Official Visit to Nunavut - Day 2

The Tukisigiarvik Society is a community-based organization that offers support and assistance to individuals and families, with a particular emphasis on teaching the importance of the Inuit language and culture.

His Excellency also took part in a short series of drills with the players and coaches of the Nunavut Stars Hockey Camp. The Governor General managed to sneak in a goal past a young goalie.

Their Excellencies met with Her Worship Madeleine Redfern, Mayor of Iqaluit, as well as with representatives of NGOs and volunteers from the City of Iqaluit to learn about the common goal they are working towards: making the community a better place for residents in need.

Following the presentation by NGOs and volunteers, His Excellency offered remarks.

Their Excellencies were given a tour of the Tukisigiarvik Society facility and an overview of its services, followed by several demonstrations of cultural skills.

The Tukisigiarvik Society’s Inuit elder-advisors teach traditional skills development and give advice on Inuit values, customs, beliefs and practices (also known as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit), which form the basis of the support and counselling services and programs offered by the Society.

As patron of Habitat for Humanity, the Governor General met with the owners of the first two homes built by Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit, as well as with the many volunteers who helped with the build.

Their Excellencies visited the Tukisigiarvik Society, where they were greeted by Mrs. Elisapi Aningmiuq, program coordinator.

The Nunavut Arctic College's Nunatta Campus in Iqaluit.

Their Excellencies participated in a discussion with high school and college students, teachers and others involved in the education system, on the topic of education in Nunavut. The discussion provided an overview of the different challenges they face, the solutions being undertaken, and the innovative methods being used to keep students in school.

His Excellency also met with members of the Iqaluit Community Greenhouse Society, a not-for-profit organization established in 2001 by residents wishing to build and operate a community greenhouse in Iqaluit.

During the visit to the Nunavut Research Institute, His Excellency took a tour of the Piruqsiavut Greenhouse with Ms. Mary-Ellen Thomas, senior research officer with the Institute.

His Excellency met with the Nunavut Stars Hockey Camp participants (aged 15 to 19) during an on-ice training session at the Arnaitok Arena in Iqaluit.