National Quilt Launched on Parliament Hill
Makivik magazine, Issue 54, Spring/Summer 2000

The "Invitation Quilt of Belonging" was officially launched in the Hall of Honour in the Centre Block of Parliament Hill on Thursday May 18th, 2000.

Makivik President Pita Aatami unveiled the Nunavik block, designed by Vickie Okpik. The square features an Inuit family around a large Inukshuk with an Okpik in the background. The human figures are sewn on a tanned sealskin. There are four ivory ulus sewn onto the block, and a patterned border of sealskin, as used on kamik trim.

The project was created by Williamstown, Ontario artist Esther Bryan. Her vision is to create a huge national quilt which will include blocks from all of Canada's cultural communities and aboriginal peoples. The square from the Inuvialuit region was also unveiled on May 18th. It was made completely out of sealskin by Agnes Kuptana of Inuvik.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Canada at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Herb Grey, and the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism, Hedy Fry. It was hosted by the Canadian Ethnocultural Council.

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