Raymond Ningeocheak accepts the ITK Advancement of International Issues Award from Mary Simon

Each year ITK honours outstanding Inuit who have made contributions to the advancement of us as a people. There are five awards, in the areas of Health Care, Regional, International, Women, and Youth issues. This year the recipient are from Nunavut.

ITK Advancement of International Issues Award: Raymond Ningeocheak

Raymond Ningeocheak has held the position of Vice-President with NTI since its inception. He is revered by Nunavummiut for his commitment to conservation of wildlife, Inuit culture and harvesting rights. Recently, in 2009, his political leadership in opposing a proposed ban on trade of polar bear at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species was critical in defeating the proposed ban. He received his award while attending the ICC General Assembly in Nuuk, Greenland on July 1, 2010.

ITK Health Care Worker Award:Regilee and Thomasie Ootook

Regilee and Thomasie Ootook together provide counselling to individuals and couples combining traditional teaching and modern counselling techniques. Together as husband and wife they receive several requests and invitations from communities across Nunavut to hold counselling and teaching sessions. Their contribution to Nunavut by sharing their wisdom and teachings is invaluable.

ITK Advancement of Regional Issues Award: Charlie Evalik

Charlie Evalik is from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut and has been a leader of the Kitikmeot region and Nunavut for many years. He has led the Kitikmeot region into the new territory of Nunavut and into new areas such as mining and exploration. Always a forward thinker, Charlie recently led the development of the Nunavut Resources Corporation effectively laying down the foundation for Inuit to have an opportunity to reach the highest potential economic benefits in all areas of the mineral development in Nunavut.

ITK Advancement of Women Award: Kanayuk Salamonie

Kanayuk Salamonie embodies the qualities it takes to strive in the Arctic. Her perseverance and nurturing nature has allowed her to address serious matters such as abuse and have gained her respect both in her community of Cape Dorset and in boardrooms across Nunavut.

ITK Advancement of Youth Award: Abraham Kublu

Abraham Kublu proved himself at a young age as the Deputy Mayor of Pond Inlet at 24 and later as Mayor at age 28. He was involved in the youth committee and assisted with the creation of the Baffin Regional Youth Council.

Iqaluit, Nunavut – September 13-17, 2010

During the week of September 13th-17th, 2010, the Arnait Nipingit (“Women’s Voices”) Leadership Summit will be held in Iqaluit, Nunavut. This exciting event will be co-hosted by the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council , the Government of Nunavut, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, with support from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Nunavut Arctic College, YWCA Nunavut, Canadian Heritage, First Air, and others.

What are the Goals of the Summit?

The goal of the Summit is to support and empower women’s leadership initiatives in Nunavut. This will be achieved by providing skill-building opportunities and mentoring, by showcasing best practices in all levels of leadership and by providing a platform for growth, sharing and networking opportunities for women in
our Territory.

Who Would Be Interested in Attending Arnait Nipingit?

We are expecting approximately 75 to 100 Inuit women of all ages from across Nunavut to attend this Summit. These women will have an interest in sharing best practices and learning new skills that will help to further their leadership endeavors. We are interested in having representation from a variety of fields that require strong leadership, including areas in government, business, health and social services, finance, activism, trades, community development, and student initiatives.

What is the Concept of Arnait Nipingit?

The Arnait Nipingit Summit has been developed around public consultation with women across Nunavut. The Summit content reflects and is guided by Inuit Societal Values. Special care has been taken to ensure each component of the Summit is culturally relevant and addresses the needs and concerns of women in Nunavut. All topics are reflective of and relevant to local experiences through unique partnerships in content delivery between national and territorial organizations and local facilitators, guest speakers and elders. The Summit is also intended to ensure women in Nunavut learn from other women in Nunavut, with a clear goal of inspiring, providing mentorship opportunities and creating connections.
The Summit will provide an inclusive space where all women can have their voices heard: from youth, elders, politicians, community leaders, mothers, and business owners to artists, performers, and crafts makers, encouraging and supporting expressing these voices wherever possible throughout the Summit. Connections between these groups and highlighting the intergenerational perspective are also key themes of the Summit.

What Is to Be Expected During Arnait Nipingit?

