On this, the 18th anniversary of the birth of Nunatsiavut and the establishment of self-government, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. This is a time to celebrate the strength and determination of so many Labrador Inuit whose vision became reality on December 1, 2005 when the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement came into effect.
We have made significant strides over the years in addressing the many social and economic needs of our people and our communities, and we will continue to do so through hard work and collaboration with both the federal and provincial governments. While we still face enormous challenges, we realize we control our own fate, and history has demonstrated that we are a strong and vibrant people.
As we continue down the path of self-governance, we have to remain committed to preserving and maintaining our way of life, our culture and our language, while we work to create a better tomorrow for future generations. At the same time, we need to be mindful of the threats against our identity from those who claim to be something they are not.
In observance of Nunatsiavut Day, all Nunatsiavut Government offices will be closed. I encourage all employees to enjoy your day and be proud of who you are and the work you have done, and continue to do, for the betterment of our people and our communities.
Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for all of us. I wish you all a happy Nunatsiavut Day.