Real Life Research Institute

Iqaluit · Nunavut

Community events & celebrations

From the Love & Unity Run to summer festivals and Arctic security programming — RLRI brings people together through sport, culture, and community in the North.

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Recent events

Multiculturalism Day 2026

27 June 2026 · Multiculturalism Day Agenda

Multiculturalism Day 2026

RLRI celebrated Multiculturalism Day in Iqaluit with culture, music, community, and great food — free entry and free meals for all, funded by the Government of Canada.

Where
Aqsarniit Hotel, Iqaluit
Free entry · Free foodFunded by the Government of Canada

Event agenda

Saturday, June 27, 2026

ActivityStartEnd
Protocol ceremonies1:30 PM2:00 PM
Traditional food2:00 PM4:00 PM
Children or family activities3:00 PM4:00 PM
Shows4:00 PM6:00 PM
Unity dance by all6:00 PM7:00 PM
Tear down and clean up7:00 PM8:00 PM

Protocol ceremony

The protocol ceremony featured:

  • Land acknowledgement by an Inuit Elder, followed by remarks from the Real Life Institute's representative and City of Iqaluit officials.
  • A symbolic unity toast.
  • A group photo session marking Multiculturalism Day and honouring the contributions of Iqaluit's diverse communities.

Main program

The main program included:

  1. Introductions to tasting stations by representatives of different cultural and community groups — each showcasing traditional dishes while sharing the history and meaning behind them.
  2. After introductions, the MC invited the general public to a shared community meal.
  3. Live performances of different cultures on stage — including drumming, dancing, and more — throughout the event.

Notes

  • Participants were encouraged to dress in traditional regalia.
  • Registration was free, and all meals were provided at no cost.
  • Participants could take home takeaways only if they stayed until the end of the event and if leftovers were available.

Photos from Multiculturalism Day

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Upcoming

Next on the calendar

Arctic Security · Research & Dialogue

Real Life Conference on Arctic Security

Rethinking Arctic Security from Iqaluit — three days of panels, breakout discussions, and community dialogue bringing federal, territorial, municipal, and Inuit voices together on Canada's Arctic security future.

When
October 21, 22 and 23, 2026
Where
Nunavut Arctic College, Iqaluit
Arctic SecurityCommunity
Learn more

Past events

Love & Unity Run

Community sport & celebration

Iqaluit Love & Unity Run

A community race that united people from diverse backgrounds through sport and celebration — supported by the Government of Nunavut, Department of Community Services.

When
August 2025
Where
Iqaluit, Nunavut
CommunitySport
Learn more

Earlier this year

  • Arctic Security · Sports & Community Engagement

    Iqaluit Unity Race 2026

    Our flagship community race returns — bringing together residents across cultures, ages, and backgrounds for an inclusive public celebration of unity and well-being in Iqaluit.

    When
    Summer 2026
    Where
    Iqaluit, Nunavut
    CommunityArctic Security
    Learn more

  • Arctic Security · Sports & Community Engagement

    Community Soccer Initiative 2026

    Youth and community members come together through football to promote inclusion, teamwork, and social cohesion — funded by the Government of Canada in the spirit of FIFA World Cup 2026.

    When
    Summer 2026
    Where
    Iqaluit, Nunavut
    YouthCommunity
    Learn more

  • Volunteer program

    Iqaluit Summer Celebrations 2026

    RLRI is recruiting student volunteers to help deliver three of Iqaluit's biggest summer celebrations — a hands-on way to support community well-being in the North.

    When
    June – August 2026
    Where
    Iqaluit, Nunavut
    VolunteerCommunity
    Learn more

Event reports

Flip through post-event reports — Celebrating Canada, Couples Camp Against GBV, and SSDiC programming documented on Issuu.

Event report

Celebrating Canada / Célébration du Canada

A bilingual flipbook celebrating Canada — community gatherings, culture, and shared moments from RLRI programming across the North.

Open in Issuu

Celebrating Canada / Célébration du Canada

Open in Issuu

Event report

Couples Camp Against GBV Event Report

A flipbook summary of RLRI's Couples Camp Against GBV — programming, participation, and community outcomes from this camp addressing gender-based violence.

Open in Issuu

Couples Camp Against GBV Event Report

Open in Issuu

Event report

SSDiC Event Report

Event report from the SSDiC program — key sessions, discussions, and takeaways documented for partners and community members.

Open in Issuu

SSDiC Event Report

Open in Issuu
View photos

What to expect

Events that build belonging in the North

RLRI events are open, inclusive, and rooted in community. Whether you join a race, festival, or volunteer shift, you are helping strengthen Northern resilience.

Community-first

Programs are designed with local partners — from the City of Iqaluit to the Government of Nunavut — so events reflect what communities need.

Open participation

Races, soccer, and festivals welcome people across cultures, ages, and backgrounds. Everyone belongs at the starting line.

Stay connected

Follow announcements here, volunteer for summer celebrations, or reach out to collaborate on research and programming.

Get involved

Join us in Iqaluit

Volunteer for summer celebrations, explore Arctic Security programming, or connect with the team to partner on community events.

Volunteer with usArctic Security program