The main events of Arnait Nipingit will be held during three days and will consist of keynote speakers, plenary sessions, break-out sessions and workshops. The Summit will also feature evening entertainment including a traditional community feast, opening and closing ceremonies, and side events that encompass and demonstrate the breadth of women’s formal, informal, and traditional leadership in the North. These will include a Women’s Work Arts & Crafts show, a Film Festival featuring the award-winning Arnait Video Collective and documentaries by up-and-coming filmmakers, a special arts exhibition focusing on women artists at the Nunatta Museum, and a presentation of variety of talented Nunavummiut performers.

What is the Main Focus of Arnait Nipingit?

Professional women’s organizations have been invited to co-lead workshops that will focus on one of six leadership topics. These topics include: Women in Business, Women’s Voices in Politics, Women’s Human Rights, Traditional Leadership, Women’s Personal growth & Development, and Community Development. Women will have the opportunity to select and participate in these workshops throughout the Summit. Based on feedback and evaluation, these workshops will be developed further as specific community workshops as a specific long term output of the event.

Where Can I Find More Information?

More information will shortly be made available on the Qulliit Status of Women Council website (www.qnsw.ca). Your local hamlet office will also have information on the event. Media features and a call-out for participants to the Summit are forthcoming.

For more information, you can contact each of the organizations that are involved in the planning of this event, as listed below. For specific questions, please contact Meaghan Marien Project Coordinator, at (867) 975 6051 or at (867) 979 6690 / mmarien@qnsw.ca.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association
P.O. Box 1340
Iqaluit, NU
X0A 0H0
Phone: (867) 975-8413
Fax: (867) 979 3238

Qulliit Status of Women Council
P.O. Box 388
Iqaluit, NU
X0A 0H0
Phone: (867) 979 6690
Fax: (867) 979 1277

Women’s Secretariat, Government of Nunavut
Box 1000, Station 200
Iqaluit, NU
X0A 0H0
Phone: (867) 975 6018
Fax: (867) 975 6091

“Inuit rely heavily on the information gathered by the long form to provide an accurate picture of the health, social, educational, cultural and economic circumstances in our communities. It is possible that many households receiving the voluntary survey will not respond,” said Eetoolook. “Changes in the data collection method will also skew results meaning accurate information about the socio-economic and cultural characteristics of Inuit will not be gathered or presented.”
As well, for comparative purposes, consistent and reliable data has to be collected from all regions of Canada.

“The change has implications for meeting the objectives and carrying out the obligations of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA). Inuit participation in the design and delivery of social and cultural programs, policies, and services can be most effectively accomplished when we have access to adequate and realistic information,” said Eetoolook.

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For further information:

Franco Buscemi
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4939 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
fbuscemi @ tunngavik.com

• Siku Allooloo – Yellowknife
• Zachary Cousins – Iqaluit
• Mason Greenley – Cambridge Bay
• Caroline Ipeepie-Qiatsuk – Cape Dorset
• Mary Anne Issakiark – Iqaluit
• Teevi Mackay – Ottawa
• Romani Makkik – Iqaluit
• Lily Maniapik – Iqaluit
• Melodie Sammurtok – Iqaluit
• Ningiukulu Teevee – Cape Dorset

The grants program awards $1,000 to five students seeking to improve their cultural or traditional skills and $1,000 to five students enrolled in academic training at a post-secondary institution. Beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) are eligible for the scholarship programs.

“NTI and the Government of Nunavut launched this program on Nunavut Day in 2007 to encourage and assist students with their cultural and academic learning initiatives,” said Kaludjak. “We are proud to support Inuit in their studies.”

“The ongoing personal and professional growth of our students is vital to ensure a bright future for Nunavut. It is always a pleasure to partner with NTI to support our students, and I would like to congratulate all of this year’s recipients of the Kakiniit Grant,” said Premier Aariak.

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For further information:

Franco Buscemi
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4939 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
fbuscemi@tunngavik.com

Emily Woods
Press Secretary to Premier Eva Aariak
Government of Nunavut
Tel: (867) 975-5059
ewoods@gov.nu.ca

Peter Akatsiak, Arviat

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is updating the enrolment list of Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Beneficiaries. Please call Margaret Kusugak at NTI to check if you and your family members are on the list and verify that the information on the list is accurate.

