IQALUIT - Inuit from across the North celebrated a first over the weekend after an Inuk was installed as Anglican bishop of the Arctic.
Andrew Atagotaaluk is not only the first Inuk to lead the Arctic diocese, but also the first Canadian.
Hundreds gathered in Iqaluit for a moving installation ceremony at St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral.
Atagotaaluk says the church has to deal with a lot of pain in the North, particularly from suicide.
"I know it's a great step that we're taking and I have accepted a position and I know that. This is a place that God wanted me and I have accepted as a calling," said Atagotaaluk.
Chris Williams, the previous leader of the diocese, says it's about time Inuit took control of the North.
"I think it's great. I think that is what we have been aiming for for many, many years. Inuit have to take responsibility themselves for many, many things and one of those, of course, is the work of the church," said Williams.
Williams says he has total confidence in the new leader, who becomes the fifth bishop to lead the Arctic diocese.
All others to hold the post were ministers from Europe.