NR 07-18 CEP ENG Common Experience Payment.doc

(September 20, 2007 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) On behalf of Nunavut Inuit, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak expressed gratitude following the beginning of the implementation of the Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

Application forms for the settlement agreement’s Common Experience Payment were mailed to former students across Canada yesterday, including an estimated 2,800 Nunavut Inuit.

The impact of residential schools on former students, our families, and our communities has been profound, said Kaludjak. The Residential Schools Settlement Agreement is an important step toward healing the painful legacy of the residential schools for Inuit.

Service Canada, a department of the federal government, plans to travel to all Nunavut communities over the next two months to assist former students with filling out the application forms. Former students have until 2011 to apply for the compensation.

NTI has worked very hard over the last two and a half years so that there would be a settlement that serves the interests of Inuit. NTI is grateful that the settlement agreement has progressed quickly. We will continue to have an important role as other portions of the settlement are implemented, said Kaludjak.

The Independent Assessment Process, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and commemoration initiatives are also now underway.

NTI will continue to provide Inuit with regular up to date information about the CEP application process, and other settlement agreement initiatives.

For further information: