Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 19/01) - Nunavut's law-makers took time out last week to raise a few flags before getting down to the business.

In a noon-hour ceremony Wednesday, MLAs hoisted flags from all 26 Nunavut communities around the public square behind the legislature. While drummers and throat singers performed on the steps of the building, MLAs hoisted the flags, one by one.

Close to 150 spectators braved chilly temperatures and blustery winds to watch the outdoor flag-raising ceremony and enjoy hot dogs and cocoa.

"Let this serve as reminder that this place is not only for Iqaluit, but for all communities of Nunavut," Speaker Kevin O'Brien told the crowd.

The area will be named Unity Place.

Iqalungmiut have been treated to the sight of the hitherto-bare flagpoles for more than a month. As speaker of the legislative assembly, O'Brien is responsible for the Legislative Assembly Building. He said Unity Square has been in the works for "close to a year now."

Health Minister Ed Picco echoed O'Brien's sentiments. After hoisting Iqaluit's flag with MLA Hunter Tootoo and Premier Okalik, Picco said the flag display shows people that "the assembly belongs to all of Nunavut."

There ceremony went off with only one hitch. O'Brien's flag was, in his words, not hung properly.

O'Brien added that while he was disappointed, the flag had been promptly straightened out, and just in time for the opening of the latest session of the assembly.