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IQALUIT
As a disembodied voice came over the speaker welcoming passengers to Nunavut, Beverly Belanger looked down and wondered, "What is this place?"

Shanthi Palaniappan takes the oath of citizenship during a ceremony at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum Sept. 18 in Iqaluit. - Miranda Scotland/NNSL photo

Having grown up in the Philippines, the snow covered and treeless land of Iqaluit was quite a shock for her.

But now 10 years later Canada is her home and she recently made it official during a citizenship ceremony at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit.

Belanger and 13 other immigrants took the oath of citizenship Sept. 18 while family and friends circled around them, snapping photos to capture the moment.

"I feel very happy and glad being Canadian," said Belanger after the ceremony.

To become a citizen of Canada a person must have lived in the country for at least 1,095 days, have a grasp of French or English, know the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, not be a security risk or under a removal order and take the oath of citizenship.

Applicants also have to take a citizenship test, which is a bit scary, said Belanger.

"I was kind of nervous (taking it)," she said, adding her fear faded once she heard she had passed.

Shanthi Palaniappan shared the same sentiments.

"I was a little scared but it was easy," she said.

Palaniappan came to Nunavut about seven years ago to find work as a nurse.

Her husband Murugesh Narayanan joined her a few years later after the couple was brought together in an arranged marriage in India.

They now have a one-year-old son, Suriyaa Murugesh.

Palaniappan said she is proud to finally be a Canadian while Murugesh is still waiting to get his citizenship.

Nunavut Commisioner Edna Elias was among those who attended the event to welcome the new citizens.

She encouraged them to abide by Canada's laws and respect the traditions, especially those of the country's First Peoples.

"I'm so happy that you are truly Canadians now. You can stand in our true North, strong and free with the rest of us," she said.

"That you've chosen to make your home here in Nunavut is very meaningful."

Judge James McCrae took time to point out some of the benefits of living in Canada, including that men and women are considered equal under the law and that Canadians are able to celebrate each other's differences.

He also suggested that the 14 citizens get involved in their community to help make it a better place.

"Today is the first day of your lives as Canadians, it's a very happy day and I hope you will be as happy everyday as you are here today."

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