Iqaluit, Monday, August 15 2011

Let me begin by thanking you all for warmly welcoming my wife, Sharon, and me to your community. This is our first trip to Iqaluit and to Nunavut, and we have been very much looking forward to this visit.

Commissioner Elias, I thank you once again for greeting us earlier today, and for hosting this evening’s feast.

And to each of you at this gathering, allow me to say what a privilege it is for us to be here in your company. I know that tradition plays an important role in this community, and we are delighted to be invited to this feast and celebration of your culture.

I am conscious of having so much to learn about Nunavut and about life in the North. As my predecessor, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, once said:

“You cannot really know Canada unless you understand the North.”

It is my hope as governor general to build understanding and co-operation among all Canadians, and your insights and participation as northerners are essential. In particular, I want to invite you to share your ideas about how we can better support our families and our children; how we can foster learning and innovation; and how we can encourage a spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy—the keys, in my mind, to a smarter, more caring Canada.

Nunavummiut have much to teach us about these and many other important aspects of our lives and communities. Your devotion to family life, your civic-mindedness and your innovative responses to living in the North are an inspiration, and I look forward to speaking with you about your experiences in the days, months and years to come.

I am also very pleased to be here in Nunavut to present the Governor General’s Northern Medal to a recipient whose life and work exemplifies much that is remarkable about northerners and the North.

Each year, the Northern Medal is presented to a Canadian who has contributed to the evolution and affirmation of the North as a vital part of Canada’s national identity.

The Northern Medal recognizes those who have strengthened Canada’s and the world’s recognition of this region and of its peoples, and who has promoted a greater understanding and awareness of the North.

I’m sure you will all agree that Mr. Zacharias Kunuk is truly deserving of this honour. On behalf of all Canadians, it is my pleasure to present him with the Governor General’s Northern Medal.

Thank you.