By Canadian Press

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout to take oath in Inuktitut, in ceremony lit by seal-oil lamps

Nov 9, 2021 | 9:59 AM

OTTAWA — Lori Idlout, the new MP for Nunavut, is to be sworn in as an MP in Inuktitut, her mother tongue.

The House of Commons is paying for translation services for the formal ceremony, which will take place virtually Thursday from Nunavut, with many of her constituents present.  

Idlout, NDP critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations, says she wants Indigenous languages to be heard more prominently in Parliament. 

She says translation services for MPs speaking in Indigenous languages including Inuktitut and Cree should be as readily available as English or French in the House of Commons debating chamber. 

Parliament provides interpreters and translation for MPs and senators who want to speak in an Indigenous language, if they give advance warning, though this is a rare event.  

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Idlout is planning to wear a traditional Atigi parka at her swearing-in ceremony, which will be lit by seal-oil lamps, and feature traditional Inuit throat singers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 9, 2021.

The Canadian Press