Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook today announced that NTI has commissioned the creation of two monuments - one in Resolute Bay and one in Grise Fiord – to commemorate the sacrifices made by Inuit relocated to these communities in 1953 and 1955. Two of Nunavut’s leading carvers have been commissioned to create these monuments: Simeonie Amagoalik of Resolute Bay and Looty Pijimani of Grise Fiord. The unveilings are scheduled to take place on September 5, 2009 (Resolute Bay) and September 6, 2009 (Grise Fiord).
The Arctic Exile Monument Committee, comprised of some of the most important voices on the High Arctic Relocation issue, was struck by NTI in April 2008. Since then, it has been working together to meet 6 overall objectives:
- To commemorate the Inuit who sacrificed so much as a result of the government relocations of 1953 and 1955.
- To promote and preserve this moment in Nunavut’s history through the creation of two permanent monuments.
- To involve the communities of Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord with the creation of the monuments, an unveiling ceremony, a feast, and presentations in each community.
- To develop a national and international audience by exposing media to this moment in Nunavut’s history.
- To develop a committee that can use this project as a stepping-stone to organize an annual day of commemoration for Inuit who suffered as a result of relocation.
- To show the world that Canada’s claim on the High Arctic remains strong because Canadians continue to live and prosper in its northernmost communities.
- To gain an apology from the Government of Canada.
“At a time when ‘Canadian sovereignty’ is on the minds of politicians around the world, the media, and opportunistic businesses that look forward to an ice-free Northwest Passage, there is no better time to issue this reminder: this land belongs to Canada not because of the lines drawn on a map, but because of the Inuit who sacrificed everything to live here.” said Eetoolook.
NTI will continue to update its website as plans are finalized:
https://www.tunngavik.com/current-initiatives/arctic-exile-monument-project/
For further information:
Franco Buscemi
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4939
Cell: (867) 222 1411
Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
