Advisory Council Announces 2012 Appointments to the Order of Nunavut

Advisory Council Announces 2012 Appointments to the Order of Nunavut IQALUIT, Nunavut (June 5, 2012) - Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Chairperson of the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council Hunter Tootoo today announced the 2012 appointments to the Order of Nunavut. The Order of Nunavut will be bestowed on Ms. Kenojuak Ashevak, C.C. and Mr. Charlie Panigoniak. On January 1, 2010, The Order of Nunavut Act came into force. The objective of the Order is to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the cultural, social or economic well-being of Nunavut. The Order is the highest honour of Nunavut and takes precedence over all other orders, decorations or medals conferred by the Government of Nunavut. Kenojuak Ashevak of Cape Dorset has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of her lifetime of artistic accomplishment. She was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1967. She was subsequently invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1982. Charlie Panigoniak has been performing and recording music since the late 1960s. Born in the Kivalliq, Mr. Panigoniak is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and broadcaster. Mr. Panigoniak has performed at numerous festivals and events in Canada and abroad. “This year, the Advisory Council has selected two distinguished Nunavummiut whose contributions to Inuit art, culture and music are internationally renowned,” said Speaker Tootoo. “Kenojuak Ashevak and Charlie Panigoniak are ambassadors for our territory and its people.” Investiture ceremonies will be held in the fall of this year on a date or dates to be announced. The Commissioner of Nunavut will preside over the investitures in her capacity as Chancellor of the Order.