EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, I invite all my colleagues to share this information with students in their own communities in order to ensure that the 2017 program is as successful as or better than last year’s.
Mr. Speaker, students can find out more information on the summer student page on the Department of Finance’s website.
The Hon. Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk.
Minister’s Statement 272 – 4(3): Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council (Ell-Kanayuk)
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, March 8 is International Women’s Day.
As Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I am honoured to rise today to highlight the activities accomplished by the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, as you may have seen in their 2015-16 annual report that I tabled yesterday.
In 2015-16 the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council saw many new developments, including the launch of their new website and the appointment of three new members to the council: Elisapee Sheutiapik, President, Verna Strickland, Vice-president, and Elizabeth Lyall, Board Member.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the council has continued to engage in the following yearly projects: Wise Woman Awards, International Women’s Day, December 6 National Day of Remembrance, and the Qulliit Leadership Bursary.
The council also partnered with CBC North to launch a new initiative, Raising Our Voices, which featured poems, songs, stories, and reflections presented by Nunavummiut to raise awareness and take action to end violence.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the Department of Family Services provides $250,000 in annual core funding to the council through a contribution agreement.
Council priorities for 2016-17 include:
Preventing violence against women and girls and consider the underlying factors which place them at higher risk of abuse;
Seeking community-based solutions to create safer homes, families and communities;
Increasing public awareness that family violence is unacceptable;
Exploring second-stage housing for women and children fleeing family violence; and
Encouraging women’s leadership skills, participation in community and political decision-making.
Minister’s Statement 273 – 4(3): Thank You to Volunteer Firefighters (Savikataaq)
I rise today to express gratitude to the volunteer firefighters in Kugaaruk for their efforts in dealing with the fire at the school last week.
It was a very dangerous situation and there were many demands being placed on the firefighters, including the extreme cold that they faced.
Although the school could not be saved, the firefighters, along with other hamlet workers, took measures to prevent damages to the hamlet office and most importantly the adjacent power plant facility.
This response demonstrates how our volunteer firefighters put the needs of others ahead of themselves to keep their communities safe from harm.
We thank you for your actions and you are absolutely vital to our communities.
I would like to recognize the Kugaaruk firefighters by name. Mr. Speaker, the firefighters are:
Fire Chief Vincent Ningark
Gaetan Apsaktaun
Etienne Kakkianiun
Philippe Alakannuark
Adam Krejunark
Frankie Immingark Sr.
Kyle Amautinuar
Jonathan Ningark
Adrian Qauqjuaq
Norman Qavvik
Colin Krejunark
Pauloosie Nungaq
Fabian Qirngnuq
Frankie Immingark Jr.
Mr Speaker, I would also like to recognize the heroic efforts of local residents who immediately rushed to the scene, as well as the water truck operators and heavy equipment operators.
Each and every one played a vital role and we are proud of their bravery.
The next steps will focus on helping the community rebuild and move forward.
The Department of Community and Government Services will continue to provide support to the community in the ongoing efforts to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
Minister’s Statement 274 – 4(3): Fur Production Program (Quassa)
I rise in the House today to congratulate the graduates of the Fur Production Program recently offered in Kugaaruk. This was a huge hit and the final products are beautiful.
Mr. Speaker, the 12-week program provided five students in Kugaaruk the ability to focus on design and pattern development of garments and accessories of skin or fur, such as seal, caribou, polar bear, fox, or wolf.
The adult educator brought in several elders from the community to teach parts of the production process and how to make a traditional sewing kit and sewing sealskin into kamiit.
Mr. Speaker, fur production is an inherent part of Inuit culture. Storytelling and experiential learning took place with both instructors and the elders who were asked to be guest speakers.
The elders were pleased to see that their skills were being passed on to the next generation.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the next intake of students into the Fur Production Program in the fall of 2017.
Minister’s Statement 275 – 4(3): Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Subpopulation Survey (Savikataaq)
I would like to inform my colleagues that, with the collaboration and support of Parks Canada, Manitoba Sustainable Development, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and local hunters who acted as spotters, my department successfully completed a follow-up aerial survey for the western Hudson Bay polar bear population during August of 2016.
As you are aware, my department has taken seriously the concerns brought forward by Nunavummiut about the handling of wildlife during surveys, and as a result we have developed alternative monitoring tools that are less invasive.
Aerial surveys, where polar bears are counted from an aircraft, allow us to gain a “snapshot” in time of a population without needing to handle the animals at all, and when repeated surveys are carried out, the trend of the population becomes apparent over time.
Mr. Speaker, data collected from this aerial survey is currently being analyzed, and we can expect to have a final report and results available by early June 2017.
My department will conduct consultations with all the affected communities at that time and we will work together to come up with recommendations for the best way to sustainably manage this subpopulation.
