The Arctic comes to Ottawa for Historic Conference “From Eskimo to Inuit in 40 Years”

The title of the conference, “From Eskimo to Inuit in 40 Years,” reflects the evolution of the place of Inuit in Canadian society.

 

The Right Honourable Paul Martin will recall key moments in his relationship with Inuit and speak about his work on Aboriginal education, and Peter Mansbridge, host of CBC’s The National, will moderate a “Polar Pundits” panel during the three-day conference, titled “From Eskimo to Inuit in 40 Years.”

 

“The Arctic is in a critical period of development, and Inuit face a host of external pressures, from climate change to sovereignty claims and the rush for resources,” said Mary Simon.

 

“This conference is an opportunity to share our history as a progressive and entrepreneurial people, chart the development of our economy and build a better Canada. Inuit history is Canadian history, and our future as a people is fundamental to the future of Canada.” 

 

Delegates will have an opportunity to learn from founding members the Hon. Tagak Curley and Meeka Kilabuk, Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak, Senator Charlie Watt, Senator Dennis Patterson, Nunavut Languages Commissioner Alexina Kublu, language specialists Zebedee Nungak and Beverly Amos, former Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) President Sheila Watt-Cloutier, ICC (Canada) President Duane Smith, CBC Radio hosts William Tagoona and Joanna Awa, youth leaders Jennifer Watkins, Pujjuut Kusugak, Joseph Flowers and Johnny Kasudluak, and past presidents Rosemarie Kuptana, Okalik Eegeesiak, Mary Sillett, and John Amagoalik.

 

ITK's Board of Directors, Nellie Cournoyea, Cathy Towtongie, Pita Aatami, and Jim Lyall will also speak at the closing panel of the conference, “The World We Want.”

 

Discussions on the transformation of education systems and growth in the use of the Inuit language, as well as political determination among youth, will help chart a path for the next several decades of Inuit social and political development.

 

The conference will also feature the launch of an Editorial Cartoon Exhibition during a reception on November 1 with Terry Mosher “Aislin” of The Gazette, and the launch, on November 2, of a groundbreaking DVD collection of Inuit documentary films called Unikkausivut: Sharing our Stories.

 

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami was founded as the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada in 1971. It represents the four Inuit regions of Canada – Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories.

 

To learn more about the conference, or to tune in to a live audiocast, please visit www.itk.ca. To inquire about media accreditation, contact:

 

Patricia D’Souza

Senior Communications Officer, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

613-292-4482, dsouza@itk.ca