Nunavut Day

Monday July 9th was Nunavut Day.  All government offices were closed and there were a number of events that took place.  Canada AM was broadcasting from just behind the Legislative Assembly building.  Jacquie and I woke up early to watch Canada AM on TV.  It was quite entertaining seeing some of the people we have gotten to know on TV.  The crew did a great job in talking about Iqaluit, Nunavut and some Inuit traditions.  We really enjoyed the broadcast

There were a number of events that took place throughout the day like seal skinning, a breakfast put on by the Rotary Club, an artisan's display and sale to mention a few.

At lunch there were muskox burgers that were being given away, however the line up was huge so Jacquie and I decided not to get in line. 

Then there was one event that took place that happens at many festival's in Nunavut.  We have seen it a few times in Iqaluit.  Local hunters donate a portion of their catch which are displayed and ultimately given away.  A large tarp is placed on the gound with cardboard and plastic over top.  A myriad of different meats are placed on the tarp and the tradition is that the elders inspect and get first dibs on what they want to take and then the balance is open to everyone in the community.  This year there was seal meat, whale meat, Muktuk (whale blubber), walrus, char, caribou, musk ox, bannock and other things that we couldn't identify.  It is actually quite interesting in that all this meat is just thrown out on the tarp for people to take. 

We were able to get some caribou, whale meet and seal fat.  Not sure why we took the seal fat and all I can say is that in the heat of making choices sometimes wrong choices are made.  We tried the whale and ate the caribou.  The caribou was excellent, the whale......... well lets just say, neither Jacquie or I would order it in a restaurant. 

All in all an interesting tradition!