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In 1999, the Northwest Territories divided into two
separate territories. The eastern territory has become
Nunavut, which means "Our Land" in Inuktitut,
the Inuit language. Forged through the signing of the Nunavut
Act in Kugluktuk (Coppermine) in July 9, 1993, between
the Government of Canada and representatives for the Inuit
of Nunavut, this marks the settlement of one of the largest
land claim agreements in North America. The birth of Nunavut
represents the non-violent separation of one jurisdiction
from another. Nunavut encompasses about one fifth of the
land mass of Canada. It is a land of incredible diversity,
vast wildlife and unforgettable landscapes, lying almost
entirely above the tree line. It is one of the World's
last great unspoiled wilderness habitats with a harsh,
dramatic beauty which can stir the soul.
The Inuit of this region observed and helped the explorers
from the new world, as they sought after the Northwest
Passage. Today, they must adapt to the changes that have
affected their lifestyle and land in a few short decades.
In half a century their traditional nomadic life of living
off the land and travelling with the animals has given
way to a community-based lifestyle, complete with modern
technologies, office jobs and new social and cultural challenges.
Nunavut has a population of approximately 24,000 of whom
85% are Inuit (20,400).
The Nunavut
Government continues to be developed by
these adaptive people, a government that takes responsibility
for the people of the region; Inuit and non-Inuit alike.
The Nunavut government must deal with local and regional
issues, while also operating both the national and
international levels. Nunasi Corporation expects to
continue to play an important role in the economic
development of the new territory. As a birthright corporation,
representing the Inuit of Nunavut, it is committed
to its mission of operating for the benefit of its
shareholders, with a willingness to temper bottom-line
considerations with concern for its shareholders environmental,
cultural and social well-being. For more information
concerning the formation of Nunavut please explore
the Nunavut
Planning Commission Website. Also plan
to review the Nunatsiaq
News to keep up with weekly developments
in Nunavut.
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