Premier P.J. Akeeagok today released a statement to celebrate the life of Elder Donat Milortok and the role he played in the creation of Nunavut:
“Following a visit to Naujaat, I want to recognize the late Donat Milortok for the crucial role he played in the creation of the Nunavut Settlement Area as a negotiator and signatory to the Nunavut Agreement.
Donat was a founder and past president of the Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut (TFN), which we now know as Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI). As an elected leader, I take much inspiration from Donat, a residential school survivor who overcame many challenges to create a better territory for future generations.
Even in his later years, Donat continued to advocate for Inuit land and harvesting rights. I am honoured to have met his family and I extend my gratitude and sympathies on the loss of their loved one on April 26.
Donat, you are a father of Nunavut, and I thank you for your lifelong service to Inuit and all Nunavummiut.”