Paul Quassa

John Amagoalik, Constitutional Advisor to the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut.

I am very honoured to be able to speak on behalf of the Inuit of Nunavut, in the presence of our elders, including my own mother and father, on this very happy day.

I want to begin by warmly welcoming the Right Honourable Prime Minister in taking this day at this busy time, to be with us here in Iqaluit as we make this historic step in nation building...and to welcome back to Nunavut, our friend Mr. Siddon, whom I have come to know and trust...and other distinguished guests.

I also salute the Inuit, especially present and former membership of the Board of Directors of the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut, and Inuit from all parts of Canada, represented by the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada and Pauktuutit, who are with us today.

They have worked so hard and waited so long for this historical day. They represent many Inuit who have made sacrifices, and endured frustrations and setbacks, to achieve the dream of Nunavut.

The Honourable Nellie Cournoyea, Leader of the Government of the Northwest Territories and MLA for Nunakput, knows what we have been through, since she was a key figure in achieving the Inuvialuit Final Agreement which helped, along with the example of our friends from Nunavik, Northern Quebec, to show us the way for our claim.

Today we take the next big step: the settlement of our land claim and the commitment to our Nunavut Government and Territory. For over twenty years, we have worked for this day !

It is fitting to have this important occasion take place in 1993, for this is the International Year of the World's Indigenous Peoples. With this signing of a major land claims settlement, Canada is setting a good example for the rest of the world: the importance of working with its first inhabitants. Canada has promoted Inuit culture to the rest of the world, and we want to express our gratitude. We are proud to be part of the identity of Canada!

Today is an important moment in time for Inuit...an historical moment, but it is also important for Canada. This modern treaty marks the beginning of a new relationship between Inuit and the federal government... a relationship based on mutual respect and the sharing of authority.

We have had long and hard negotiations with the Federal Government, its ministers and officials. There were setbacks and problems along the way, some of which took years to resolve, but those of us who were at the table always respected one another, and we were always willing to compromise or find a new way to solve a problem.

We also have been encouraged and assisted by the constant support of the Government of the Northwest Territories, its Legislative Assembly, represented by the Honorable Michael Ballantyne, Speaker and MLA for Yellowknife North, and especially the Nunavut Caucus of the Assembly, represented here today by Mr. John Ningark, MLA for Natilikmeot, current Chair of the Nunavut Caucus. and his colleagues.

The creation of a Nunavut Territory has been discussed in the north for over two decades, and some...particularly John Amagoalik...have been working towards this goal for just as long. TFN has pursued this aim openly, publicly, and democratically. Residents of the Northwest Territories voted twice, in 1982 and 1992, to approve the concept of Nunavut, and the boundary for division. We thank you for that support.

I am very honoured to speak for the Inuit of Nunavut on this happy occasion. I am glad to be able to say, with confidence and hope, "There will be Nunavut! We will make it work for our people !" We also hope that Nunavut will be an inspiration to other aboriginal peoples to achieve greater control over their own lives, and that this day will mark the beginning of an era of even greater cooperation with our circumpolar neighbours.

To the people of Canada...I hope you are proud of our accomplishment in the North. I hope you will visit Nunavut. We welcome visitors and investors. We believe Nunavut will turn out to be a good investment for the people of Canada, and will enable us to remain strong and free.

In closing, I want to thank all those whahave given so much to help us reach this great day.

I want to thank the Prime Minister of Canada for honoring us by being here with us in the Arctic, to celebrate this historic achievement we have reached by working together. Mr. Mulroney, you have shown vision and leadership in helping us realize our destiny.

Thank you all, and may God bless us as we continue to strive for peace and prosperity in our beloved homeland.