Andrea Cnudde
Northern News Services

IQALUIT (Aug 16/99) - Music, food, dancing and, of course, speeches ushered three new Canadian National Parks into formal existence at a ceremony in the high school gymnasium in Pond Inlet last Thursday.

Even the weather co-operated, delivering the kind of Arctic summer day that perfectly illustrates the beauty of this land.

After four years of negotiations between the federal government and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the signing of the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) marked the creation of Auyuittuq, Quttinirpaaq (Ellesmere Island) and Sirmilik National Parks in Nunavut.

It also means a $4.4- million federal investment in the communities and services connected to the parks.

In addition to the economic opportunities associated with the federal money, under this agreement Inuit will have a strong voice in the planning and operation and management of these parks through the creation of joint park management committees.

Canadian Heritage Minister, Sheila Copps, was enthusiastic during her visit to the small community as she spoke about the value of Inuit knowledge and history connected with the land.

"You understand the responsibility to protect and cherish these places for time immemorial," Copps said, addressing the crowded gym in English, French and a smattering of Inuktitut. She continued, adding that this agreement came about "especially because of your sacred commitment to the land which goes back over 2,000 years."

Malachi Arreak, chief Inuit negotiator of the agreement, says he is glad the deal has been formalized, although he suspects his involvement in it is far from over.

"I was getting burnt out," admitted Arreak, saying that he'd like to stay in his home town of Pond Inlet for a while.

"Although I have an inkling that I'll be appointed to a (Joint Parks Management Committee). They need people with experience."

Although the signing of the IIBA is a significant event for both Inuit and the federal government, the day was marked by a relaxed and festive atmosphere. With a casual approach and amidst much laughter, gifts were exchanged between Copps and Mayor Paul Haulli of Pond Inlet and between Pauloosie Keyootak, president of QIA, and Minister of Sustainable Development Peter Kilabuk.

Following the ceremony, Copps and her staff along with Mayor Haulli and other leaders and negotiators joined in the Inuktitut dancing with wholehearted enjoyment.

The evident feeling of togetherness in the room seemed to represent the intentions of the agreement.

"We are witnessing the start of a new relationship between Inuit and Qallunaat," Copps said during her speech.

Mayor Haulli summed it up with straightforward sincerity.

"It was the first time I met you," he said, turning to minister Copps, "and it was amazing.

"Today will be a very special day. Everyone has worked so hard and today we have met so many friends."