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IQALUIT
"On top of the world," is how Babs Atafo felt after becoming a new Canadian, and it's a fitting way to describe the fact the native of Nigeria chose to earn his citizenship in Canada's northernmost territory.

Being able to wave the flag on Sept. 28 in Iqaluit as a Canadian was important for Ancheleena Mandal, 12, originally from India. Since she was four years old, "I was considered an immigrant," she said after being given citizenship on Sept. 28. "Now I am a citizen." - Casey Lessard/NNSL photo

Atafo was among 14 Nunavut residents who took the oath of citizenship Sept. 28 in Iqaluit. The citizenship court was presided by Senior Citizenship Judge George Springate of Montreal and Judge Harold Gilleshammer of Winnipeg, and witnessed by Premier Eva Aariak and Commissioner Edna Elias.

The new citizens came from a number of countries around the world, including Lebanon, Malaysia, India, and Mauritius. All of them now live in Nunavut.

"Some of you had to leave friends and family, and successful jobs and businesses to come here," Judge Gilleshammer told the new citizens. "Your presence today confirms you have the courage to join us as Canadians."

The words hit home for Jeetendra Gunput, originally of Mauritius.

"The experience is different for everybody," Gunput said. "It brings back all of the sacrifice you had to make to get to this day."

The premier pointed out that none of the new citizens is alone.

"Citizenship is a bond that unites all of us here," Aariak said, noting that the Inuit were among the first citizens of Canada. "That you have chosen your new home to be Nunavut is very meaningful."

For Nunavut Commissioner Edna Elias, it was a new and touching experience.

"I've never been involved in a citizenship ceremony," Elias told the new citizens and their families, "and I have to tell you, I had a lump in my throat."

The ceremony was significant for Anchaleena Mandal, 12, who moved with her parents from India in 2003.

"I feel very proud to be a Canadian," she said, "because I came here when I was four years old and I lived like everyone else, but I was considered an immigrant. Now I am a citizen. I am very, very happy."

For Navpreet Johal, also from India, the ceremony opened up employment opportunities, specifically with the RCMP.

"There were a couple of jobs I wanted where you have to be a citizen," said Johal, who was alone in India before moving to Toronto to join her brother.

Sr. Judge Springate told the crowd the rights and freedoms of citizenship come at a cost, and there are responsibilities attached.

"What do we ask?" he said. "For you to make Canada a better land. We ask you to volunteer – Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, local sports teams. Take care of your neighbours. Vote."

Before leading the crowd in O Canada, he noted that he, too, came from a family of immigrants, and knew how the audience felt.

"My parents came here to give their children a better life," he said. "That's why you're here."

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