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Keynote Speech - Arctic Change 2008 - Palais Des Congres - Quebec City - December 9, 2008

Thank you for that warm welcome, and for inviting me to ArcticNet’s Student Day.

Before I begin my remarks, I want to acknowledge all

I issued this important statement today:

I am shocked and appalled at the comments by Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society published in newspapers across Canada regarding the hunt of narwhals in Nunavut this week. His comments were vicious towards Inuit. They demonstrate a complete and utter ignorance of our Inuit society, history and traditions. He, like all individuals in trust positions are accountable for their words and actions. There should be no place in our societies for commentary such as his. His words are not conservationist in nature - they are extremist. He should be removed from his position for spreading hatred towards Inuit. I am asking for an apology from Mr. Watson to Inuit and a full retraction of his comments. Futher I intend to seek advice on the options that Inuit may want to pursue.

We are one of the First Peoples in this great country called Canada. We have signed comprehensive land claim agreements with the Crown which absolutely protect our ancestral hunting and fishing rights for time immemorial. These constitutionally protected rights are fundamental to the preservation of our Inuit society and are intrinsically linked with the preservation and promotion of our language and culture.

The Narwhal Whale cull was not something Inuit wanted to do for their own enjoyment - it was done because it was the humane thing to do to prevent these animals from a tortuous death from starvation and drowning.

We will not have our culture and way of life dictated by outsiders, especially animal rights extremists like Paul Watson.

I issued this important statement today:

We will not have our culture and way of life dictated by outsiders, especially animal rights extremists like Paul Watson.

National Inuit Leader Mary Simon Calls for Paul Watson’s Removal as Head of Sea Shepherd Society fo

“I am shocked and appalled at the comments by Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Sociey published in newspapers across Canada regarding the hunt of narwhals in Nunavut this week. His comments were vicious towards Inuit. They demonstrate a complete and utter ignorance of our Inuit society, history and traditions. He, like all individuals in trust positions are accountable for their words and actions. There should be no place in our societies for commentary such as his. His words are not conservationist in nature - they are extremist. He should be removed from his position for spreading hatred towards Inuit. I am asking for an apology from Mr. Watson to Inuit and a full retraction of his comments. Futher I intend to seek advice on the options that Inuit may want to pursue.”

“We are one of the First Peoples in this great country called Canada. We have signed comprehensive land claim agreements with the Crown which absolutely protect our ancestral hunting and fishing rights for time immemorial. These constitutionally protected rights are fundamental to the preservation of our Inuit society and are intrinsically linked with the preservation and promotion of our language and culture.”

“The Narwhal Whale cull was not something Inuit wanted to do for their own enjoyment - it was done because it was the humane thing to do to prevent these animals from a tortuous death from starvation and drowning.”

"We will not have our culture and way of life dictated by outsiders, especially animal rights extremists like Paul Watson,” concluded Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

Mary Simon Offers Comments on Expected Economic Stimulus Package in Upcoming 2009 Federal Budget

Thursday December 4, 2008 - Ottawa, Ontario– National Inuit leader Mary Simon commented today on the importance of devoting high priority to economic and social development projects for Inuit regions and communities in the upcoming 2009 federal budget following today’s announcement that Parliament would be prorogued until January 26^th2009.

“It is now apparent that there is a broad consensus across all federal political parties that the rapidly changing global financial situation will require Canada to adopt an ambitious new package of economic stimulus early in the New Year,” said Ms. Simon.

ITK Calls for New Federal Economic Stimulus Package to Make Massive Investments in Arctic House and Health Projects

Wednesday December 3, 2008 - Ottawa, Ontario– Mary Simon national leader for Inuit in Canada and President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami highlighted the continually high overcrowding rates for Inuit across Canada as a key contributing factor leading to poor health and education levels among Inuit in Canada.

“The data released today by Statistics Canada on Inuit Health and Social Conditions notes that 31% of all Inuit in Canada live in crowded homes compared to 3% of the Canadian population. That’s 10 times higher, and completely unacceptable in a G-8 nation,” said Mary Simon.“We are in tough economic times, I know, but we are also looking at an economic stimulus package in the billions of dollars. There is a federal housing program scheduled to end in March 2009. This is the time to renew and expand that program.”

