Nunavut Day July 9

On July 9, 1993, following the adoption of the 1982 plebiscite on the question of the division of the Northwest Territories, the Parliament of Canada passed the Nunavut Act, establishing the territory of Nunavut, which will come into force in the future.

On April 1, 1999, Nunavut became a legally separate territory from the Northwest Territories, becoming a territory on that date. The following year, 2000, “Nunavut Day” was celebrated on April 1. However, it was felt that the 1993 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement had greater significance for the people of Nunavut, so the holiday was moved to July 9 of the following year.

Several cultural activities and events are held throughout the day, including community breakfasts, traditional dances, games, Nunavut history competitions, policy announcements from the Government of Nunavut or related organizations and speeches from local community leaders.

Traditional dishes are also served in some communities. For example, Nunavut Day celebrations in Iqaluit in 2010 featured a barbecue of muskox hamburgers.