NunatuKavut Council Congratulates Its President on Award

Press Release

OCTOBER 1, 2014

(Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador). Jim Howell, vice-president of the NunatuKavut Community Council (‘NCC’) expresses congratulations today on behalf of all members and communities of NunatuKavut, to NCC President, Todd Russell for being awarded the Aboriginal Order of Canada.

The Aboriginal Order of Canada was awarded by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples over the past weekend at its 43rd Annual General Assembly in Ottawa. The Order was created to honour those in the aboriginal community who have made significant and lasting contributions to the aboriginal peoples of Canada. Its inductees include the late Harry Daniels, one of Canada’s foremost aboriginal leaders.

“I know that this award means as much, if not more, to Todd than anything the Governor in Council might hand him” said Jim Howell. “This is an award granted by those who most know you and what you have accomplished in life on behalf of Aboriginal peoples. And Todd has accomplished a great deal, here in NunatuKavut, but also with his work on the Congress’ Board, on the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, and as a Member of Parliament for Labrador.”

Jamie Thomas, the President of the Native Council of Prince Edward Island nominated Mr. Russell for the award. In her remarks at the presentation ceremony, Ms. Thomas said, “When I first became involved in aboriginal politics as a youth, Todd inspired me and nearly two decades later continues to inspire me and so many others. I can think of no one more deserving.”

“I was deeply moved,” said President Russell. “I want to thank the Congress for the great honour of joining an illustrious list of Order recipients, and of course the Order itself. And to my own communities here in Labrador, I wish to express my humble thanks for your congratulations, and say simply that it’s not only hard work that must be acknowledged, but the passion that is required to do the work well. Success cannot come without passion and a firm belief in what you are doing. My passion is fueled daily by the people in our communities in NunatuKavut and in the many Aboriginal communities across Canada. It is fueled by those who seek and deserve respect and a better life.”

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For Information: Tara Howse, Public Affairs and Executive Assistant to the President, NCC
Tel: 709-896-0592 ext. 225, Cell: 709-899-2831
Email: tmclean@nunatukavut.ca
NCC Website: www.nunatukavut.ca

NT4