First Complete Bible in Inuktitut Language to be Published in the Arctic

On Sunday, June 3, in the bustling Nunavut capital of Iqaluit, an event will take place that the Inuit people have been eagerly awaiting for thirty-three years. They will finally receive the entire Bible in their own language!

“Every time I visit the Arctic the people ask me, ‘When will we have the complete Bible?’ Now their question can finally be answered,” says Hart Wiens, Director of Scripture Translations, Canadian Bible Society (CBS).The Inuktitut language is the only indigenous language given recognition and status as an official language of a Canadian territory.

The New Testament has been in print for 20 years and at least five editions have been printed. But what about the rich spiritual legacy found in the stories, poetry, laws and prophecies of the Old Testament? “Our people need the whole Word of God to be inspired and strengthened and as a guide for their lives,” says The Right Reverend Benjamin T. Arreak, retired suffragan Bishop of Nunavik and coordinator of the translation team.“This is the first time our people will have the complete Bible in their language. This will open their hearts and minds to the Word of God.” Read more