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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
Deanne Hayward, The Rooms, (709) 757-8070, 691-5681
Marilyn Butland, Perry and Butland Communications, (709) 753-2123, 727-3171

BACKGROUNDER
LIST OF WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 and 8:00 pm: Beadwork
Inuit women have traditionally embroidered clothing and other items with colourful beads in complex patterns. Barb Wood will show how it�s done and lead participants through a small project to complete. Register by calling 757-8000.

Thursday, April 20, 2:00 � 3:30 pm: The Myth of Sedna
Barb Wood shows young people how to create an amazing wall hanging inspired by the story of a beautiful Inuit girl who becomes the spirit of the sea.

Thursday, April 20, 7:30 pm: Nunatsiavut: Our Beautiful Land
Dr. James Igloliorte will give the public a lecture about Nunatsiavut � how it came to be and what it will mean for his people.

Friday, April 21, 2:00 � 3:00 pm: Picturing Inuit Life
Kids from 7-10 can join Barb Wood to make a felt tapestry that tells a story of what life was like in Northern Labrador. Register by calling 757-8000.

Friday, April 21, 3:00 � 4:30 pm: Sealskin Boots and Things
Visit with Nellie Winters and see how kamiks are made and how these skin boots keep feet warm and dry through a Labrador Winter. And that�s just one of the lovely handcrafted things she knows how to make.

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
Soapstone lamps and pots were once the warm heart of every Inuit home. Dr. John Erwin has discovered a lot about them at the quarry at Fleur de Lys. He�ll show participants how they were made and used.

Sunday, April 23, 2:00 and 3:00 pm:All Weather Gear
Museum Curator Kevin McAleese is here to show participants what the ancestors of the Labrador Inuit would have worn and how it was made.

Or, visit one of the Museum�s exciting Inuit exhibits including:

Siqiniq: Under the Same Sun
An action-packed interactive exhibit from the Canadian Children�s Museum - Canadian Museum of Civilization that transports young people to a small community in the Eastern Arctic. They�ll experience life there and come to appreciate just how similar, and how different, they are from the Inuit who call it home.

Anguti�s Amulet
An exhibit . . . that grew out of a book . . . that was inspired by an artifact. Archaeologists working on a 300 year old Inuit site wove this wonderful story around a small amulet and other things they were finding. Come see the wonderful illustrations that bring this story of to life. And find out all about the amulet and other artifacts by finding them in the pictures.

Labrador through Moravian Eyes
Missionaries from Eastern Europe arriving in Northern Labrador more than 250 years ago had a profound and lasting affect on the Inuit who converted to their faith. This exhibit uses Moravian reports, maps, paintings and photographs to show almost every aspect of life in the mission stations from their point of view.

Labrador Cultural Landscapes: 1969 � 1986
An exhibit by photographer Candace Cochrane that reveals the relationship of the Labrador Inuit to the land where they have lived for centuries - a cultural landscape known by heart, without the use of maps or road signs.

For more information, visit www.therooms.ca or call (709) 757-8000.

2006 04 19                                 12:10 p.m.


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