NR 03-09 TEN ENG NLCA 10th Anniversary.doc

(May 23, 2003 – IQALUIT, NUNAVUT) – Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Cathy Towtongie today asked Nunavummiut to remember the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement this coming Sunday.

The signing of the land claims agreement a decade ago led to the creation of the Nunavut government and an opportunity for all Nunavummiut to play a role in building a government that reflects Inuit values, said Premier Okalik.

On May 25, 1993, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut signed the final agreement.

The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement has made it possible for Inuit to control our destiny, said President Towtongie. Whether it is through our Inuit organizations, our elected government, or our Institutions of Public Government, the values and priorities of Inuit now influence Nunavut society.

May 25th is but the first of several significant dates for Nunavummiut. July 9th this year will mark the 10th anniversary of the coming into force of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act. April 1st of next year will mark the fifth anniversary of the creation of Nunavut itself.