Ottawa Inuit mark Nunavut Day with cultural celebrations

As communities across Canada's newest territory celebrateNunavutDay, Inuit in Ottawa will use the event as a way to reconnect with their culture and each other.

"It has a positive effect on the whole community not just the Inuit community but the whole community of Ottawa," said Christine Lund, a coordinator withTungasuvvingatInuit.

The Ottawa community and resourcecentre is holding a small event todayfor 50 to 75 people, and a much largerevent on Saturday.

"These celebrations offer opportunities to come together, to speakInuktitut, to enjoy your neighbours that may be further away than when living in the North in the smaller communities."

3,000 Inuit in Ottawa

Lund saysTungasuvvingatInuit estimates 3,000 Inuit live in the Ottawa area and this is an opportunity for people who don't usually see each other to reconnect.

The Saturday event will begin with the lighting of theQulliq, a stone lamp traditionally filled with seal oil, at 9:30 a.m. at297SavardAve. in the Ottawa community ofVanier.

After that, a bus will take residents to Wesley Clover Park, where there will be drum dancing and throat singing workshops, games, and a chance for Inuit to share stories about the territory.

"It's important that we have opportunities to celebrate together and remember our heritage and our roots. And have pride in who we are."

Lund saysanyone who is interested in learning more about the culture shouldattend.

In previous years, between 250 and 500 people have attended the event.

Lund said it's about"really enjoying the fact that we're here and we're Inuit and we're proud."

July 9, 2015, marks the22ndanniversary of Parliament passing theNunavutAct andNunavutLand Claims Agreement Act.Nunavutofficially separated from the Northwest Territories on April 1, 1999.