Polar Knowledge Canada

September 24, 2025

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It's a pleasure to join you for this evening's celebration.

What strikes me about the Qikiqtait exhibition is the deep connection the community of Sanikiluaq has nurtured-with Arctic eider ducks, and with their land.

It is a relationship rooted in humility, respect and balance.

I find this deeply moving, as it echoes the connection I experienced as a child growing up in Nunavik.

I remember being on the land with my family-travelling by dog team or canoe, hunting, fishing and gathering. Our way of life was closely tied to nature. Our spirituality, too.

For millennia, Arctic peoples have learned how to protect their environment.

In Inuktitut, the word for "environment" is Sila.

But Sila carries much richer meaning. It can refer to the air, the earth, the weather-even the universe. It can also mean "wisdom" (silatuniq).

This shows how Inuit culture sees the deep interconnectedness between people, animals, climate and the land.

That's why our traditional knowledge and wisdom are so valuable.

For too long, however, it was overlooked by the very institutions that made decisions affecting our lands and environment.

But thanks to people like all of you, this is changing.

Across Canada, organizations are recognizing Indigenous knowledge as a vital part of science-colleges, universities, research centres, businesses, institutions and governmental organizations like Polar Knowledge Canada.

I'm delighted that the Museum of Nature remains committed to raising awareness of Canada's Arctic.

And I congratulate Polar Knowledge Canada on supporting this exhibition and on marking 10 years of advancing Arctic knowledge.

You have supported cutting-edge research to support the North and its people-from clean energy and community health to preserving ecosystems in the face of climate change.

You've built respectful relationships and meaningful partnerships in Canada's North.

And you have engaged with Indigenous communities-especially youth-in transformative ways.

I want to thank each of you for the work you're doing. You are advancing reconciliation.

It gives me hope that, long into the future, people in communities like Sanikiluaq will continue to enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives in a sustainable Arctic environment-surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Belcher Islands.

I wish the museum, the Arctic Eider Society and Polar Knowledge Canada the best of success with this exhibition over the next two years.

Merci. Thank you. Migwech. Nakurmiik.