Member’s Statement 508 – 4(3): Celebrating International Women’s Day (Okalik)
As today is International Women’s Day, I am very ecstatic to rise today.
I also rise to show off my waistcoat, which is the first time I have ever worn it, as it was made by my maternal aunt prior to her passing, Aippaani Iga.
She tried to complete it for me, without my knowledge, and without completing she unfortunately passed away.
I then asked my niece, who is a very good seamstress, Mina Akavak, to finish it and she completed the work.
I take this opportunity today to acknowledge them both today on the sewn garment I am wearing today and for having thought of me enough to complete the garment. I extend my gratitude to them.
Women are very capable of undertaking any activity anywhere. They also form an integral part of our lives.
I barely caught the last years of this woman who was my great-grandmother and her name was Aasivak.
I really enjoy it when I hear stories of her.
I heard of a case when a stressful time arrived in their camp, one person was particularly turned to. There was a federal administrator who managed the settlement who arrived to assist them and wanted to apply the law.
My great-grandmother just told them, “Don’t worry about this. We will look after this problem. There is no need to be concerned.”
After she told the person that, she must have resolved the conflict because the person causing the consternation was no longer a concern.
That is how capable our ancestors were, regardless if they were a woman or man.
Later on, her daughter, who was my grandmother named Qattuuq, used to offer advice on many issues. Further, she would ask about my plans and when I told her my interests, she would be very proud of my efforts and this kept my strength up.
Her daughter’s name was Annie Okalik, who was my mother. She was the strongest woman I knew, and she raised me from childhood and her strength was my bedrock.
She was the source of my knowledge, especially when undergoing hardships, as she was the foundation of our family strength.
Speaker (interpretation): The Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?
There are none. Mr. Okalik, please proceed.
To continue, all of my maternal aunts were constantly providing assistance and I loved them all dearly for their help, including my paternal aunts.
I am forever grateful to them.
My sister Ida, who was the eldest, was most like my mother, and unfortunately she passed away. My older brother told me this, “Our dear angel has gone home.”
Her younger sister Elisapee was full of genuine love and forgiveness, and she exemplified the model of love.
My other sisters as well, Jeannie and my youngest sister Looee, kept an eye on me and continuously asked about my status, especially when I was down at, sometimes daily. I appreciate them every day.
My sisters, to whom I am forever grateful, are fortunately amongst us.
To all of my maternal and paternal nieces, I extend my undying love and will protect them at all times.
To my children, especially my daughters and my grandchild, I thank you all.
Member’s Statement 509 – 4(3): Recognition of Volunteers and Sports Programs in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
I rise today to recognize a number of volunteers who have recently organized sport programs for Sanikiluaq’s youth.
Mr. Speaker, Gina Pacheco is a Canadian soccer player from Sarnia, Ontario, who was invited to Sanikiluaq to deliver soccer training to Sanikiluaq’s young and aspiring soccer players.
Last month Ms. Pacheco spent three days in the community, much to the delight of the young people in Sanikiluaq.
Shortly afterwards Ms. Jessica Wong, a Canadian hockey player from Sidney, Nova Scotia, along with her trainer, Mandi Duhamal, spent three days in the community to deliver hockey skills training to our young residents.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank both of these athletes for their services and for bringing joy to Sanikiluaq’s avid sports players. We’re always happy to spend time learning from skilled and professional athletes.
The real heroes in this event, however, are the organizers, Chris Kittosuk and Michael Small.
Mr. Kittosuk is Sanikiluaq’s community recreation coordinator and organizes soccer skills training. Mr. Small is a teacher in the community who volunteers his time organizing Sanikiluaq’s hockey program and organized the recent hockey skills training.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize these two individuals for their time and effort. These types of sports programs help to make our communities more positive and fun places for our youth to grow.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in showing appreciation for sports organizers and volunteers across our territory.
Member’s Statement 510 – 4(3): Appreciation of International Women’s Day (Quassa)
Today I also take this opportunity to stand and speak to instances when either people or groups are the focus of celebratory instances and when we express our pride in our fellow Inuit within our homelands.
Today, as per the announcement earlier, is International Women’s Day. Obviously we need to step back, stop and reflect on the breadth of gratification we owe to women in our territory, as well as in our personal lives and our communities for their tremendous support.
Obviously I, too, have personal thanks to voice to my wife, Elisapee, my daughters in particular, as well as my granddaughters.
They are the women in my life that I owe much gratitude to, as they have supported me throughout life’s challenges.
I also want to mention that in the Department of Education, if I were to just take a look, there are 898 women employees, the vast majority of employees of the department, as the total number of workers in the department is 1,249 and 898 of them are women.
