Issaluk named cultural ambassador
Role celebrates Canadians as part of anniversary of Confederation
Shane Magee
Northern News Services
Monday, February 27, 2017
IQALUIT
Johnny Issaluk says he's proud to be representing Canada as a cultural ambassador as the nation marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
"I'm going to promote it as much as I can because I'm a proud Canadian, a proud Inuk from Nunavut," Issaluk, originally from Chesterfield Inlet, said in an interview Feb. 20.
The Iqaluit resident has spent years competing and coaching Inuit games, winning more than 200 national and regional medals.
It's a role he says he'll use to promote indigenous culture and helping youth.
Cultural ambassadors have been named across the country, and earlier this month many posted on the social media website Twitter holding flags, including Caitlyn Baikie in front of the wreck of the Maud in Cambridge Bay.
Ambassadors include artists, Olympians, hockey players, musicians and people who encourage life and health.
Issaluk said he had mixed feelings when he received an e-mail from Heritage Canada asking him to take on the role.
"I feel like there are far more deserving people," he said. "I'm excited at the same time because I was recognized as part of the Inuit cultural games - that excites me because Inuit games have been a big part of our heritage, which helped us survive. To be recognized for that is very honouring."
The selection was celebrated in a news release from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Aluki Kotierk.
"I offer my sincere congratulations to Mr. Issaluk. He has influenced and helped many Nunavummiut in his efforts for Inuit wellness. Being chosen as one of the 150 aspiring Canadians will expand his efforts as well as educate Canadians on the many strengths and accomplishments of Inuit," Kotierk stated.
The statement added Issaluk has been a strong advocate for mental health and suicide prevention in the territory.
In 2012, he was the first Nunavummiuq to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the health and well-being of Nunavummiut.
What does the 150th anniversary of Confederation mean for Issaluk?
He said it's about resilience, community and recognizing what Canadians have as a whole.
The cultural ambassadorship means he's asked to attend 150th anniversary events in the area this year.
"I'll do what I can to support it," he said, including media interviews or posts on social media. That included a post about keeping traditions alive on Twitter earlier this month with 13-year-old Jack Allakariallak, after the young man hunted his first polar bear.
"It's being proud of where I come from and proud that our youth are taking forward what our ancestors have carried forward forever," he said.
