The following statement is being issued today by Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe:

 As Inuit, we have lived on this land for millennia – long before the arrival of European settlers. We have always been a strong and resilient people, adapting to the harsh environment and thriving in harmony with the land and the sea. Our traditional way of life, rooted in hunting, fishing, and gathering, has always been deeply connected to our ancestors and to the world around us.

As one of the original peoples of Canada, our journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and achievement. New cultures and languages were forced upon us, and many of our traditional practices and customs were suppressed. We were relocated from our homelands, taken to residential schools, and told we were inferior by those who viewed us through a lens of ignorance and prejudice.

Despite these hardships, we persevered. Our traditions continue, passed proudly from generation to generation. We fought to protect our language and our traditional ways, demanded recognition of our rights and self‑government, and continue to work tirelessly to revitalize and strengthen our identity.

As we prepare to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day this Sunday, we acknowledge the progress we have made and honour the hard work and dedication of our ancestors who protected our way of life.

As the only Inuit collective in Atlantic Canada, we carry the responsibility to safeguard our culture, lands, and way of life from those who would seek to diminish or distort them. We must stand firm against attempts to erase our history or replace it with false narratives. We must also continue to work alongside other Indigenous peoples across Canada to build a strong foundation for reconciliation and self‑determination.

Let this Sunday be a day of hope and renewal. Let us honour the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors, and look forward to a brighter future for all Indigenous peoples in Canada – one where our cultures are respected, our rights are protected, and our voices remain strong.