ITK President Acknowledges Importance of Greenland Vote on Enhanced Self-Rule

November 27, 2008– Ottawa, Ontario– National Inuit leader Mary Simon today acknowledged the importance of this week’s three-to-one vote by the people of Greenland in favour of greater self rule (the vote was 75.34% in favour, 23.57% opposed).

“This has been by any test a decisive vote”, said Ms. Simon,“and no doubt reflects the confidence of Greenlanders in moving forward to the next stage of their political evolution.”

Hopedale, November 26, 2008

Thank you for that warm welcome, and for inviting me to the opening of your session.

I am honoured to be here, in your Nunatsiavut Government Assembly as you continue the important work of building your new government.

It is always a joy for me to be invited to Nunatsiavut… this time, to your wonderful community of Hopedale.
I had the great pleasure of visiting Nain last summer to speak at the Sivuppialautta language conference, so I am delighted to return again, just as your winter begins to settle in.

Transcript of First ITC Meeting

h1>Inuit Meeting: Minutes

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1971 Toronto Ontario

PRESENT:
Noah Qumak Sugluk, P.Q.
Jacob Oweetaluktuk Port Harrison, P.Q.
Celestino Makpah Whale Cove, N.W.T
Josiah Kadlusiak Igloolik, N.W.T.
Ipeele Kilabuk Pangnirtung, N.W.T
Tagak E.C. Curley Edmonton, Alta.
Mary Cousins

Speech to Nunatsiavut Assembly, Hopedale, November 26, 2008

Thank you for that warm welcome, and for inviting me to the opening of your session.

I am honoured to be here, in your Nunatsiavut Government Assembly as you continue the important work of building your new government.

National Inuit Leader Mary Simon issued the following Statement regarding Canada’s Position on the

“I commend Canada’s new Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea, for her definitive and strong support for the continuation of seal hunting in Canada and I share in her extreme disappointment with the European Commission’s proposed seal import ban regulation that is currently being considered for the European Union as a whole.

Invest in Arctic to Help Weather Global Economic Storm

Wednesday November 19, 2008 ? Ottawa, Ontario ? National Inuit leader Mary Simon commented on the Speech from the Throne setting the agenda for the 40th Canadian Parliament today.

National Inuit Leader’s Response to Throne Speech: “Invest in Arctic to Help Weather Global Econom

Wednesday November 19, 2008 ? Ottawa, Ontario ? National Inuit leader Mary Simon commented on the Speech from the Throne setting the agenda for the 40th Canadian Parliament today.

“With the global economy in what might be a protracted recession, Inuit welcome and support initiatives that contribute to the stability and growth of Canada as a whole and of all its regions,” said Ms. Simon. “We are willing to work with the government to develop creative ways to weather the economic storm ahead. Inuit have learned over the millennia ‘how to weather the storm’.”

Engaging Canadian Democracy: 12 Questions, 5 Parties, 1 Election

Jack Layton, Stephen Harper, Gilles Duceppe, Elizabeth May and Stephan Dion.
- Photo by Jake Wright

Politics isn’t that complicated. It’s how you organize your society. An election is a good time to do some of that organizing. Canada is a huge country, and the distances used to mean we didn’t know each other all that well. But modern communications– like the internet and now the blogosphere– mean we’re getting to know each other much better. From coast to coast to coast.

Inuit Want Resolution of the Problems Plaguing the Truth&Reconciliation Commission

Ottawa - Wednesday November 5, 2008 - Mary Simon national leader for Inuit in Canada confirmed her support for the selection of Justice Frank Iacobucci to facilitate the process of moving forward on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission following the resignation of Judge Harry LaForme last month.

Inuit Herald Historic Appointment of First Inuk Cabinet Minister

Thursday October 30, 2008 - Ottawa, Ontario - Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami,and national leader for Inuit in Canada, underlined the historic appointment of Leona Aglukkaq as the new Minister of Health today, and congratulated all new members of the cabinet.

“I am very pleased to take this opportunity to congratulate Leona Aglukkaq for being the first Inuk named to a Cabinet Post in the government of Canada. This day is a proud one for Inuit in Canada. It is historic and should be highlighted and celebrated by Inuit and all Canadians. Thank you to Prime Minister Harper for another historic moment for Inuit this year, the first being the June 11th Apology.”

National Inuit Leader Responds to the Aboriginal Children’s Survey

Ottawa - Wednesday October 29, 2008 - Statistics Canada released information today from the Aboriginal Children’s Survey, with a focus on the family, community, and childcare of Aboriginal children under six years of age.

