Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Flags fluttered at half-mast outside of the legislative assembly last week out of respect for late elder and politician Simonie Michael.

"He took the first step, the first step with introducing Inuit into taking leadership roles in government," said Nunavut Commissioner Ann Hanson, at a swearing-in ceremony for the territory's new executive council on Nov. 19.

Joe Aupaluktuq, left, stands with brother and Baker Lake MLA Moses Aupaluktuq and Nancy Pukirnak Aupaluktuq. Pukirnak made her sons' traditional clothing as well as her own, which they wore to the swearing-in ceremony for the legislative assembly in Iqaluit Nov. 19. - Karen Mackenzie/NNSL photo

Michael was the first Inuk to be elected to the Northwest Territories council in 1968, as a representative of the Eastern Arctic. He immediately became well known for his opposition of disc numbers.

He died Nov. 14. He was in his mid-70s.

The swearing-in ceremony for MLAs and cabinet ministers was delayed by a day, out of respect for Michael and to accommodate the funeral service.

Friends and family of each Nunavut representative crowded the house as the politicians gave their vows.

Joe Aupaluktuq with his brother, Baker Lake MLA Moses Aupaluktuq, sat with their mother Nancy Pukirnak Aupaluktuq.

"We're really proud. A little bit still in shock, but it's slowly sinking in," Joe said.

After officially welcoming Nunavut's new executive council into the fold that afternoon, Hanson recognized the symbolism of another historic first for Inuit in politics as well, in the election of the first woman as premier, Eva Aariak.

"It's another milestone today, and we have to remember the people who took the steps. We're just following their steps," Hanson said.

The excitement of Aariak's election is still resonating with young women across the territory, such as Pond Inlet high school student Darlene Simonie.

"I thought it was really good that our second premier will be a woman. It's a huge step for women of Nunavut," she said. "Nunavut has to be governed with love and concern, and she's just the person to do that."

Simonie, a Grade 11 student at Nasivvik School, said she's really excited to see what changes there will be in the near future.

"She's probably inspired women all over Nunavut to actually step forward and work for something big like being a premier," she said.

Tanya Haulli, a Grade 12 student at Ataguttaaluk School in Iglulik, is the president of her student council and said she is "very, very proud," of the new government.

"Now I would like to see the smaller communities get more looked after, not just the capital of Iqaluit," she said.

The girls' sentiments are what Neevee Wilkins, acting president of Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women, wants to hear.

"We really, really hope this will give young women the idea ... 'If Eva can do it, we can,'" she said.

"We think it's wonderful to have (Aariak) be elected by her peers. It shows that maybe they're starting to realize that women have a place in politics, too."