Ottawa, ON – May 19, 2026
The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation, in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces and Indigenous community leaders, will host a national ceremony marking the unveiling of the Inuit Sacred Spiritual Symbol (Qulliq) at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces.
The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Sacred Space at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre in Ottawa.
This important national moment represents a significant advancement in how Canada honours Inuit members of the Canadian Armed Forces by ensuring their cultural identity, spiritual traditions, and heritage are formally reflected within the country’s national place of military remembrance.
At the centre of the ceremony is the official recognition of the Qulliq, the traditional Inuit lamp that symbolizes light, warmth, guidance, continuity, and survival. Deeply rooted in Inuit culture and spirituality, the Qulliq has long represented resilience, family, and the enduring connection between generations. Its inclusion among the approved sacred spiritual symbols at the National Military Cemetery ensures that Inuit service members may be commemorated in a manner that reflects their identity, traditions, and personal beliefs.
The unveiling builds upon previous efforts to incorporate First Nations and Métis sacred spiritual symbols at the National Military Cemetery and reflects a broader commitment to inclusive, community-led remembrance that recognizes the diversity of those who have served Canada.
The ceremony will feature Indigenous Elders, senior Canadian Armed Forces leadership, national dignitaries, and members of the Indigenous community. The program will include ceremonial openings, Inuit cultural elements, traditional throat singing and drumming, the singing of O Canada in Inuktitut, and the formal re-unveiling and dedication of the updated spiritual symbols display.
Featured within the ceremony will be Joey Partridge (Juurini), who will perform O Canada in Inuktitut and offer a closing song, as well as Lieutenant-General M.C. Wright, who will speak on the importance of cultural and spiritual representation within military remembrance.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, whose leadership has significantly advanced Indigenous visibility, inclusion, and representation at the national level, is also expected to be present at the ceremony.
“This ceremony is about more than the unveiling of a symbol,” said Nicolas McCarthy, Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Outreach at Beechwood Cemetery. “It is about ensuring that remembrance reflects the full cultural and spiritual diversity of those who served Canada. The inclusion of the Qulliq strengthens the National Military Cemetery as a place where every story of service can be honoured with authenticity, dignity, respect, and personal choice.”
The ceremony will conclude with a moment of silence, traditional Inuit performances, and opportunities for community reflection.
Event Details
Unveiling of the Inuit Sacred Spiritual Symbol (Qulliq)
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Sacred Space, Beechwood National Memorial Centre
280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa
Members of the public, veterans, serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Indigenous community members, and media are welcome to attend.
Media Contact:
Nicolas McCarthy
Director, Marketing, Communications and Community Outreach
Beechwood Cemetery