Mary Simon Comments on Resignation of Justice Harry LaForme as Chair From Truth&Reconciliation Commi

“I am disappointed with this news as it will no doubt cause further delays in the work of the Commission and frustration for victims of residential schools, across generations, who need healing. It is regrettable that recent events have compelled Justice LaForme to resign. The issues identified by Justice La Forme in his letter of resignation are serious and far reaching and need to be properly addressed.

Canada Votes: Interview on CBC

Mary Simon interrview on CBC discussing issues faced by Inuit in the 2008 federal election.

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Disclaimer

Keynote Speech - Arctic Change 2008

Keynote Speech - Arctic Change 2008 - Palais Des Congres - Quebec City - December 9, 2008

Response to comments made by Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

I issued this important statement today:

Response to comments made by Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Sociey

I issued this important statement today:

National Inuit Leader Mary Simon Calls for Paul Watson’s Removal as Head of Sea Shepherd Society fo

Mary Simon Offers Comments on Expected Economic Stimulus Package in Upcoming 2009 Federal Budget

Statistics Canada Report Confirms Inuit Children Suffer from Lack of Food and Shelter

ITK Calls for New Federal Economic Stimulus Package to Make Massive Investments in Arctic House and Health Projects

ITK President Acknowledges Importance of Greenland Vote on Enhanced Self-Rule

Speech to Nunatsiavut Assembly

Hopedale, November 26, 2008

Transcript of First ITC Meeting

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1971 Toronto Ontario

Speech to Nunatsiavut Assembly, Hopedale, November 26, 2008

National Inuit Leader Mary Simon issued the following Statement regarding Canada’s Position on the

National Inuit Leader's Response to Throne Speech

Invest in Arctic to Help Weather Global Economic Storm

National Inuit Leader’s Response to Throne Speech: “Invest in Arctic to Help Weather Global Econom

Engaging Canadian Democracy: 12 Questions, 5 Parties, 1 Election

Inuit Want Resolution of the Problems Plaguing the Truth&Reconciliation Commission

Inuit Herald Historic Appointment of First Inuk Cabinet Minister

Data Shows Inuit Children’s Basic Needs Severely Lacking

National Inuit Leader Responds to the Aboriginal Children’s Survey

Mary Simon Comments on Resignation of Justice Harry LaForme as Chair From Truth&Reconciliation Commi

Canada Votes: Interview on CBC

Kachina House

Disclaimer, Privacy and Use

Disclaimer

Keynote Speech - Arctic Change 2008

Keynote Speech - Arctic Change 2008 - Palais Des Congres - Quebec City - December 9, 2008

Response to comments made by Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

I issued this important statement today:

Response to comments made by Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Sociey

I issued this important statement today:

National Inuit Leader Mary Simon Calls for Paul Watson’s Removal as Head of Sea Shepherd Society fo

Mary Simon Offers Comments on Expected Economic Stimulus Package in Upcoming 2009 Federal Budget

Statistics Canada Report Confirms Inuit Children Suffer from Lack of Food and Shelter

ITK Calls for New Federal Economic Stimulus Package to Make Massive Investments in Arctic House and Health Projects

ITK President Acknowledges Importance of Greenland Vote on Enhanced Self-Rule

Speech to Nunatsiavut Assembly

Hopedale, November 26, 2008

Transcript of First ITC Meeting

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1971 Toronto Ontario

Speech to Nunatsiavut Assembly, Hopedale, November 26, 2008

National Inuit Leader Mary Simon issued the following Statement regarding Canada’s Position on the

National Inuit Leader's Response to Throne Speech

Invest in Arctic to Help Weather Global Economic Storm

National Inuit Leader’s Response to Throne Speech: “Invest in Arctic to Help Weather Global Econom

Engaging Canadian Democracy: 12 Questions, 5 Parties, 1 Election

Inuit Want Resolution of the Problems Plaguing the Truth&Reconciliation Commission

Inuit Herald Historic Appointment of First Inuk Cabinet Minister

Data Shows Inuit Children’s Basic Needs Severely Lacking

National Inuit Leader Responds to the Aboriginal Children’s Survey

Mary Simon Comments on Resignation of Justice Harry LaForme as Chair From Truth&Reconciliation Commi

Canada Votes: Interview on CBC

Kachina　House