Ottawa, ON (August 17, 2011) -- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, MP for Nunavut, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, today issued the following statement:

I want to congratulate Captain Solomon Awa and his Co-Captain Pitseolak Alainga for the completion of a successful bowhead whale hunt.

It's obvious, both from speaking with community members and watching footage on TV, that this historic event has brought a sense of pride and excitement to everyone who is fortunate enough to be a part of it.   From elders to  young children, this shared experience is a special memory that will be talked about for generations to come.

I was pleased to be able to brag about our great hunters at an event earlier today in Edmonton, and I want to pass along my best wishes to everyone who is now working so hard to harvest the meat and muktaq, so it can be distributed to the local communities.