Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Society for the recent opening of the expansion to the museum. which I had the pleasure of attending.

Iqaluit is more fortunate than most communities in the Northwest Territories. We have had an active museum society in our community for over 25 years, which has been driven by the strong efforts of volunteers.

The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum Society was formed in 1969 by a group of local residents, including Joanasie Salamonie, Anne Mikijuk Hanson, Gordon Rennie and Tom and Helen Webster, who were committed to the preservation and enhancement of Inuit cultural artifacts. The society was formed in direct response to a donation of Inuit sculptures and artifacts from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. The collection was initially kept in storage for lack of facility and funds.

However, in 1970, when Queen Elizabeth visited Iqaluit, the society installed an exhibition in the new library building, which was then still empty. That was a great success and from that point on, volunteers made continuing efforts to secure a building and, in the meantime, exhibits were displayed in spaces around town.

In 1976, the Northern Heritage Centre was being built. Arguing that a secure storage space was required to protect the collection, some government personnel threatened to take the collection to an exhibit in the new facility in Yellowknife.

The Iqaluit museum society's collection remained in Iqaluit, however, due to fortuitous circumstances. In 1976, the Iqaluit liquor store was closed to over-the-counter sales by public petition. As a result, the liquor store space became available to house and protect the collection.

At this time, with help from the Northern Heritage Centre's professional staff, the museum's collection was catalogued by volunteers, as the exhibits were installed in the new facility. Visits from school children and tourists were also arranged by volunteers from the community.

Mr. Speaker, the collection has always received proper care from the staff at the museum. Standard museum practices are maintained. The local society has worked extremely hard for over 25 years to ensure that the operation of the museum is funded and the exhibits, programs and research is always continuing.

I would like to congratulate the many volunteers in Iqaluit who have made the museum a success over the years. I congratulate long-time employee, Jimmy Ekho, and Iqaluit elders who continue the tradition of active participation with the museum society. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause