Statement made on 05 November 2009 by Senator Charlie Watt
Hon. Charlie Watt:
Honourable senators, we have a translator who will translate Inuktitut into English. I will speak Inuktitut.
[Editor's Note: Senator Watt spoke in Inuktitut — translation follows.]
Today, I am pleased to recognize International Inuit Day, which falls on Saturday, November 7 this year. This celebration started with the Inuit Circumpolar Council, ICC, as a reminder of the importance of Inuit unity and combined determination.
The ICC held the first Inuit Circumpolar Conference in 1977, and we have come a long way since then.
We can be proud that we settled all our land claims with the federal government and we have some form of self-government in each of these regions. It was my honour to participate in formulating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms with Mark R. Gordon, on behalf of Inuit in Canada. I also want to remember and recognize that, although Mark R. Gordon of Canada is no longer here with us, he helped us a great deal in formulating the Charter.
Today, I take this opportunity to mention also some of the great Inuit leaders who encouraged us all to preserve our culture and language, which provides the foundation for our identity and for our future. I especially thank Ollie Ittinuar. He has spoken to many young people on the radio for many years, teaching about good life.
I also want to recognize Rhoda Karetak, from Rankin Inlet. She is the mother of Nancy Karetak-Lindell, who served as member of Parliament for Nunavut for 10 years. I also greatly appreciate what she has contributed to the Inuit. I thank these people for their dedication to the Inuit and for their support for all Canadians.
Honourable senators, in the spirit of this day, information kits about the Inuit are available in the reading room.