(Ottawa, ON) – February 14, 2024 – On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is joined by Peter Ittinuar Freuchen. They discuss his journey to Ottawa, government processes and goes into detail about the process leading up to the enshrinement of Section 35 into the Canadian Constitution. As the first Inuk Member of Parliament, Peter shares about his journey to Ottawa and his work in the protection of and access to, inherent Indigenous rights.

Peter was born in Chesterfield Inlet, at a time that saw ‘the tail end of the dog team era’. His family moved to Rankin Inlet when his father was offered a well-paying job in a nickel mine. Many Inuit would go to work in this mine, holding various positions. As a boy, Peter and two Inuit boys were chosen for a federal pilot project that wanted to see how Inuit children would fare, being educated in the South. The three boys have been referred to as ‘The Experimental Eskimos’. Peter shares about his early years in Ottawa, the contrast of being in an urban centre, away from family and friends. Gordon and Peter discuss the cultural differences of living amongst the Qallunaat and what the experience of returning home is like.

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Peter shares his journey to becoming a politician and how an opportunity forever changed the course of his life. Having never voted previously, Peter recounts the shock from the 1979 election night, and the experience of becoming a Member of Parliament with the New Democratic Party, then led by Ed Broadbent. In his 1979 maiden speech, Peter spoke of the concept of ‘Nunavut’ which was forming in the North. Peter shares stories from his time in Parliament, including his ‘crossing of the floor’ in 1982, to become a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Peter and Gordon discuss Peter’s upcoming book – an unabashed story of his life. Towards the end of the interview, Peter shares about his work as a negotiator for land related matters with the Ontario government, and the education and fulfillment he receives from visiting Anishinaabeg and Ojibwe communities across the province. This conversation is full of vivid details and historical significance. We hope you enjoy and learn as much as we did!

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 23 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Child Welfare System on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF works to encourage Canadians to address discrimination and injustice in order to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation.

The LHF has close to 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow and is working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curriculum for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, 2 Podcast series, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Child Welfare System, and other colonial acts of oppression. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding so as to eliminate ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples.

For media inquiries:
Teresa Edwards, B.A. JD.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
Phone: 613-237-4806 Ext. 303 info@legacyofhope.ca