible decisions around the use of our lands and waters. And continuing to ensure protection and conservation of our environment.
Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, let us celebrate our culture, our language, our traditions and the remarkable strength of our people. Let us take pride in all we have accomplished, not just over the past 40 years, but for generations. This means honouring those who came before us, recognizing the enduring spirit and determination of our people today and ensuring a bright outlook for future generations.
Then. Now. Forever.
nakummek,
President Todd Russell