Appointment to Board of Directors of Canadian Race Relations Foundation
OTTAWA, November 24, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla and Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Raymond Chan today announced the appointment of Peter Taqtu Irniq, of Iqaluit, Nunavut, to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF)."Mr. Irniq has gained extensive experience in government and Inuit matters through his deep involvement in his community and will undoubtedly have much to contribute to the CRRF," said Minister Frulla.
"Mr. Irniq has long been dedicated to the interests of his community and the Inuit people," said Minister of State Chan. "This appointment to the CRRF will allow him to share his vast knowledge and experience and continue to serve his fellow Canadians."
Mr. Irniq was Commissioner of Nunavut from 2000 to 2005. Before that, he served the territorial government as Deputy Minister on Special Assignment (1999-2000), Deputy Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth (1998-1999), and Assistant Director of Heritage and Culture with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (1997-1998). Mr. Irniq was a member of the Nunavut Implementation Commission from 1994 to 1997. He has also been Director of Communications for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Executive Director of the Inuit Cultural Institute. He was an elected member of the Government of the Northwest Territories from 1975 to 1979 and from 1987 to 1991.
Mr. Irniq is active in the Arctic Institute of North America, Historica Canada, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Committee, the Department of Parks, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. He is also an advisor to the Government of Nunavut on Inuit traditional knowledge.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation undertakes research, collects data, and develops a national information base to enhance understanding of the nature of racism and racial discrimination. It provides a knowledge base from which governments, academia, business, labour, and community organizations can draw for the development of effective race relations policies and practices. The Foundation also disseminates information to increase public awareness of the importance of eliminating racism.
Information:
Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Roy Bornmann
Office of the Minister of State
(Multiculturalism)
(819) 997-9900
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