Hon. René Cormier: Colleagues, getting to know the Far North, the people who live there and the languages they speak has always been a dream of mine.

Knowing that we can’t understand our country without meeting the First Peoples who have inhabited these lands for millennia, and with that dream in mind, I embarked on a three-day trip to Nunavut, the land of the Inuit. It was a fascinating and transformative journey, made possible thanks to the support and help of our colleague Senator Dennis Patterson, whom I sincerely thank for his invaluable assistance.

[English]

Nunavut, Canada’s largest territory, is governed by a consensus-based legislative assembly, whose members are not attached to any political party — it’s a very inspiring mode of governance for an independent senator. Thank you, Speaker Tony Akoak and Pamela Hakongak Gross, Minister of Culture and Heritage, for your warm welcome to this chamber where respect prevails.

[Translation]

As I toured this land almost entirely made up of Arctic tundra, I was guided by Languages Commissioner Karliin Aariak, who works passionately and determinedly to ensure compliance with Nunavut’s Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act. This is a monumental task that the governments of Nunavut and Canada absolutely must support.

In the land of the Qimmiq, one of world’s oldest dog breeds, languages and cultures travel to and for. They coexist, enriching this majestic land with their extraordinary sounds. Inuktut in its many forms, French and English resonate throughout the territory, representing the diversity of our country and our ability to live together.

[English]

In the land of the qulliq, the traditional Inuit lamp, I met the inspiring Leena Evic, owner of the Pirurvik Centre, which is a language training company that offers Inuktut language learning through a process that is both spiritual and restorative. It is an eloquent example of the inseparable link between language, culture and identity.

In the small community of Apex, Ann Meekitjuk Hanson spoke to me about the future of the Inuktitut language which she imagines with optimism and kindness.

In the land of inukshuk, I also met young artists who use throat singing to express their love of the land.

[Translation]

I also met with members of the Francophonie in Nunavut, people from all over, from Acadia, Quebec, Cameroon and more, people who embrace this land with passion and devotion, a community with the wonderful Trois-Soleils school at its heart.

Esteemed colleagues, as you can tell, I fell in love with Nunavut and its people, who draw creative energy, strength and spirituality from the land to steward, heal, repair and build the future.

[English]

Today, I dream of flying away again on the wings of the great steel bird to meet up with these people and learn more because this trip was just the beginning — the beginning of a journey that will transform me forever.

Qujannamiik, Nunavut.

[Translation]

Hon. René Cormier: Would Senator Seidman accept a question?