(867) 645-5416 or toll-free 1-888-236-5400 or by email at mkusugak @ tunngavik.com

The Communications Department of NTI is looking to add an Information Systems Support Officer to the team. Under the direction of the Director of Communications, the incumbent will assist in the maintenance of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI)’s computer network system. The primary responsibility will be to provide helpdesk support. Other responsibilities will include monitoring NTI servers, server applications, and telephone systems to ensure the operation of the IT structure is at maximum reliability; troubleshooting system malfunctions and maintaining computer and equipment inventory.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a networked environment with Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, and other back end products; experience in working with client software, including Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office products, and Symantec Anti-Virus; as well as the ability to add, remove, or upgrade computer components and hardware.

CLOSING DATE: August 6, 2010

Click on the link for a the full: Information Systems Support Officer Job Description or contact:

Manager, Human Resources
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
P.O. Box 280
Rankin Inlet, NU X0C 0G0

Tel: (867) 645-5411 * Fax: (867) 645-3872
E-mail: dautut@tunngavik.com

Our Mission: Inuit economic, social and cultural well-being through implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

· That a Cabinet Committee be established on Arctic Affairs;

· That the Cabinet Committee engage Indigenous peoples in developing future Arctic policies;

· That Indigenous peoples be included in scientific research programs relating to the Northern environment;

· That the federal government do more to recognize the historic contributions of Indigenous peoples o Canadian Arctic sovereignty;

· That the federal government ensure, on a priority basis, the development of viable Indigenous communities in the Arctic.

“When NTI appeared before the committee, we explained that the federal government has not fully implemented the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which we signed in 1993. The recommendation that the federal government move at once to ensure viable communities in the Arctic shows that our comments were understood.” said Eetoolook.

Eetoolook added that recommendations of the committee, together with those of the Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples in its 2008 report Honouring the Spirit of Modern Treaties: Closing the Loopholes, show that there is understanding at the political level of the need for government to accept its obligations and work in partnership with Inuit.

“Now, we have to move from understanding to acting,” Eetoolook said. “Our lawsuit is all about implementation. We have to move from talk to action.”

Naniiliqpita Summer 2010

July 9, 2010, is Nunavut Day.

This year’s event in Iqaluit promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Nunavut Tunngavik, Government of Nunavut, Government of Canada and Nunavut Tourism have joined forces to host the annual Nunavut Day activities.

Events take place in the Legislative Assembly parking lot and the Cadet Hall area in Iqaluit from 1-5 p.m. on July 9.

Participants can look forward to a muskox burger barbecue, a traditional Inuit country food feast, games for kids and adults, and a cake decorating contest.

See you there!

1 -1:30 p.m. Welcoming speeches

1:30-2:30 p.m. Feast, barbecue and cake

2:30-5 p.m. Games and dancing

Members of the joint commission include the hunters’ organizations from the affected communities in Canada and Greenland, the government of Greenland and from Canada the federal and territorial departments of environment, NTI and the Qikitaaluk Wildlife Board.

The members met on May 28 to May 31 in Ilulissat, Greenland to discuss the health and management of the Baffin Bay and Kane Basin polar bear population.

“We know the data is old and so there is a high level of uncertainty with the accuracy of the data. We know Inuit from both Greenland and Canada have had high numbers of incidents and sightings of polar bears in the Baffin Bay region.” said Eetoolook. “Recognizing this, the recommendation from the joint commission is to collect new data so that appropriate decisions can be made.”

“ The reasons for this decision was made by the commission based on both scientific and Inuit qaujimajatuqangit advice that verified the Inuit position and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board decision made in 2008 that there is no creditable evidence that polar bears are in decline in Baffin Bay.” continued Eetoolook.

Without the up-to-date data members of the joint commission recognize that advice on the Total Allowable Harvest of the Baffin Bay polar bear population cannot be made. To address this, the joint commission recommends decisions not be made until aerial population surveys are completed.

“Conservation is important; in order to have an effective conservation planning you need accuracy and we know from what Inuit hunters have experienced that not only is the data out-of-date it is grossly inaccurate.” said Eetoolook.

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For further information:

Franco Buscemi

Director of Communications

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

Tel: (867) 975-4939 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006

fbuscemi@tunngavik.com