This is part of the reason why I wanted to voice my immense appreciation for their hard work during this day of recognition globally of women, irrespective of whether they are Inuit women in our homelands or non-Inuit elsewhere in the world.
Member’s Statement 511 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women in Nunavut (Akoak)
I, too, would like to recognize the women of Nunavut. They sew our clothes and look after our children.
I would like to recognize people from Gjoa Haven and also a special recognition to my wife, who keeps me straight and keeps me out of trouble, and also to my daughter, who has given me two great grandchildren. One is four years old and the other one is eight months.
I do miss them and I hope they’re watching. I would like to say “hello” and “thank you” to them.
Member’s Statement 512 – 4(3): Celebrating International Women’s Day (Keyootak)
I, too, wish to celebrate this happy occasion as today is International Women’s Day.
Women are extremely capable, as most people know.
Particularly in my case, my mother served as both my father and my mother.
I grew up fatherless and didn’t know what it felt like having a father, as the day before I was born, my birth father passed away.
My mother had to be both a father figure and mother to us, her children. She was the epitome of women’s capabilities, as I learned every day that women are very strong and it continues to this day.
Further, as we all know from personal experience as members, we leave them behind for many weeks when we are sitting in session due to their commitment and acceptance of our roles.
Even when we have left them behind for several weeks, they continue to parent over our children and grandchildren, patiently running the household. They feed and clothe the children and look after a myriad of duties while we are attending sessions here. They exhibit immense patience in this regard.
We have to take pride in all of our wives and children, in particular our daughters. As well, our partners and wives have accepted the unpredictability of our work and subsequent travels to meetings.
Even when we have left them for many weeks, they exhibit enormous amounts of patience and this applies to our children, our daughters, and in particular our spouses.
I wanted to voice my immense gratitude to women in my life during this International Women’s Day.
I urge all members to voice their thanks and celebrate their accomplishments today.
Member’s Statement 513 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women on International Women’s Day (Joanasie)
Good afternoon, my colleagues, visitors in the gallery, the viewing audience, and those who read the Hansard, as I know many people who read them daily. I send my regards to them.
Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise today to voice my immense appreciation along with my feelings of pride in all women throughout the world on International Women’s Day, particularly to my mother.
All of us have mothers or actually we all come from our mothers and they birthed us all.
I am very grateful my mother gave me life.
Also, pertinent to me personally was when I started becoming an adult and married my wife, who is a strong supporter of me, as we walk together hand in hand meeting challenges. She has been my rock of support in my life.
We also have daughters who are very loveable and they are my beautiful princesses, my daughters.
Also, within our nuclear family, the numbers of women surpass the men and they act like a magnet, keeping our family ties.
I want to acknowledge all women amongst our relatives and friends, as an example, my sisters, my paternal grandmother, my female cousins, my sisters-in-law, my paternal aunts, and my nieces on both sides.
One person who constantly springs to mind is the late Mary Pudlat. She expressed much love to me, coming from her heart and I have precious memories, so I wanted to acknowledge her place in my heart.
As well, on this day of celebration here in the House are our female pages, as they do various activities such as providing us with fresh water, so I extend my thanks to them on International Women’s Day.
Member’s Statement 514 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women on International Women’s Day (Shooyook)
During this International Women’s Day, I also wish to voice my gratitude to women today.
To my colleagues, I wish to welcome you, including the visitors in the gallery and the listening audience.
I rise today to express my immeasurable gratitude to my late mother.
I became aware of my mother’s hard work back in those days when I was growing up, as she clothed us.
Our traditions were different back then. We had to collect ice, melt it into water, as well as rendering blubber into oil. Sometimes in the springtime our mother had to stay up overnight in order to complete her sewing to keep up with the requirements of our needs.
Those of us who had strong mothers take great pride in our mothers, as they were our cultural roots and teachers, and we stand here today due to their hard work. If they had abandoned us, none of us would be here today and the results are what make it so gratifying.
I am extremely proud of my late mother, especially on this International Women’s Day.
The other aspect to this is my wife. I, too, am very proud of my wife.
I now have over 40 great-grandchildren today through our children and their children.
What makes me so prideful is that I am well aware of my wife’s capabilities and tremendous abilities as a mother, as she continues to provide advice and support to her adult children. This is especially gratifying. With her support and love to me, I am able to be here.
Furthermore, my wife makes winter clothing for my usage, including the traditional outerwear that I prefer to wear in this House. Based on her seamstress skills, she continues to be a tireless worker. Although her physical mobility is diminishing and she is finding it harder to walk, she has supported me tremendously.
As well, all women in this world are very skilful and capable. That is how we were kept clothed and we have reached this stage today successfully.
This is a cause for expressing our gratitude to women.
I share with my colleagues in voicing my thanks to all women.
