Known as the Father of Nunavut, John Amagoalik was invested with the Order of Canada at a ceremony in Iqaluit on the territory’s 25th anniversary celebration.
“It was deeply meaningful for me to recognize John’s leadership in the Arctic and the North, and his integral role in the creation of Nunavut on the day that we mark its 25th anniversary,” said Governor General Mary Simon in a speech at the Aqsarniit Hotel on April 1. “The impact of his contributions extend well beyond Nunavut. It helped shape our federation. John is a Canadian hero.
“John has made exceptional contributions that may have gone unrecognized,” she continued. “This is something everyone in Canada can do.”’
Amagoalik was made an officer in the Order of Canada in 2019 by Simon’s predecessor, but Nunavut’s anniversary and the current governor general’s visit to the territory presented an opportunity for her to acknowledge his achievements in-person.
He received the Order of Nunavut in 2014.
The Governor General’s office noted in a statement to Nunavut News that Amagoalik has been committed to Canada’s North for decades.
After surviving being exiled to the High Arctic, he has displayed unwavering determination to preserving and celebrating the Inuit way of life. He was named to the Order of Canada for his devotion to the key leadership roles within Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, as well as in the ratification of the Nunavut Act, which initiated the territory’s creation.
“His vision of the North as a homeland, and his ongoing promotion of language and culture continue to have a significant impact on safeguarding the rights of the next generation of Inuit,” the Office of the Governor General concluded.