Consul General Abigail Friedman had the opportunity to visit three communities in Nunavut, September 18-22, 2006. Here is a report on her visit:

In Iqaluit, I met with Premier Okalik, Commissioner Hanson, and a number of Government of Nunavut officials. I also had the chance to hear from Habitat for Humanity representatives about the house that is well on its way to being built for an Iqaluit family.

While I have been to Iqaluit four times now, this was the first time I had the chance to visit other Nunavut communities. On Sept. 19-20, I was in Pangnirtung, where I had the chance to visit the fisheries plant that sends so much arctic char to the U.S. It's a good example of how our two countries work together for our common benefit. We'd like to see more such opportunities develop. I also had the chance to learn what a "sod house" is (for Americans visiting this site, check out the picture), and more about Inuit tradition. Pangnirtung arts and crafts are well known in America (especially after the exhibit at the Peabody Essex museum in Salem, Mass.) and I was glad to have a chance to see the beautiful weaving and print-making center in Pangnirtung.

Then I pushed further north, all the way up to Pond Inlet, Sept. 20-22. I had heard so much about the sharing and caring tradition in Nunavut, and in Pond Inlet, I had the chance to experience it first hand. It seems as if the whole community made an effort to welcome me. I so much appreciated the warmth and generosity of the community - someone even lent me her boots! I met with elders and young people. I loved hearing the high school students in Pond Inlet tell me of their dreams and ambitions. The primary school is top notch. One of my goals will be to find ways to connect students from Nunavut and the U.S.

In both Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet, I had a chance to see first hand the beauty of the arctic - both its natural and human resources.

Thank you.