July 12, 2023
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Today Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Deputy Premier Pamela Hakongak Gross released the following joint statement in recognition of the visit of U.S. Ambassador to Canada, the Honorable David L. Cohen:
“We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Ambassador to Canada for visiting Nunavut from July 9-12, 2023. The Hon. David L. Cohen and his wife Rhonda put great effort into meeting with Nunavummiut to understand the unique realities of our communities.
This visit demonstrates a strengthened relationship between Nunavut and the United States, which will foster increased collaboration in the Arctic. There is a strong bond between our two regions, and we have shared interests in areas such as climate change, sovereignty and security, transportation, critical minerals, and the protection of our shared waters. I also wish to acknowledge the importance of Nunavut’s relationship with Alaska through our connection with Inuit and other northern Indigenous communities.
The honourable guests took part in Nunavut Day activities and were welcomed by Commissioner of Nunavut, Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Mayor of Iqaluit, Canadian Rangers, and members of the business community.
The Ambassador’s trip follows a North American Arctic Mineral Resource Sector Governance Technical Workshop organized by the U.S. Department of State, which was held last April in Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet. This was in addition to visits by the U.S. Minister Counselor of Consular Affairs to Iqaluit and Pond Inlet in April, and of the U.S. Consul General to Iqaluit last October. Our government looks forward to continuing our relationship with the U.S. Embassy and welcomes partnership with our American neighbours.”