‘Proud’ Canadian ‘flagpole’ says investing in each other makes Canada stronger – Nunatsiaq News
Feb 18, 2025
Nunavut Economic Development Minister David Akeeagok kicks off Aqsarniit trade show in Ottawa
With Canadian pride running high in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s talk of annexing Canada, Nunavut’s economic development and transportation minister says he’s proud to be a “flagpole” the Canadian government planted in the Arctic to support its claim of Arctic sovereignty.
“I’m one of the proudest Canadian flagpoles that we can be,” David Akeeagok said Monday night in a speech kicking off the Aqsarniit Trade show and Conference in Ottawa.
Akeeagok, who grew up in Grise Fiord, said he’s the son of Inuit who were relocated to Canada’s northernmost community. Adults who were moved there and to Resolute Bay “suffered immensely,” he said, but their children — the second generation — were “richer” and “more knowledgeable” for growing up there.
