The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:

It is my honour to congratulate individuals from Northern Labrador who have received special recognition.

We were pleased to learn that projects from Nunatsiavut were awarded the prestigious Arctic Inspiration Prize. The program celebrates innovative ideas from Canada’s North, and awards funding to make them happen.

A $1 million prize was awarded to Inotsiavik, which means a place to live well. The goal is a cultural centre in Hopedale, which will offer educational programming, build Inuit cultural skills and enhance well-being in a safe, welcoming environment.

This is an incredible achievement for enterprising Indigenous youth who are dedicated to the revitalization of their language and culture.

A second project supports former residents of Hebron, Nutak and Okak Bay who are returning to their homeland this summer. The reunions will provide Inuit with an opportunity to heal and come to terms with their forced relocation.

The third project is the L.O.V.E. Inuktut project, which will help youth revive and safeguard 11 main dialects of Inuktut.

Congratulations to everyone involved. Praise also goes to the Arctic Inspiration Prize network for standing with northern communities and helping individuals turn their passion into action.

We look forward to hearing more about these projects as plans are implemented in Labrador.

Join me in celebrating the recipients of the Arctic Inspiration Prize.