January 31, 2018 Ottawa, ONTARIO Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Today, in the spirit of reconciliation and building on the renewed Inuit-Crown relationship, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Aluki Kotierk, President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) and the Honourable Paul Quassa, Premier of Nunavut, reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively towards the successful implementation of Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement. The three leaders met for the first time since the signing of the 2015 settlement to advance the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

Article 23 requires both Canada and the Government of Nunavut to work towards increasing Inuit participation within Nunavut’s public sector to a representative rate at all levels. Inuit employment in government in Nunavut is central to building prosperity for Inuit and is a vital part of Canada’s obligations under the Nunavut Agreement and commitments to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship.

As part of this commitment, the Government of Canada and NTI also agreed to establish a working group to work on a collaborative study that will explore language gaps and opportunities in the federal government in Nunavut and to develop options that will contribute to encouraging, protecting, and enhancing the use of Inuktut in Nunavut.

Quotes

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Nunavut Agreement and the Nunavut Act, we are committed to build on the successes of the past 25 years and are determined to work closely with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Nunavut to improve the lives and well-being of Nunavummiut. The collaboration and cooperation between all three parties has been and will continue to be fundamental to achieve success.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

“NTI is eager to work with the territorial and federal government to positively move forward and take active measures to improve health, education and economic outcomes for Inuit and our children. We welcome this collaboration and look forward to delivering real outcomes and a brighter future for our community”

Aluki Kotierk
President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc

“The Government of Nunavut is committed to fully implementing the Nunavut Agreement, of which Article 23 is a key priority. We will continue to work in collaboration with the federal government and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. to realize the obligations under the Nunavut Agreement. ”

The Honourable Paul Quassa
Premier of Nunavut

Quick Facts

. On July 9, 1993, Parliament passed the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act, creating the territory of Nunavut.
. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated coordinates and manages Inuit responsibilities set out in the Nunavut Agreement and ensures that the federal and territorial governments fulfill their obligations.
. To ensure a whole-of-government approach, Canada established Pilimmaksaivik (Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut), a central coordinating office responsible for implementing Article 23.

Associated Links

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

Article 23 – Nunavut Agreement