(Translation) I am sorry, but I will be speaking in English. (Translation ends) Two days ago, CBC Iqaluit interviewed Dr. William Fitzhugh, a respected archaeologist with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. Dr. Fitzhugh, who has worked extensively throughout the circumpolar world on archaeological digs, talked about his extensive work in recent years in Frobisher Bay seeking artifacts and archaeological evidence about the voyages of Martin Frobisher to Frobisher Bay in the late 1500s, and the effects of those visits including influences of Elizabethan technology on the local Inuit at the time. A book on this fascinating work will soon be released. In the interview, Dr. Fitzhugh pointed out the urgency of his work since the land and hundreds of archaeological sites, and the outer part of Frobisher Bay are rapidly sinking into the sea. Dr. Fitzhugh expressed his strong concern that there must be proper local facilities to secure and preserve these valuable artifacts. Unless local storage is available in local museums, Dr. Fitzhugh expressed his concern that communities nearby may no longer support archaeological research for fear that the artifacts will be taken far away because of the conditions required for their safe storage, and will not be available to be seen in nearby communities. He also noted that he is working with young Inuit on the digs to encourage them to study archaeology in the Arctic but it would be discouraging to those students if there are no local facilities to display the results of their works, and the artifacts must be stored far away from the Inuit homeland. Dr. Fitzhugh also noted that these artifacts, if they are available locally, are a valuable resource for schools to celebrate cultural heritage and also as a very significant tourist attraction. He expressed his opinion that a new Nunavut territory must offer increased education opportunities and facilities to respect, store and display the heritage of its people. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.
Dennis Patterson on Cbc Interview With Archaeologist Dr. Fitzhugh
In the Legislative Assembly on March 31st, 1993. See this statement in context.
Cbc Interview With Archaeologist Dr. Fitzhugh
Item 3: Members' Statements
March 30th, 1993
Page 1302
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
See context to find out what was said next.