2018 Annual General Assembly Wrap-Up Report

Celebrating our Resilience. 2

The NunatuKavut CommunityNCC’s Council’s (NCC)Governing 2018 Annual GeneralCouncil Assembly (AGA) was held in Port HopePresident Simpson: Todd and Russell Mary’sCouncillor Harbour for Area on 1, OctoberStraits: Levi26 and Snook 27, 2018. Councillor for Area 2, ItBattle was the Harbour final : gatheringNina Pye of an extensive AGA process Councillor for Area 3, that included Bolster’s Rock to Spear numerousPoint and Executivemeetings in communitiesMember at Large : ANNUAL REPORT throughoutBoyce Turnbull all six of President Todd Russell presented an annual report on NCC’s challenges and successes NunatuKavut’s Councillor for Area 3, over the past year. He outlined the significant progress that was made on files and issues designated areas. of importance to the Inuit of NunatuKavut. Bolster’s Rock to Spear HundredsPoint: Cyril of Campbell Southern Of particular focus was the historic milestone in our “land claim” journey where, on July InuitCouncillor and supporters for Area 4, 12, we announced talks with the Government of Canada on the Recognition of our attendedSandwich and Bay/Island of Indigenous Rights and Self Determination (RIRSD). It marked the beginning of one of the participatedPonds: Vacant in the most significant relationships with the Crown since the British-Inuit Treaty some 253 AGA process. There years ago. Work has already begun in earnest and advancements made on some wasCouncillor also great for Area 5, Central/Northern important foundational pieces such as a Memorandum of Understanding and work on participation from our and Vice some immediate measures that will breathe confidence into this new process. NCC looks youth. forward to building a good agreement(s) that allows us to fulfill our vision of being self- President: Jim Holwell governing and providing and caring for one another, our families and our communities ThisCouncillor year’s themefor Area was 5, while nurturing our relationship with our lands, ice and waters. “CelebratingCentral/Northern our There was also reporting on the signing of the NCC-Nalcor Community Development Resilience.Labrador and” Our Vice story Agreement and the unanimous support that it received from the Governing Council. It isPresident: one of resilience, Vacant is a six-year agreement that contains provisions which foster respectful engagement on determination and Councillor for Area 6, a number of issues, including renewable energy generation initiatives. He talked about belonging and the Western Labrador: Muskrat Falls and NCC’s participation in the Independent Expert Advisory Committee, AGAJessie provided Tobin an which presented its second and final set of recommendations to the provincial opportunity to remind government in April. To date, there has been no response from the province on this usYouth of our Councillor deep and: latest set of recommendations despite NCC’s and other Indigenous peoples repeated unbrokenKellie Clark connect ion calls for such a response. NCC also appeared before the Commission of Inquiry to our territory and Respecting the Muskrat Falls Project that was established by the Government of Elder: the land, sea and ice. Newfoundland and Labrador. Harrison Campbell We were also left with President Russell gave a high-level update on both the communal and commercial an incredible sense of fishery, and other Natural Resources initiatives like climate change, Oceans Protection anticipation about Plan, coastal restoration, striped bass research and the organization of an annual what the future holds Resource Stewardship Workshop. He also mentioned NCC’s involvement in the Ungava for NCC and Southern Peninsula Caribou Aboriginal Round Table (UPCART) and the alarming decline of the Inuit. caribou population.

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The year end report spoke to the implementation of the NL Residential Schools NCC’s settlement agreement and the Prime Minister’s heartfelt apology to former students on November 24, 2017 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Governing Council President: Todd Russell Councillor for Area 1, Straits: Levi Snook Councillor for Area 2, Battle Harbour: Nina Pye Councillor for Area 3, Bolster’s Rock to Spear Point and Executive Member at Large: Boyce Turnbull Councillor for Area 3, Bolster’s Rock to Spear Point: Cyril Campbell Councillor for Area 4, Sandwich Bay/Island of Ponds: Vacant Councillor for Area 5, Central/Northern Labrador and Vice President: Jim Holwell Other items of discussion included the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Councillor for Area 5, Indigenous Women and Girls, the Investing in NunatuKavut Communities Infrastructure Central/Northern Program, the George Roberts Community Grants Program, the Southern Inuit Education Labrador and Vice Program, the re-opening of the Labrador West Indigenous Service Centre, employment President: Vacant and training, NCC’s new Human Resources department, a new children’s book called “Celebrating the Children of Nunatukavut” and Nunacor. Councillor for Area 6, Western Labrador: More information on these files and other work that NCC Council and staff are involved Jessie Tobin in can be found in the 2017-2018 Annual Report posted on our website at Youth Councillor: www..ca. Kellie Clark Elder: Harrison Campbell 4

New NunatuKavut flag Media outlet, The Labradorian, called the NunatuKavut flag “bold and simple, yet deeply symbolic” and said that “the flag recently unveiled by the NunatuKavut council is eye catching, designed to evoke a sense of heritage, community and pride from great distances.” President Russell, along with Vice President Jim Holwell, was pleased to unveil a new It was inspired by a NunatuKavut flag to a packed house on the Friday night of the AGA. design submitted by “When you look at it in a glance, you can see the past, present and future all right there,” NunatuKavut artist, said President Russell. “The strength of our culture, our traditions, our way of life. How Barry Pardy, from meaning is brought to the present, and that foundation we have, the inspiration we take Cartwright. from the past and where we are at in the present and how that’s going to give rise to, we believe, great things.”

The flag design reflects Southern Inuit history, culture and way of life. Its symbolism honours the historic and present role of Inuit women as culture carriers in our homes and communities. The large image is that of an ulu, a traditional Inuit women’s knife, that was used for multiple purposes like skinning and cleaning animals, cutting food or trimming blocks of snow and ice to build an igloo. It is still used today.

