July 9, 2025

Check against delivery

Thank you, Mr. Tunraluk and the NTI team, for the warm welcome and for organizing this great event today.

Happy Nunavut Day!

I am so happy to be back in Iqaluit!

It’s wonderful to be here with all of you.

To see young faces, to see families, and to see ourselves as one,

united across this vast territory.

Nunavut is such a beautiful land!

Twenty-six years ago, the creation of Nunavut Day marked a milestone in our lives and in our culture.

There’s so much to celebrate today!

When I was here last spring, I saw first-hand the great work you are doing in Iqaluit, and across the territory.

Young adults, ready to lead, with new and exciting ideas.

Teachers, Elders, mothers and fathers, passing down knowledge, in school and out on the land.

Inuit educators, speaking and strengthening our Inuktut languages.

The time we take to teach and learn is a powerful source of hope.

There are many things I love about the North.

One of them is our strong sense of community.

Another is the beauty and depth of our culture.

When the world gets a glimpse of us, they fall in love.

They admire our connection to the land.

Our knowledge.

Our traditions.

We can all be very proud of these things.

It is what makes you Nunavummiut.

Take a moment today, to feel the connection you have with one of the most special places on Earth.

Take a moment to say to yourself: “I am proud of who I am.”

To the wonderful friends and families here in Iqaluit, and to all of you celebrating across this vast territory:

Happy Nunavut Day!