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Nunavut's treasure

PM Chretien dedicates new national park

Yose Cormier
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Aug 25/03) - Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien was in Iqaluit on Saturday to officially establish a new park near Repulse Bay.

Ukkusiksalik National Park or Wager Bay Park, will cover about 20,500 square kilometres in the Kivalliq region.

In a speech to about 200 people gathered at Inukshuk high school on Saturday morning, the prime minister described the new park as a treasure.

"The willingness of the people of Kivalliq to share such a rare treasure with Canadians and the world is a blessing," said Chretien.

"With the inclusion of Ukkusiksalik in the national park system, we are ensuring the protection of 20,000 square kilometres of territory of great beauty and rich history," said Chretien.

A number of dignitaries including Nunavut premier Paul Okalik and Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell were on hand as well as a number of Repulse Bay residents.

Along with the park, Inuit in the Kivalliq region will receive a $3 million grant to take advantage of what the federal government calls "economic opportunities inherent in the creation of the park."

"This day will be remembered for years to come. This will make Nunavut brighter and will make one step closer to completing Nunavut," said Tongola Sandy, Kivalliq Inuit Association president.

Sandy added that the creation of the park will keep Wager Bay safe for future generations.

"It will ensure that more Inuit generations will have the possibility of experience and enjoying an untouched traditional Inuit living environment," Sandy said.

An Inuit impact and benefit agreement between the federal and territorial government as well as the Kivalliq Inuit Association provides details on the benefits Inuit will receive from this new park.

Parks Canada will provide funding to develop tourism studies for Inuit communities close to the park.

The federal government will provide further funding for areas such as translating documents into Inuktituk, training for members of the park management committees and enhancing visitor information and presentation materials.

"It seems only fair that today that the Inuit Impact and Benefit Plan supports Inuit entrepreneurs given the history of Ukkusiksalik," said Cathy Towtongie, president of the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Following the signing in the capital, two charter flights flew about 50 people to Repulse Bay for a celebration there.

Chretien couldn't make the journey for that celebration.