Order of Nunavut

Order of Nunavut
Name	Order of Nunavut
Awarded by	Nunavut
Type	civilian decoration
Eligibility	Residents of Nunavut and others
For	Outstanding contributions to the territory
Status	Active
Established	2015
First induction	2015
Post nominals	ONu

Order of Nunavut is the highest territorial honour of Nunavut, created to recognize individuals whose achievements and service have significantly benefited the people and communities of Nunavut. It acknowledges contributions across cultural preservation, social welfare, public service, Indigenous rights, art, healthcare, education, economic development, and community leadership. The order complements other Canadian honours such as the Order of Canada, the Order of British Columbia, the Order of Nunavut (established) and provincial orders like the Order of Ontario and Order of Quebec.

History

The conception of the Order traces to discussions among leaders of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, the Government of Nunavut, and representatives from Inuit organizations including Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. Influences included territorial honours such as the Order of the Northwest Territories and national precedents like the Order of Canada and the historic Victoria Cross for Canada. The order was formally established by statute enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in the mid-2010s and received royal assent through the Commissioner of Nunavut acting in the viceregal role. Early promotion involved cooperation with communities in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay, and consultations with cultural institutions such as the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association and the Canadian Museum of History.

Eligibility and Appointment

Eligibility criteria are determined by the enabling statute and nomination guidelines approved by the territorial advisory council, reflecting input from bodies like the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and the Kivalliq Inuit Association. Nominees typically are residents of Nunavut or individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the territory, including leaders from communities such as Arviat, Pangnirtung, Iqaluit, and Pond Inlet. The advisory council evaluates nominations alongside officials from the Office of the Commissioner of Nunavut and may consider precedents from the Advisory Council for the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Order of Manitoba when assessing merit. Appointment is made by the Commissioner in Council, following recommendations and in keeping with protocols akin to those used by the Governor General of Canada for national honours.

Insignia and Regalia

The insignia of the order incorporates symbolism reflecting Inuit culture and the geography of Nunavut. Design elements draw inspiration from artifacts in collections at the Canadian Museum of History, motifs used by artists such as Kenojuak Ashevak and Pitseolak Ashoona, and traditional forms found in carvings from Pangnirtung and prints from Cape Dorset. The badge typically features Arctic iconography resembling the polar bear and inuksuk, with colors echoing the territory's flag adopted in 1999. Materials and craftsmanship involve collaborations with artisans from Iqaluit and cooperatives like the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, and share ceremonial parallels with insignia from the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Nova Scotia.

Investiture Ceremony

Investitures are held in venues such as the legislative chamber at the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in Iqaluit or at community centres in regional hubs like Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay. Ceremonies are presided over by the Commissioner of Nunavut and often feature participation by leaders from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Elders from local communities, and representatives from national institutions such as the Governor General of Canada when practical. Ritual elements include deep respect for Inuit customs, speeches referencing milestones like the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement negotiated with the Inuit Circumpolar Council and legal arrangements comparable to historic accords such as the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand for comparative cultural recognition. The investiture may coincide with celebrations of territorial anniversaries or cultural festivals held across communities including Arctic Bay and Gjoa Haven.

Membership and Post-Nominals

Members are entitled to use the post-nominal letters ONu, and the registry of members is maintained by the Office of the Commissioner in collaboration with archival partners like the Nunavut Arctic College and the Nunavut Research Institute. Membership categories may include ordinary and honorary designations, allowing for recognition of non-residents who have had a demonstrable impact on Nunavut, similar to honorary admissions to orders such as the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Order of Prince Edward Island. The statute outlines procedures for resignation, removal for cause, and the precedence of the order within the territory’s ceremonial hierarchy, reflecting models from orders including the Order of New Brunswick.

Notable Recipients

Notable recipients include community leaders, cultural figures, and public servants from across Nunavut. Examples encompass respected Elders from Igloolik and Chesterfield Inlet, artists and printmakers from Kinngait (Cape Dorset), healthcare pioneers associated with institutions like the Qikiqtani General Hospital, and advocates who worked with organizations such as Nunavut Sivuniksavut and Tunngavik. Recipients often have parallel recognition at the federal level, including investiture into the Order of Canada or awards like the Governor General's Awards and distinctions from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Administration and Governance

Administration of the order is overseen by an advisory council appointed by the Commissioner and draws expertise from representatives of territorial institutions including the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, cultural organizations like the Nunavut Arts Council, and educational partners such as Nunavut Arctic College. The council sets nomination deadlines, reviews submissions, and recommends appointments; procedures follow principles similar to advisory mechanisms used by the Advisory Committee for the Order of Canada. Financial and logistical support is provided by the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs (Nunavut), with ceremonial coordination involving local municipal offices in communities such as Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet.

Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of Canada Category:Nunavut