OFFICE OF THE eva’s e-newsletter

Issue 1, March, 2010

In This Issue • Eva’s Welcome - Communications is Key

• Recent News - Sivuniksavut Visit, G7 – , the place to be, 2010 – proud & Qulliit Reappointments

• In Focus - Devolution

• Q&A with Eva - The Premier Answers Your Questions

• Upcoming Events

• Contact Eva Premier speaks at ’s Northern House, Vancouver Olympics, February 2010. Photo by Fritz Mueller Eva’s Welcome Communications is Key

Welcome to the inaugural edition of my e-newsletter, where I will be sharing regular updates and information about the activities of my office. Improving communications is a key priority in our Government’s mandate, Tamapta/ᑕᒪᑦᑕ: Building our future together, and I am excited to report how we are tackling communications head-on.

As well as this regular e-newsletter, this month I have launched a new website at www.premier.gov.nu.ca. Visit the site to find the latest news from the Government of Nunavut, download speeches, listen to audio clips, and view photos and videos.

I have been told by many Nunavummiut that community radio is one of the most powerful vehicles of communication. I am proud to say that since September 2009, CBC radio legacy Jonah Kelly has been busy interviewing ministers on the latest issues affecting Nunavummiut. Each of these interviews is broadcast on community radio stations throughout the territory, and then archived here. The latest Minister to take the hot seat is Min. Hunter Tootoo, who recently sat down with Jonah to discuss the Housing Needs Survey. Click here to listen to the interview. Up next month, Minister Tapardjuk, who will discuss the grants and contributions within the department of Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.

As always, I encourage people to share their ideas, thoughts and recommendations. Not only do I want to report our Government’s progress and how it will affect you, I would also love to hear your feedback. Please feel free to contact my office at anytime.

Best Wishes,

The Honourable Eva Aariak

Premier of Nunavut

Questions? Comments? Feedback?

Contact Eva at: P.O. Box 2410 • Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 867-975-5050  867-975-5051  [email protected]

ISBN 978-1-55325-195-8 OFFICE OF THE PREMIER eva’s e-newsletter

Premier Eva Aariak visits Nunavut Siviniksavut students at their school in , January 2010. Photo by Emily Woods Recent News Nunavut Sivuniksavut Visit

Ever since entering political office, I have been very much looking forward to visiting the Nunavut Sivuniksavut students at their school. Minister Shewchuk joined me for a visit while in Ottawa last month and presented the students with an award for their advocacy on sealing. It was such a pleasure to speak with the students and I am continually inspired by their energy, and the promises they hold for the future of Nunavut. Learn more about NS at www.nstraining.ca.

G7 – Iqaluit, the place to be

On February 5-6, Iqaluit became a global meeting destination. Finance Ministers and dignitaries from the G7 countries gathered in our capital, along with over one hundred members of the press. As well as discussing the current economic situation, our visitors went dog-sledding, sampled country food, enjoyed a Nunavut cultural performance, and played games at a community feast. The meeting was a grand success and our international guests went home with a better understanding of our life and culture in the north. View photos of the G7 event here and read a copy of the speech I delivered during the Summit in which I outlined our vision for Nunavut at 2030 here.

Vancouver 2010 – Inuit proud

I was honoured to attend the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games last month. There was so much anticipation in Nunavut leading up to these games, beginning with the torch relay this fall which stopped in , , Resolute Bay and Iqaluit. We celebrated another historic first when the Opening Ceremonies were broadcast live with commentary - the first-time Inuit were able to experience the Olympic Games in their own language. Canada’s Northern House was one of the most popular pavilions in Vancouver, with over 100,000 visitors in the first month. All of our Nunavut ambassadors did a wonderful job teaching visitors about our territory, and gained pride and self-confidence while doing it. I want to congratulate “Team Nunavut” who worked so hard to make this event a success. Nunavut has truly arrived on the international stage!

Qulliit Re-Appointments

As Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, this month I was happy to announce the reappointment of three Council members to the Qulliit Status of Women Council, whose mandate is to work for equality for women in Nunavut. Annie Iqalukjuak from Clyde River, and Neevee Wilkins and Trista Mercer from Iqaluit will all be serving the Council for a second two-year term. The reappointed members will join President Donna Adams and Council members Maude Bertrand, Martha Aupaluktuq-Hickes, and Angela Hovak Johnston. Congratulations Annie, Neevee, and Trista! Learn more about the mandate of the Qulliit Status of Women Council at www.qnsw.ca.

Questions? Comments? Feedback?

Contact Eva at: P.O. Box 2410 • Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 867-975-5050  867-975-5051  [email protected]

ISBN 978-1-55325-195-8 OFFICE OF THE PREMIER eva’s e-newsletter

Iqalummiut participate in a round of dancing at the G7 Community Feast, February 2010. Photo by Curtis Jones In Focus Devolution

This month’s In Focus series will look at Devolution. I encourage you to visit my website to learn more about this issue and why it is so vitally important to Nunavut.

Q&A with Eva The Premier Answers Your Questions

Q: What can Nunavummiut expect during the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly?

A: I am very much looking forward to sitting down with my colleagues for the second session of the third legislative assembly. Last session, I tabled the Tamapta Action Plan, which outlines the implementation of this government’s mandate. During the session, what is critically important is the passing of the budget. When passed, it will give us the financing we need to move forward with the pressing items in our Business Plan. There is so much work ahead and I am eager to move forward with my colleagues as we implement Tamapta/ᑕᒪᑦᑕ: Building our future together.

To submit your own question, simply contact us.

Upcoming Events February 27: The Baffin Mayor’s Conference begins in Iqaluit.

March 4–25: The Second Session of the Third Legislative Assembly of Nunavut reconvenes today. www.assembly.nu.ca

March 8: International Women’s Day. Find out more at www.internationalwomensday.com

March 6–13: Arctic Winter Games begin today in Grande Prairie, Alberta www.arcticwintergames.org

March 17: 17th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards www.naaf.ca

Cape Dorset artist Kananginak Pootoogook will be accepting an award for his vital contribution to the early development and outstanding success of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-op.

Questions? Comments? Feedback?

Contact Eva at: P.O. Box 2410 • Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 867-975-5050  867-975-5051  [email protected]

ISBN 978-1-55325-195-8