Nunavut’s day is a Provincial
holiday in Canada’s Nunavut territory and is celebrated on July 9. PartsAvatar
brings to you some interesting facts about Nunavut’s day-Brought to you by
PartsAvatar Auto Parts!
Happy Nunavut’s Day!
Nunavut day is a holiday that celebrates the signing of the Nunavut Land Claim
Agreement and the birth of a new Canadian territory. This act came into being
on July 9, 1993. Hence, Nunavut
officially split from the Northwest Territories and became a Canadian territory
on April 1, 1999.
In this article, PartsAvatar
will take you to the youngest Territory of Canada and will discuss their facts
and culture. Don’t miss.
Background
On july1, 1867, three
colonies of British North America united to form the Dominion of Canada. It
marked the birth of Canada. These three colonies were then divided into four
provinces as Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In 1880, Britain
surrendered the Arctic islands to Canada and with further divisions Canada soon
comprised of 10 provinces and 2 territories.
In 1976, the Inuit
Tapiriit Kanatami were involved in a land claim negotiations with the Canadian
government during which the division of Northwest Territories was discussed. As
a result of negotiation and public voting on April 1, 1999 Nunavut officially
became Canada’s youngest province and its anniversary in 2000 year became
Nunavut day.
Some
Facts and how people celebrate this day?
Though Nunavut day is
not considered as National holiday in Canada but it is a statutory holiday all
over Nunavut. Let us read some facts about this day.
Fact 1: Canada’s largest Territory
Nunavut which means
“Our land” in Inuktitut is the largest Canadian territory and makes up to one
fifth of Canada’s total landmass. In 2014, about 81 % of Nunavut residents
identified themselves as Inuits.
Fact
2: Unique judiciary system
Nunavut’s court system
is quite unique as it has a single level trial court where all judges have the
ability to head any type of case.
Fact
3: Third Canadian Territory
On April 1, 1999
Nunavut Split from Northwest Territory to become third Canadian territory. Nunavut’s
day was first celebrated on April 1, 2000. April month was chosen because on
April 1, Nunavut was carved on Canadian map. The date was then shifted to July
9 to commemorate the day that the historic acts which led to Nunavut’s creation
were passed.
Fact
4: the Inuit heritage
The majority of
population in Nunavut is of Inuit. They celebrate this day by honoring their
traditional customs.
Fact
5: Traditional events on Nunavut day
Many events are
arranged on Nunavut day which include Traditional dances and games. There are
communal meals which includes pancakes breakfast and barbecue.
Fact
6: Political speeches on Nunavut day
Nunavut day’s
celebration also includes the presentation of policies and initiatives to stimulate
Nunavut’s cultural and economic stability. Leaders give speeches and announce
policies and initiatives to stimulate financial stability in the province.
Fact
7: History is kept alive through competitions
Many competitions are
organized on this day to increase the awareness of Nunavut’s history among the
young people.
Fact
8: Different shades of celebrations
Different communities
celebrate this day in their own style for instance some communities build
igloos, the traditional Inuit shelters. These are shelters are made of ice.
Fact
9: Special Musk Ox beef burger
Some communities serve
burgers which are unique. What makes them unique is the beef which comes from
the Musk ox, the traditional protein sustenance of Inuit.
Fact
10: Academic and cultural grants awarded
Several Academic and
cultural grants are awarded on Nunavut day. These grants are awarded to Nunavut
residents to enable them to pursue academic studies or to increase their level
of traditional skills.
About 3000 Inuits live
in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. They also celebrate this day in their unique
manner. The Inuit community living in Ottawa celebrates by lighting the
traditional Qulliq Stone lamp that is filled with seal oil. They also perform
drum dancing and throat singing.
Fact
11: Nunavut home of rare species.
Nunavut is least
populated territory and home to many species like Polar bears, Arctic fox,
Whales, Seals and Musk Ox. Nunavut’s resources are diamonds, hunting, fishing,
trapping, sealing and arts and crafts.
Fact
12: Own National symbols
Nunavut has its own
official flower, bird and animal. The official bird is Rock Ptarmigan, official
animal is Inuit Dog and official flower is Purple Saxifrage.
Fact
13: Tim Horton came last!
It is said that Nunavut
was the last territory in Canada to have a Tim Horton, opened in December 2010.
Where
to visit in Nunavut?
The important symbol of
Nunavut’s Territory is a blue and white image of a polar bear on an iceberg
with a single star in the sky. The star represents the North Star and the
leadership of elders in the community.
There is quite to see
and explore in Nunavut. Try their traditional Inuit food such as barbecued musk
ox burgers at a local restaurant in your city or at the time of a festival.
Summers are the best to
visit Nunavut. Temperatures are above freezing and summer solstice lends nearly
24 hours of daylight for tourist activities.
During their festive
seasons, Nunavut communities don’t forget to celebrate them even though they
live in other provinces of Canada. They organize traditional games and dances
for those who are interested in their culture.
The Inukshuk is a
famous landmark of Nunavut, constructed from five stones representing sacred
places in the landscape.
North America’s North
West passage marathon is held at Somerset Island in Nunavut. The Inuit
community has many legends and tales in which moon and the stars take the central
roles. They appreciate the sky, stars, moon and even northern lights on
Nunavut’s day in their legendary tales.
PartsAvatar Car Parts Canada
salutes the spirit of Inuits in keeping their century’s old traditions. Happy
Nunavut Day to all the Inuits!
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