(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure and pride to inform Members that a long overdue issue will be finally dealt with this month in Cape Dorset. On March 14, 1997, I will be travelling to Cape Dorset along with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Sam Gargan, and the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, Her Honour Helen Maksagak, to pay special tribute to the great artists from Cape Dorset who designed and build the Mace.
Mr. Speaker, the project began in Cape Dorset on July 15, 1955, under the supervision of the well-known artist, Mr. James Houston. There were a total of nine Inuit artists involved in the project and they completed the task in just 21 days. The Governor General then presented it in Ottawa to the Legislative Assembly in 1956.
Mr. Speaker, four of the original artists are still living today. Oshawetuk Ipeelie, Lutka Qiatsuk, Kovianaktuliak Parr, Ashevak Ezekiel. Unfortunately, the remaining artists have passed away. They were: Peter Pitseolak, Nungoshuitok, Qavaroak Tunnillie, Moses Tauki and Kovianatuliak Ottokie.
At a special community gathering on Saturday, March 15th, we will be making special presentations to the carvers themselves or a direct descendant who has been chosen by the family to receive the presentation.
In addition, we will also pay a special tribute to Mrs. Oodlooreak Manning, who donated her prized copper kettle to be modified into the crown when the native copper originally planned for use proved too brittle. Her kettle was eventually replaced by the Governor General.
Mr. Speaker, the original Mace is too valuable a treasure to risk in a journey over 1,000 kilometres to Cape Dorset. However, we will bring the exact replica, which is the one brought into this House each time we start sitting. I am sure that the carvers, their families, and the people of Cape Dorset will get great pleasure from seeing this exact replica of their artistry.
I would ask all Members to join me in congratulating and thanking the people of Cape Dorset for this outstanding contribution to the legacy of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)
-- Applause