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The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s second annual “Taste of the Arctic” gala fundraiser was a sold-out event at the National Art Gallery in Ottawa on February 1st, 2011. The proceeds from this celebrated event will benefit Avataq Cultural Institute’s Inuktituurniup Saturtaugasuarninga project of the Inuktitut Language Department.

Avataq Cultural Institute would like to thank ITK for holding such an influential fundraiser, as well as for its recognition and support for the protection and development of the Inuit language. Avataq also gives much appreciation to those guests who attended and contributed their support to the fundraiser.

Amongst the evening guest speakers were Avataq President Mr. Charlie Arngak, and the reputable Mr. Zebedee Nungak, Director of the Inuktitut Language Department. A powerful speech by Mr. Nungak caught the full attention of many important politicians, business leaders and community members of both Inuit and non-Inuit establishments. The essence of Mr. Nungak’s words captured a core understanding of the challenges that face Inuit language today, and the idea of making Inuktitut an official Canadian language was brought to mind.

The evening was highlighted by the talented performances by Nunavik’s Elisapie Isaac, Inuk singer, and Taqralik Partridge, Inuk spoken word poet. The gala crowd watched with pleasure and in awe of the original performance of Artcirq, Igloolik’s Inuit circus performers. Nunavik Creations fashion designer Vicky Okpik made a dazzling fashion presentation with innovative sealskin garments.