NR 05-32 ORD ENG Uriash Puqiqnak.doc

(August 31, 2005 - Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President and Vice-President of Finance James Eetoolook today congratulated Uriash Puqiqnak on his appointment as a Member to the Order of Canada. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson made the announcement from Ottawa yesterday.

NTI is pleased to learn that Mr. Puqiqnak’s political contributions were acknowledged by the Governor-General, and that he was bestowed with such a national honour, said Eetoolook. The commitment he expressed during his term as a Member of Nunavut’s Legislative Assembly, in municipal politics, and to the international arts community as a world renowned carver benefits all Nunavummiut, said Eetoolook.

Mr. Puqiqnak was elected to the Nunavut Legislative Assembly on Feb. 15, 1999, by the people of Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak, to represent the Nattilik Riding in Nunavut’s historical first election. Aside from his role as Deputy Speaker in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Puqiqnak served as Co-Chair of the Standing Committee on Health and Education, and was a member of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development and the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges.

He also played an active role in his home community of Gjoa Haven, which included a five-year term as Mayor from 1991 to 1996. He served as Chair for both the Gjoa Haven Hunters and Trappers Association, and the Nunavut Tourism Board, and he was a member of the Maliiganik Tukisiiniarvik and the Economic Development Boards.

This is a proud day for Inuit, said Eetoolook.

For further information:

Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4914
Cell: (867) 975-1337
Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006

NR 05-30 WHA ENG Whale Harvest.doc

(August 23, 2005 - Repulse Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 2nd Vice-President Raymond Ningeocheak, the Executive Officer responsible for wildlife, today congratulated Repulse Bay hunters on their successful harvest of a 16-metre (54-foot) bowhead whale.

Community hunters were issued the hunt license Aug. 14 after Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ officials examined the hunt equipment. High winds kept the hunters on land for the first few days, but on Aug. 18, the winds were calm and the hunters were able to get on the water.

I am very pleased by the successful manner in which the hunters planned this hunt. Using traditional and new equipment, the hunters were able to efficiently and humanely harvest the bowhead whale, said Ningeocheak.

The hamlet of Repulse Bay plans to share the meat and muktuq with Nunavummiut across the territory.

The success of this hunt can provide lessons to future communities that plan to harvest bowhead whales. Achievements like this illustrate to the world that Inuit are proficient and humane hunters, and that we are striving to protect our cultural traditions which include harvesting bowhead whales, said Ningeocheak.

In accordance with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Inuit in Nunavut are entitled to harvest a bowhead whale. Following the signing of the NLCA, the first harvest took place in Repulse Bay in 1996. Hunters in Pangnirtung landed a whale in 1998, followed by a harvest in Coral Harbour in 2000. Igloolik/Hall Beach hunters took a whale in 2002.

Hunt Captain Marcel Mapsalak expressed his gratitude to his hunt crew for their contributions to the hunt.

The crew did their jobs very well and the hunt was professional and very proficient, said Mapsalak. He also extended his thanks to NTI for purchasing the new equipment, the fuel for the hunt, and for providing other financial support.

For further information:

Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4914
Cell: (867) 975-1337
Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006

NR 05-29 ASH ENG Financial Apppointments.doc

(August 16, 2005 - Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President and Vice-President of Finance James Eetoolook today announced two new finance appointments, effective Aug. 1, 2005. The appointments were made as part of NTI’s commitment to strengthen its financial future.

Our mandate to focus on strategic financial planning was a key motivating factor behind these appointments, said Eetoolook. This dedicated approach will enable us to develop and further refine our strategies as we examine suitable options for achieving our financial goals. We are committed to working with the Regional Inuit Associations, and our other partners to build a solid financial future for NTI and the Beneficiaries we serve.

Ashley Sinclair will assume the newly created role of Chief Financial Officer of NTI. Sinclair served as NTI’s Director of Finance for the past two years. Annie Tattuinee, formerly the Assistant Director of Finance, will assume the role of Director of Finance for NTI. Tattuinee has worked within Inuit organizations in various capacities for ten years.

The financial appointments indicate to Beneficiaries that their money is being well managed and looked after by NTI.

The federal transfers for the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement will cease in 2007. We must coordinate our strategic efforts to build our economic base. Our combined strategies must be measured and productive so there is less dependence upon the capital retained by the Nunavut Trust, thereby allowing the Trust to maximize the investment returns on that capital, said Eetoolook.

For further information:

Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4914
Cell: (867) 975-1337
Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006

Nunavut Economic Forum - Preparing for the Journey

Naniiliqpita Magazine - Spring 2005