National Inuit Leader Mary Simon made a statement on Prime Minister Stephen Harper's (Calgary Southwest, AB) apology for the legacy of residential schools. Simon said her organization has slowly witnessed a growing number of conversations – among educators, within Aboriginal communities and in government – on what a new era in Aboriginal education should look … Read more
National Inuit Leader and President of Inuit Tapirit Kanatami Mary Simon called for an urgent investment into community-based mental health programs in all Inuit communities. Simon said that urgent investment is needed because a series of violent and senseless deaths shows the troubled mental state of Canada's Arctic. Simon said the suicide rate among Inuit … Read more
Inuit Tapirit Kanatami President Mary Simon announced that the Speech from the Throne was a strong statement in support of the Arctic and Aboriginal Peoples. Simon said that the Inuit were particularly pleased to hear that the completion of the Dempster highway from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk is a priority for the Government of Canada. Simon … Read more
Inuit Tapirit Kanatami announced that its President Mary Simon will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws from Carleton University at the Spring Convocation Ceremony. Simon said that it is a great honour to receive this degree from Carleton University, which has developed meaningful research partnership with Inuit and has shown strong respect for … Read more
National Inuit leader Mary Simon issued a statement regarding life expectancy statistics published by the Conference Board of Canada. Simon said it is a sad fact that the life expectancy between Inuit and the average Canadian is 13 years, and that gap is not closing. The article notes that in one of the Inuit regions, … Read more
National Inuit leader Mary Simon congratulates the appointment new federal cabinet ministers, and acknowledges another remarkable moment in Canadian political history with the inclusion of two Aboriginal Cabinet Ministers. Simon said she is delighted to see Leona Aglukkaq (Nunavut) continue in her role and Minister of Health and take on the role of the Canadian … Read more
National Inuit leader Mary Simon acknowledged the release of the Inuit Oral Health Survey and said the results show the extent of the oral health crisis among Inuit, and at the same time, indicate some signs of improvement. The survey report shows that the rate of dental disease, specifically tooth decay, is roughly double the … Read more
National Inuit Leader Mary Simon welcomed the release of the “Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Resource Development Principles in Inuit Nunaat.” The Declaration was signed in Nuuk, Greenland by international Inuit leaders gathered there ahead of the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting. Simon said through this Declaration, and its earlier companion Declaration on sovereignty, Inuit from around … Read more
National Inuit Leader Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, offered congratulations to Conservative Leader Stephen Harper and NDP Leader Jack Layton for their historic gains in the federal election. Simon said that she hopes Harper will continue to keep the Arctic in his focus because the Inuit are still waiting for housing and health … Read more
The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announced that four of Canada's five major political parties have responded to a list of 11 questions that addressed Inuit health, housing and environmental concerns. The parties were given two weeks to address these concerns during the electoral race. The full release is available online. Call 613-292-4482.
