LABRADOR MP MARKS INTERNATIONAL INUIT DAY

OTTAWA, November 5, 2009 — Labrador M.P. Todd Russell today made the following statement in the House of Commons.

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Contact:

Todd Russell, MP

Labrador

(613) 996-4630

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Mr. Speaker:

In 2006, the Inuit peoples of the entire circumpolar world, assembled in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. They proclaimed November 7th in each year to be marked as International Inuit Day.

In 2009, Inuit Day will be commemorated this coming Saturday.

On this day, the Inuit peoples of Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Arctic Russia celebrate their culture and heritage, and proclaim to their fellow citizens, and to the world, that the Arctic is the Inuit homeland.

At a time when climate change and resource development are altering the Arctic landscape, the Inuit peoples are acting together, across international boundaries, to defend the Inuit cultures, languages, and way of life.

All nations would do well to follow the Inuit model of co-operation, consensus, and concern for the environment.

On behalf of my constituents in Nunatsiavut and throughout Labrador, and the residents of the other territories which make up Inuit Nunaat – Nunavik, Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit region – I extend best wishes on International Inuit Day.

Nakkumek, thank you.