The inaugural meeting of what would become the Inuit Tapirisat, Canada’s Inuit advocacy organization, was hosted in Trent University’s Bata Library in 1971 – 45 years later, in a special ceremony held in the same location at the University with the support of the Trent University Association of Retired Persons (TUARP), the historic occasion was commemorated with the unveiling of a new plaque outlining the history of this important group.

“There are many ways in which Trent has helped shape, support and change our national history. The founding of the Inuit Tapirisat is a good example,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “I appreciate the leadership and efforts of TUARP for ensuring this piece of our shared history is not forgotten, and encourage everyone to take advantage of the occasion to learn more about, and to celebrate Inuit culture.”

In the 1960s many Inuit of Canada’s Arctic were alarmed by mounting threats to their culture and livelihoods. Leaders of several Inuit communities met on different occasions to exchange experiences and discuss the idea of a national organization to defend Inuit interests. Tagak Curley, an Inuit organizer, arranged for seven Inuit community leaders to meet in conjunction with the interim board meeting of the Indian-Eskimo Association in Toronto and Peterborough in February 1971. Founding Trent president, T.H.B. Symons, offered to host this meeting at Trent University.

On Sunday, February 21, 1971, in the A.J.M. Smith Room of Trent University’s Bata Library, seven Inuit community leaders from across the Canadian Arctic struck the founding committee of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. The organization has since changed its name to Inuit Tapiriiit Kanatami and remains the Inuit national advocacy organization.

Today’s plaque commemoration included a special ceremony by Councillor Keith Knott of Curve Lake, and remarks from President Groarke, Dr. Mary Simon, former Chancellor of Trent University, and former president of Tapiriit Kanatami, as well as founding Trent president, Professor T.H.B. Symons.

The design and construction of the plaque with text in English, French and Inuktitut, have been arranged and donated to the University by TUARP. TUARP meets twice a year in the A.J.M. Smith Room, and a number of its members, being aware of the historic significance of the room and of the role played by T.H.B. Symons in facilitating the first meeting of the Inuit leaders there, wanted to create a means of commemorating the event. The event was also supported by the department of Indigenous Studies and the School for the Study of Canada.