Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

October 18, 2003 - Issue 98

Poster Takes Jordin Tootoo Inspiration Beyond Hockey

Premier Paul Okalik today officially unveiled a Jordin Tootoo poster that is designed to encourage Nunavut students to set goals in their lives and strive for them.

"This poster captures the inspiration that Jordin creates on ice and moves it beyond the hockey rink to all parts of Nunavut so that we can all benefit from his example," Okalik said as he unveiled the poster before assembled students at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit.

Held on the eve of the opening of the National Hockey League (NHL) season the ceremony celebrates the fact that Tootoo, of Rankin Inlet, is the first Inuk to make the line up of an NHL team. It was announced this week that Tootoo will play in the home opener for the Nashville Predators.

"Jordin is a positive role model for Nunavut," said Okalik. "His skills, commitment and character give us the confidence in ourselves and provide us with strength to deal with life's challenges."

The Premier was joined at the high school by Rosemary Keenainak, an Assistant Deputy Minister at the Department of Sustainable Development, and Hunter Tootoo, Jordin's cousin and MLA for Iqaluit Centre.

Hunter Tootoo said he is grateful to have someone like Jordin in his family to help remind him of what is possible to achieve in life.

"Jordin encourages us to spark our desire to create ambitions, set and achieve goals," said Hunter Tootoo. "He has this tremendous ability to project his energy and encourage family and Nunavummiut to make our dreams become reality."

Keenainak urged students to stay in school and complete their education so that Nunavummiut have the skills to build their new territory.

"It is through hard work that Nunavummiut are successful," said Keenainak. "There are opportunities for Inuit to work in all levels of government and the private sector and elsewhere, so don't be afraid to try something different that you normally would not do"

The Jordin Tootoo poster, which is part of a series of role model posters launched by the Government of Nunavut, has been distributed to schools, hamlet offices and health offices throughout the territory

Launched last year, the role model poster series provides inspiration for young Nunavummiut and underlines the importance of having goals and an education.

Earlier posters included well-known broadcaster Madeleine Allakariallak, electronic technologist George Metuq, and Inuit Assistant Deputy Ministers.

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