Community visit Arctic Bay, Nunavut
26 -29 March, 2012

During the Diamond Jubilee year, Commissioner Elias planned this first visit to Arctic Bay. The pretty community has a population of about 800. It was the first time that a Commissioner went there to present awards and also the first Diamond Jubilee medal to be presented by Commissioner.

After being greeted by the Mayor at the airport she was invited to a meet & greet reception where she met old acquaintances, friends and new people.

On the 27th, Commissioner Elias visited each classroom at Inuujaq School, where she taught earlier in her life. She spoke about her role as Commissioner and the Diamond Jubilee. She quizzed the high School students and gave a way Jubilee flags and pins for the occasion.

She spent the afternoon with Elders gathered at the Community Hall, where they played games, shared stories. Commissioner gave the elders each a Diamond Jubilee pin.

On the evening on 27 April, escorted by Rangers, Cadets and Military, Commissioner Elias made her entrance to a full hall. After a prayer and the O Canada, she offered a speech and presented 15 Commissioners awards. She then talked about the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and invited LT Frank May to receive his medal. This was planned as a surprise for him and he was totally taken aback. Everyone joined in on singing God save the Queen. The presentation was followed by a community feast and a cake for the occasion. Diamond Jubilee Flags, magazines and pins were distributed and laminated Diamond jubilee posters were donated to the Hall. The Arctic Bay dance group put up a great presentation and later the audience joined in on the music and dancing.

On 28 March, she visited different offices in the community, Hamlet, Health and Social Services, the Heritage Center and one of the elders in her quaint qammaq.

In the evening, Commissioner Elias performed the cadet inspection at Annual Cadet Review of 3045 Royal Regiment of Canada Army Cadets. She offered a short speech of appreciation and presented a few cadet awards. The cadets and attending children were given small Jubilee flags.

To see photos: Medals