KUUJJUAQ Tuesday, May 21, 2002
Sheila Watt-Cloutier, President of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (Canada) today officially unveiled the logo for ICC’s 9th General Assembly, which will be held August 11-16, 2002, in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. Joining Ms. Watt-Cloutier for the ceremony, were the co-hosts of the assembly, Kuujjuaq Mayor, Michael Gordon, and Ida Saunders of the Kativik Regional Government.
ICC, which represents the international interests of the Inuit of Canada, Alaska (USA), Greenland, and Chukotka (Russia) will also celebrate the organizations 25th anniversary during the week-long event in August. “This assembly will be a major milestone for Inuit and ICC,” noted Ms. Watt-Cloutier, “and so we wanted a very special theme, and a very special logo to mark the occasion.”
Last fall, when the selection of the theme Inuit Voice-Enlightening the World was made, Inuit from across the circumpolar region were invited to submit suggestions for a logo. The three winning entries were used as inspiration in the design of the final artwork for the logo, which was approved unanimously by the ICC executive council at an April meeting in Nuuk, Greenland.
The kuliq, or seal-oil lamp used in the logo, signifies the importance of culture and tradition, even in the modern world of today. It also symbolizes the past lighting the way for future generations. The person embodies the Inuit of the four countries, united as one and lifting their voices to the world to promote a safe and secure Arctic.
On behalf of ICC President, Aqqaluk Lynge, who sponsored the logo contest, Ms. Watt-Cloutier presented first prize of $1,000 to Nunavik artist Ulaayu Arngak. “I was thrilled when the council chose the winning entry from Nunavik” she said, “and I am very happy to make this presentation”. The second place award of $600 will go to Jorgen Petersen of Greenland, and the winner of the third prize of $400 is Vladimir Alimbekovich Dobriev of Chukotka.
Mayor Michael Gordon congratulated Ms. Arngak, and added that Kuujjuaq has been working hard to prepare for the assembly, and is looking forward to welcoming their international guests.
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For further information:
Natasha Willows
ICC Canada
Tel.: (613) 563-2642
Susan Ruston or Sandy Tooma
Kuujjuaq
Tel.: (867)