President's Blog
Talking Business in Toronto
Submitted by Mary Simon on Thu, 2012-02-09 14:00
Today I am making a presentation to the Toronto Board of Trade. My message to the business community there will be simple and straight forward – investment in Inuit Nunangat is good for business, good for Canada, and good for Inuit, when done sustainably.
Lets Talk
Submitted by Mary Simon on Thu, 2012-02-09 09:24
Yesterday was Bell Canada’s “Let’s Talk Day”, a private corporate initiative designed to help combat the stigma surrounding metal illness and mental health issues by creating a national conversation how Canadians experiencing mental health issues are viewed by others.
On that day Bell Canada donated 5¢ to mental health programs for every text and long distance call made by Bell customers, as well as 5¢ for every retweet of their @Bell_LetsTalk message.
Mental health issues are very serious, and I agree with Bell - no one should be looked upon as anything other than courageous when they seek help.
Wearing Sealskin in the House of Commons
Submitted by Mary Simon on Thu, 2012-02-02 10:32
Today is “Seal Day” in Canada’s Parliament. An open letter was sent yesterday to all Members of the House of Commons and Senators from four government Ministers about “Seal Day”.
Ministers Ashfield, Aglukkaq, Blaney, and Penashue are asking all MPs and Senators to wear a sealskin pin today to demonstrate support to seal hunters and sealers in the Arctic and Canada’s east coast.
Arctic Children & Youth Foundation Fund Raising Auction
Submitted by Mary Simon on Mon, 2012-01-30 15:10
As many of you may be aware I have long been concerned with the future of Inuit youth. This is the reason I helped found the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation in July 2003. One of the goals of the ACYF is, “to work at all levels to assist Arctic children and youth to attain standards of living, education, opportunities and health and well-being equal to those of other Canadians.”
Although at this time I am not directly involved with the foundation I remain very attached to it, and to the important work it does.
On February 4th, as part of the Northern Lights 2012 Gala, there will be a live and silent auction held in support of the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation.
One of items up for auction is a 3-day fishing trip with my husband Whit Fraser and I on the Koksoak River in Nunavik, northern Quebec. First Air has contributed two tickets to Kuujjuaq from any of its destinations. Kuujjuaq is a wonderful Arctic community, the fishing will be great, and Whit’s famous caribou stew will be the icing on the cake.
Another Threat To Inuit Culture & Economies From Foreign Interests
Submitted by Mary Simon on Fri, 2012-01-27 15:21
Once again we are seeing outside groups attempting to interfere with the culture, economies, and livelihoods of Canadian Inuit – and trying to use climate change as the vehicle to do so.
According to this group:
"If we want to keep polar bears in the world, we have to dramatically cut greenhouse emissions and also reduce all the other threats to its survival, including overhunting,"
Here are the facts
