Tuesday, May 9, 2006 Iqaluit, Nunavut
Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier, the elected Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, expressed gratitude for the honors to be given to her in June. She is to receive an Honourary Degree of Law from the University of Winnipeg on June 4th, a Citation of Lifetime Achievement from Canadian Geographic at the Canadian Environmental Awards on June 5th in Vancouver and the Earth Day International Environmental Award on June 8th in Toronto.
Ms. Watt-Cloutier said: These honours and awards focus attention on what is happening to our planet and the need for governments, business, industry, and all sectors of society to address the environment and sustainable development as a first priority.
Born and raised in Nunavik (northern Quebec) and living now in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Ms. Watt-Cloutier added: Inuit remain closely connected with the land, sea, ice, snow, and wildlife. In the work that I do as Chair of Inuit Circumpolar Conference, I always tell the story of how the values of Inuit and our relationship with nature are relevant to the world at large. I think these honours show that this message is getting through.
Ms. Watt-Cloutier is most closely associated with two global issues: persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and climate change. From 1998 to 2001, she was spokeswoman for a coalition of Arctic Indigenous peoples who pressed for a global convention to eliminate POPs. This convention was finalized in 2001. In the face of rapid climate change, Ms. Watt-Cloutier is using the 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Assessment prepared by the eight Arctic states as the basis for a petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The petition encourages the United States of America to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases and to join the community of nations in a global effort to combat human-induced climate change.
She added: It is rewarding to know that the truth and wisdom of our elders is helping to reconnect the Arctic with the lives of people throughout the world.
Ms. Watt-Cloutier finishes her term as Chair at Inuit Circumpolar Conferences General Assembly in Barrow, Alaska in July 2006. She does not intend to seek further elected office.
For additional information:
Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier: 867-979-4661