NLIS 2 April 19, 2006 (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Minister officially launches Celebrate Nunatsiavut Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today joined with Ben Ponniuk, Minister of Health, Education, Social and Economic Development for the Nunatsiavut Government, and Dr. James Igloliorte of the Nunatsiavut Development Corporation, at The Rooms to launch Celebrate Nunatsiavut, a cultural celebration taking place at The Rooms Provincial Museum from April 19 � 23, 2006. "On December 1, 2005, this government celebrated alongside the Inuit of Labrador when self-government became a reality and the Nunatsiavut Government was established," said Minister Hedderson. "We are proud of the role this government played in supporting the Labrador Inuit in achieving this vision, and I am very pleased to join with these friends again to celebrate the Inuit culture." Celebrate Nunatsiavut is a five-day event offering the public the opportunity to learn first-hand from members of the Inuit community about their lives and experiences. It is a chance to discuss what self-government will mean for the people of Nunatsiavut through a series of workshops and presentations. Minister Hedderson noted that under the recently launched cultural plan, this government is committed to ensuring Aboriginal people have the means to preserve and foster their culture. The Land Claims Agreement provides the Nunatsiavut government with jurisdiction over Inuit language and culture. "Promoting and preserving the Inuit language and the intangible culture of stories, song and dance is critical to the preservation of the Inuit culture for generations to come," he said. "I encourage the public to visit The Rooms to learn from members of the Inuit community about the huge contributions they have made to our cultural diversity." Minister Ponniuk added: "The future of Inuit youth is built on education. The success of our elders and all Inuit is built on culture, tradition, healthy environment and a strong economy. The exhibits, events and research materials available at The Rooms are a powerful resource for all Canadians to understand our way of life. I thank you for offering this celebration of Nunatsiavut." On December 1, 2005 self-government became a reality for the Labrador Inuit and Nunatsiavut was born. It means Our Beautiful Land in Inuttitut. More information can be found by visiting www.nunatsiavut.com. Media contact: Susanne Hiller, Tourism, Culture and
Recreation, (709) 729-0928, 728-7762 BACKGROUNDER Wednesday, April 19, 7:00
and 8:00 pm: Beadwork Thursday, April 20, 2:00 � 3:30 pm:
The Myth of Sedna Thursday, April 20, 7:30 pm:
Nunatsiavut: Our Beautiful Land Friday, April 21, 2:00 � 3:00 pm:
Picturing Inuit Life Friday, April 21, 3:00 � 4:30 pm:
Sealskin Boots and Things Saturday, April 22; Sunday, April 23, 2:00 � 5:00 pm: All Kinds of Inuit Activities � Visit the level 2 for various activities such as drumming, dancing, singing, storytelling; speak Inuktitut with Sarah Townley; and/or see all the arts and crafts Barb Wood and Nellie Winters have brought to show and tell. Saturday, April 22, 2:00 and 3:00 pm:
Seal Oil Lamps Sunday, April 23, 2:00 and 3:00 pm:All
Weather Gear Or, visit one of the Museum�s exciting Inuit exhibits including: Siqiniq: Under the Same Sun Anguti�s Amulet Labrador through Moravian Eyes Labrador Cultural Landscapes: 1969 � 1986 For more information, visit www.therooms.ca or call (709) 757-8000. 2006 04 19 12:10 p.m. |
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