Depicted on the lower blade of the ulu is a Kullik with a flame. Traditionally, the Kullik was used as a means of lighting and heating our homes, cooking and feeding our families and was central to us gathering together to share stories with children. Inuit women were known as “keepers of the fire.” Today, we light the Kullik for ceremonial purposes to honor and respect our Inuit grandmothers and all our ancestors. The flame of the 5

Kullik is lit and is bright. This signifies that our culture is still very much alive, and our Signature Sponsors future is filled hope and optimism. • NDC Fisheries; The carving on the handle of the ulu is that of a dog team carrying a seal, which have • PAL Airlines/Air both played a critical role in the lives of Southern Inuit. Dog teams and seals are still Borealis; prominent in Southern Inuit communities throughout NunatuKavut today. • Labrador Fishermen’s Union The blue, white and green colours in the flag represent the land, inland waters, the sea Shrimp Company; and sky and the ice and snow. Since time immemorial, our identity has been shaped by • Iron Ore Company our relationship with all that surrounds us. This is home and our flag expresses that essence. of Canada; • Burchells LLP • Dwight Russell Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self Enterprises/MV Miss McKenzie; Determination (RIRSD) • Battle Harbour A large focus of the second day of the AGA Historic Trust; and was around the RIRSD process. Once participants were brought up to speed on the • Royal Bank of progress to date and the next steps, they Canada. attended simultaneous workshops and Contributors/ demonstrations with local traditional supporters: knowledge holders on jam making, net mending, seal skin crafting, Labrador tent • Wade Dyson set-up and fire making and painting. This was (NunatuKavut used as an opportunity for people to talk fisher); about what they loved about their • Harrison Campbell communities and homes. (NunatuKavut In the afternoon, there was a visioning fisher); exercise where people participated in break- • Grant Thornton; out group discussions on both interim and • Search Minerals; long-term community priorities. Here, • Allnorth; participants discussed health, the fishery, infrastructure and lands and resources. • Red Roof Quick There was also talk around how Southern Stop (Port Hope Inuit would like to be engaged in the RIRSD Simpson); process and what works in communities. • Royal Inn + Suites; • Power Promotional Concepts; Memorial University’s Labrador • Labrador Specialty Institute, led by Director Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo, helped to facilitate Services Inc; discussions and will be compiling a • Labrador report on what they heard. Upholstery; • Path2Healing; • Spruced Up Labrador; • Cloud 9 Tours; and • LeGrows Travel.

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Nakummesuak Awards Nakummesuak, which means “thank you very much” or “a big acknowledgement,” is a Again, this year, NCC prestigious award created by NCC. It is given annually to individuals who have received significant demonstrated outstanding support for the Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut and support from a number of communities and have given unselfishly of their time and energy to make a difference. companies and organizations, At this year’s AGA closing banquet, the following well-deserving recipients were contributing to the overall presented with a 2017 Nakummesuak Award: success of the AGA. Total

funds raised at the AGA Esther Keefe, Black Tickle, for her tremendous volunteer work in her community and going above and beyond to help organize various events. She is also a skilled seamstress was $5,000. This money and craft maker and was instrumental in helping to establish the Black Tickle community has been set aside to craft group. assist NunatuKavut individuals or families Joseph Keefe, Black Tickle, has fought hard and endlessly for his people and community with urgent medical and is presently the chair of the Local Service District. He is an advocate for his people needs to cover items such on many important issues like healthcare and transportation. He was also instrumental as medication, equipment in developing a fuel service plan for the residents of Black Tickle after gas and diesel was or travel. no longer stored or served in the community.

Our sincere thanks to Martha Penney, Wabush, for her outstanding contributions to her community and is those who contributed in distinguished for her talent and ability in crafting, especially working with duffle and seal skin. She, along with her late husband, Alex, owned and care for a team of Labrador any way! Thanks to husky dogs. Martha has given of herself unselfishly and has notably kept our Southern contributions from Inuit traditions alive. sponsors, participants walked away with amazing prices like multiple airline tickets, a Labrador dickie coat, an On the Land Pack with snowshoes and a pair of seal skin boots, half a grand in your hand and a trip for two to Battle Harbour.

Crystal Dyson (centre) accepts the Nakummesuak award Martha Penney (centre) accepts her Nakummesuak award on behalf of Esther Keefe and Joseph Keefe from President from President Russell (left) and Vice President Jim Holwell Russell (left) and Vice President Jim Holwell

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Closing Banquet NCC’s own company, NDC Fisheries (operated by Nunacor), sponsored a beautiful Together, we have closing banquet held at the Recreation Centre in Mary’s Harbour. It was emceed by accomplished great Nunacor Board Chair Brenda Williams. things over this past At the closing banquet, NCC employee Pauline Elson was recognized for 25 years of year and, while we have service. NCC employee Shirley Oliver was also recognized for her 10 years of service. so much to look forward Sherry Penney, the Executive Operations Officer at the Labrador West Indigenous to, we know that Service Centre, also sang a powerful rendition of Susan Aglukark’s song “Song of the challenges remain. Land.” A heartfelt nakummek to our staff, Governing Council and all those throughout NunatuKavut and beyond who have participated and believe in the work we do as we “Celebrate our Resiliency.”

Pauline Elson (centre) receives her service award from Shirley Oliver (centre) receives her service award from President Russell and Vice President Jim Holwell President Russell and Vice President Jim Holwell Speeches were delivered by Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade and Lisa Dempster, MHA for Cartwright – L’Anse au Clair and Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development. Statements were also read from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ President Robert Bertrand.

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Visit us at: 200 Kelland Drive, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Email us at: [email protected] Call us at: 877-896-0592 or 709- 896-0592 www.nunatukavut.ca