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Iqaluit, Nunavut (April 1, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians today issued the following statement on the 10th Anniversary of the creation of the territory of Nunavut:
"I am very pleased to offer congratulations today to the people of Nunavut as they celebrate the progress they have made in the short life of the territory.
On April 1st 1999, Canada's third territory was officially added to the map of Canada, and in the brief decade since its formation, Nunavut has advanced politically, economically and socially - beginning to fulfill the promise of the landmark land claims agreement that led to its creation.
When people talk about “territory”, they often speak in terms of land – and, that is the very name that was chosen for this new territory – Nunavut –“our land”.
This territory is more than land –it is the people on the land –who form the heart of what Nunavut is about.
I am honoured to express the Government of Canada’s strong and constant commitment to working in partnership with Nunavummiut to continue to build on the creation of Nunavut and the great strides that have been made in its first decade. All Canadians look forward to the story of your young territory unfolding in the years ahead –and wish Nunavummiut every success as this exciting journey continues.”
Available in Inuktitut
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
