This past September, during the Festival by the Lake in Baker Lake, Agnico Eagle Nunavut partnered up with First Book Canada to make a meaningful contribution to the y spirit of young peoplein Nunavut. The event was designed to inspire children and provide them with access to high-quality books, fostering a love for reading and learning in the heart of the North.

During this event, First Book Canada distributed over 2,000 brand-new storybooks to children aged 5 to 15. This effort directly supported local youth by offering them books that act as windows to the world beyond, while also reflecting their own diverse experiences. One of the event highlights was a special reading of It’s Time for Bed by author and illustrator duo Ceporah Mearns and Jeremy Debicki, both from Iqaluit. Their presence underscored the importance of storytelling rooted in Indigenous culture, giving young readers a chance to connect with stories that reflect their heritage.

First Book Canada’s mission to reduce educational inequities took a powerful step forward in Nunavut, with the organization contributing approximately $51,000 worth of books to the Baker Lake community. These books will continue to serve local schools, daycares, and families long after the event, providing essential resources to support literacy and learning.

Heather Farquharson, Executive Director of First Book Canada, shared her appreciation: “We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Baker Lake community[…] It was an honour to talk with some of the elders as they came to collect books for their families.”

This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing local talent and imagination in Nunavut, helping young minds grow and thrive through the gift of reading.