The Government of Canada to honour Inuk Elder as a Hometown Hero

January 24, 2020                          Gatineau, Quebec                      Parks Canada Agency

Parks Canada will be hosting a commemorative ceremony to recognize Inuk Elder Qapik Attagutsiak, along with members of Inuit communities as Hometown Heroes, for their important contributions during the Second World War.

Among the expected attendees participating in this commemorative ceremony are the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Nellie Kusugak, Commissioner of Nunavut, representatives of the Government of Nunavut, Inuit leaders, senior leadership of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard, associates of the National Capital Region’s museum community, and members of Qapik Attagutsiak's extended family.

This public event is organized by Parks Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Museum of History. It will feature the participation of more than 150 students from local schools, Inuit performers, video presentations, a special Inuit and “women and the war effort” display, period costumes, military musicians and the unveiling of a story panel in honour of Qapik Attagutsiak and her community.

Hometown Heroes is a community-based initiative that honours men and women, both military and civilian, who contributed to Canada’s war efforts during either or both of the World Wars.

Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.

The details are as follows:

Date:              Monday, January 27, 2020

Time:              Musical prelude begins at 9:45 a.m. (EST)
                        Event starts at 10:05 a.m. (EST)
                        Media to be present by 9:50 a.m. (EST)
                       
 Location:     Canadian Museum of History, Grand Hall
                       100 Laurier Street
                       Gatineau QC K1A 0M8

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