Member’s Statement 515 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women on International Women’s Day (Mike)
Good afternoon, women of Nunavut and my constituency in Pangnirtung.
I join my colleagues in showing my pride on International Women’s Day, especially my mother in-law, Towkie Qarpik. She guides her children, my wife, and my sister in-law. My in-law really welcomes me and they are really welcoming of me and my wife.
I tried to wear something that my wife made because of women’s day. She makes me winter clothing and other clothing. My daughter Mona has been taught how to prepare caribou skins and sealskins and she can use cloth material.
There are pictures of her husband and two sons wearing the clothing that she made.
I wanted to point out that my wife was the first female Anglican minister.
She takes care of our children very well no matter what they are going through.
As well I want to mention our daughter-in-law to be, Angelina Dialla and her daughters, Caroline, Alookie, and my other daughter-in-law to be, Debbie Dialla.
This includes my sisters, of which there are six, and all of them are still amongst us. For your undying love and continual support, I thank you very much.
To all of my sisters-in-law especially as well, as they continue to support me in various ways, I am always grateful for their assistance whenever I receive it.
I also appreciate my colleagues for voicing their gratitude to women in their lives, as that is usually the practice. I am also happy that you’re mentioning International Women’s Day. It’s not just recognition; they form an integral part of our lives.
I wish all women a very good day.
Member’s Statement 516 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women on International Women’s Day (Mikkungwak)
To my fellow residents of Baker Lake, Kivalliq and Nunavut, please have a good day.
Mr. Speaker, prior to making my statement, earlier this morning when I woke up, I checked the weather website on my computer. To all my fellow Kivalliq residents, be aware of the adverse weather conditions outside today as blizzard conditions prevail.
When I checked the weather forecast this morning, a region-wide blizzard is hammering the region.
It is obvious today during International Women’s Day that women will be celebrating many events as mothers and daughters.
With that being the case, I remind my fellow Kivalliq residents of the weather conditions when a strong blizzard blows. Please take extra care both as individuals and families and stay home if needed.
It will soon be springtime.
Since it is International Women’s Day, I wish my mother to have an excellent day as she gave birth to me, as well as raising me to where I am today, including my wife and daughters. To all women throughout this world who are watching the televised proceedings, have a wonderful day today.
Member’s Statement 517 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women on International Women’s Day (Qirngnuq)
Good afternoon to my fellow residents of Kugaaruk, the residents of Taloyoak, and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and recognize women on International Women’s Day.
I want to share a brief story with you.
Back when we were children, there was a father and child who were out boating in the summer.
The boat was fairly long, approximately 30 foot long.
As the tide started ebbing, the father informed his son, “Son, please push the boat out farther before it is stranded.”
The child approached the boat and he had a sealskin whip that had some extra length, so he lashed his kamiik above the knee to make it water tight.
When he pushed the boat out, not a single drop entered.
This shows the skills of our women who are capable of constructing kamiik and provides a concrete example of their skills.
I am voicing my pride in women for their immense skills and abilities.
Further, to the women working at home, as well as in the school, although they are undergoing a hard time, they too will adapt.
All women in the world are very adept, so I also share my pride in their abilities.
Member’s Statement 518 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women on International Women’s Day (Taptuna)
Good afternoon to my colleagues, Nunavummiut, and residents of Kugluktuk.
(interpretation ends) I, too, want to stand and appreciate and honour the International Women’s Day with my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I do have a wife that I dearly miss.
We had our 39-year anniversary a couple of months ago and I did miss that.
Mr. Speaker, I do have daughters too that provided me with 10 beautiful grandchildren.
Again, just like everybody else, when my mother woke me up in the early days, she used to try to teach me that the best principle for success in life during the changing times, when we’re going from traditional living to the modernized world, she used to tell me that the best principle to succeed in life is to get educated and work.
I still believe that today.
To succeed in life, you do have to do that. For families to succeed, they do have to do that.
For better parenting, it’s something that comes naturally for most mothers.
During our crossover from the hunter-gatherer traditional lifestyle into the modernized world, there was a bit of a hiccup there, but as Inuit we know that we can overcome that.
Again, I want to recognize the women, the ladies of Nunavut and throughout the world.
It’s something that we’ve got to pay close attention to. It should not only be once a year for treating ladies and our women with respect and honouring them. That should be every day.
Member’s Statement 519 – 4(3): Appreciation of Women on International Women’s Day (Hickes)
Like my colleagues, I would like to sincerely acknowledge International Women’s Day and like the Premier just said, we should be celebrating this every day.
I would be remiss to not stand here and talk about some of the strong women that I have in my family.
A number of people in Nunavut know of my grandmother, Jenny Tootoo, who raised a very large family, mostly boys I might add.
The challenges that she had and the peacekeeping and the strength that that woman had is unbelievable for one.