Nunavut Day - July 9th

I had the opportunity to attend a number of the Nunavut Day festivities held in Iqaluit on July 9th. This is the anniversary date of the signing of the land claims agreement between the Federal Government and the Inuit People which led, on April 1, 1999, to the creation of the Territory of Nunavut.

The day started off with a pancake breakfast held at the Territorial Legislature building. We were served pancakes and sausages by the Premier of Nunavut, Eva Aariak, the Mayor of Iqaluit, Elisapee Sheutiapik, and various other political figures.
Later, at the meeting circle in front of the Elder's Residences, the public were treated to food and drinks, including Inuit "Country Food" - essentially raw meat. For a significant portion of the population of Nunavut, this makes up a large part of their daily diet. I, of course, had to try a piece of everything... different, very different... I could see myself eating this type of food in extremity, where my survival perhaps depended on it, but I don't think I'll be changing my regular diet anytime soon (although I must say, the raw caribou, sliced thin, might be tolerably good with a nice sauce to go with it...). The bannock was something like a tea biscuit, but softer, very good actually.
Later that afternoon there was entertainment at the field in front of the school building and I got a chance to see Inuit Throat -Singers performing. In the evening, a large crowd gathered for the opening of the new Canadian North Airlines hangar. They were giving away free return tickets to Ottawa... I didn't win. Lots of free food and souvenirs though - all in all, a very enjoyable day.