ITK President Encouraged by Support for Arctic Sovereignty Following Globe & Mail Online Discussion

Monday October 22, 2007 – Ottawa, Ontario – Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Mary Simon participated in a live online discussion today on the Globe and Mail web site relating to Arctic Sovereignty, a prominent theme in last week’s Throne Speech. During the hour long live discussion, over a dozen questions were answered from readers across Canada and the United States.

“I am encouraged by the interest from Canadians on this topic, and further on the level of support for the Inuit in the Arctic on this issue,” said Mary Simon following the online session. “Tomorrow I will launch a cross Canada speaking tour on the issue of Arctic Sovereignty and I will mention this in my opening event at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. I am eager to meet Canadians from coast to coast to coast and engage in positive and progressive discussions about sovereignty, and a host of issues facing Inuit in the Arctic today.”An example of the exchange held on globeandmail.com today came from a reader in Burnaby, British Columbia:

“What do you want the Canadian to do to help your people and to protect your lands and Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic? What are your greatest concerns today about the Arctic region – both land and sea?”

Mary Simon: Act in partnership with us, not in disregard for us and our rights. Implement our land claims agreements (treaties) with honour. Help us tackle some distressing social and community development problems. Take global warming seriously. Communicate with your government representatives. Insist on action. ”

“I am encouraged by this debate among Canadians, and look forward to generating more of it beginning tomorrow in Ottawa, and in the weeks and months to come across Canada,” said Mary Simon.

Source:

Stephen Hendrie
Senior Communications Officer
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Cell: 613.277.3178
hendrie@itk.ca