President Russell’s Address at Confederation Building NunatuKavut Art Unveiling

Earlier today, President Todd Russell was proud to deliver an address to a gathered crowd that included Premier John Hogan, KC, Minister Lisa Dempster, and other distinguished guests. Together with the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister for Environment and Climate Change, they joined representatives of the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC), including Governing Councillor Jeanette Russell (Area 7: All of Canada outside NunatuKavut), to unveil a powerful new artwork honouring NunatuKavut Inuit. You can read his full remarks below.

“ullukut toddiuvunga | Good day, my name is Todd.

What an honour it is to be here today, standing alongside so many, to witness the unveiling of this remarkable work of art. It I s more than art. It is story, identity, and a living

expression of the culture, history, and strength of my people—the Inuit of NunatuKavut.

Over three years ago, the NunatuKavut Community Council set out to find an artist who could capture the very spirit of who we are. In her proposal, Charlene spoke with vision, with intimacy, and with love for the values we hold dear.

Her work reminds us of the central role of women in our families and communities—their leadership, their knowledge, their resilience. She uses her unique gift to weave together mediums and meanings, telling stories in ways that honour our past and inspire our future.

Although Charlene cannot be with us today, her spirit is present in this installation. To her, I say nakummek. Thank you for giving us such a powerful gift.

I also want to recognize Premier Hogan, former Premier Furey, and their governments for ensuring that NunatuKavut

Inuit are included in these installations. This inclusivity is not symbolic—it is a hallmark of reconciliation in action.

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are reminded of the steps already taken. From the MOU on education, to the apology to former residential school students from NunatuKavut, the relationship between our people and the provincial government has grown stronger, more respectful, and more meaningful.

But reconciliation is not a destination. It is an ongoing journey. And it calls us now—at this moment—to work together as we face new opportunities and challenges, especially with major developments like those on the Churchill River. We look forward to building these next chapters in partnership, with honesty, respect, and shared purpose.

Today is a proud day. For NunatuKavut Inuit. For all Indigenous peoples in this province. And for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our installation completes this important project. Together, these works stand as a permanent presence in Confederation Building—reminders to every decision-maker who walks these halls of the beauty, strength, and perseverance of Indigenous peoples.

For us, it will always be a symbol of who we are: the Inuit of NunatuKavut.

Nakummesuak.”

A statement by Charlene Rumbolt, the creator of this piece, can be found here.

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