Media Centre

2005 News Archive

Chief Returning Officer Appointed for NTI Elections

NR 05-45 ELE ENG Chief Returning Officer.doc
(December 20, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today announced that Patrick Tagoona was officially appointed Chief Returning Officer for the upcoming NTI Elections, scheduled for March 21, 2006.
The position of 1st Vice-President and Vice-President of Finance is up for election.
We are grateful that Patrick Tagoona has agreed to take on this important role, said Kaludjak. He has …

NTI to Host Televised Year-in-Review Program

NR 05-44 YIR ENG Year in Review Broadcast.doc
(November 30, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will broadcast a two-hour Year-in-Review live, televised program on the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN) Northern Service on Dec. 8, 2005 from 7-9 p.m. EST.
President Paul Kaludjak, 1st Vice-President and Vice-President of Finance James Eetoolook and 2nd Vice-President Raymond Ningeocheak will all participate in the broadcast with well-known host and former CBC …

NTI Board of Directors Concerned with New Education Bill

NR 05-43 EDI ENG Education Bill.doc
(November 24, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s Board of Directors passed a resolution during their recent board meeting in Cambridge Bay expressing deep concern with the Government of Nunavut’s proposed Education Bill.
The Department of Education is promoting a draft Education Bill they plan to table in the Nunavut Legislative Assembly in the spring of 2006. The NTI Board of Directors is concerned …

Elders and Youth Resolution Passed at NTI AGM

NR 05-42 YAE ENG Elders and Youth.doc
(November 18, 2005 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Elders and youth were on the minds of the members of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s Annual Meeting today during the passing of two new resolutions.
The first resolution directed the NTI Finance Committee to investigate possible funding sources to be used to hire an Elders’ support person in each community, and to purchase one vehicle per community to …

NTI Calls for Fairness in Awarding of Food Mail Program Contract

NR 05-41 FMP ENG Food Mail.doc
(November 18, 2005 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Annual General Meeting members passed a resolution calling for fairness in awarding the Food Mail Program contract in Nunavut.
The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) runs the Food Mail Program in Nunavut communities. Canada Post manages the program on behalf of DIAND. By contracting airlines, Canada Post brings in nutritious, perishable food …

NTI Announces New Fiscally Prudent Policies

NR 05-40 FIS ENG Financial Policies.doc
(November 18, 2005 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Annual General Meeting members today adopted two new policies designed to assist the organization in meeting their objective of having $1.148 billion in the Nunavut Trust at the end of the 2007 fiscal year. Inuit organizations currently derive financial benefits from the capital transfers paid by the Crown to the Nunavut Trust under the …

NTI Calls for Funding for Women’s Shelter

NR 05-39 WOM ENG Womens Shelter.doc
(November 18, 2005 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Members at the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Annual General Meeting in Cambridge Bay today passed a resolution which asked the Government of Nunavut to provide funds to the Kugluktuk women’s shelter to permit it to operate on a full-time basis.
Violence against women and families continues to be a major issue raised by members at our annual general meetings, …

NTI Presents Award to First Inuk Doctorate Student

NR 05-38 HAD ENG Thomas Hadlari.doc
(November 17, 2005 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak yesterday recognized the Carleton University graduation of Cambridge Bay resident Thomas Hadlari. Dr. Hadlari will be presented with a plaque and a cheque for $1,000 as a result of his accomplishment.
Dr. Hadlari became the first Inuk in Nunavut to earn his Ph.D. last week when he graduated from the geology program …

NTI AGM Delegates Approve 2006-07 Budget

NR 05-37 BUD ENG NTI Budget.doc
(November 17, 2005 — Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Annual General Meeting delegates today approved the proposed budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
The $36 million budget will provide NTI, Regional Inuit Associations, Inuit Heritage Trust, Community Liaison Officers, and the newly created Qaujisaqtiit Society with the financial resources required to carry out their regular operations while implementing the Nunavut Land Claims …

Inuit Organization Lawsuits Protect Inuit Voice in Residential School Negotiations

NR 05-35 COO ENG Residential Schools.doc
(November 4, 2005 Iqaluit, Nunavut) – Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., (NTI) Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) and Makivik Corporation today responded to inaccurate comments made by Alberta lawyer Steven Cooper in a Nov. 4, 2005 newspaper article concerning lawsuits launched against the Government of Canada on behalf of Inuit and Inuvialuit residential school students.
The information in the article was based on data provided by Mr. Cooper, …

NTI Seeking Names of Former Residential School Students

NR 05-34 FOR ENG Residential Schools.doc
(October 19, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today announced that NTI has started the process of compiling a list of names of Nunavut Beneficiaries who attended residential schools.
To compile the list, NTI will send forms next week to Nunavummiut across the territory. Community Liaison Officers in all Nunavut communities are assisting NTI with the collection of this critical …

NTI Board of Directors and Nunavut Trust Hold Historic Meeting Headline

NR 05-36 TRU ENG Nunavut Trust.doc
(September 28, 2005 –Arviat, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice President and Vice President of Finance James Eetoolook today announced that the NTI Board of Directors met with the Trustees of Nunavut Trust to refine the financial planning process designed to ensure Inuit money is well managed. The meeting was held Sept. 27 during NTI’s regular quarterly Board of Directors meeting, taking place in …

NTI files claim against Attorney General of Canada

NR 05-33 RSS ENG Residential Schools.doc
(September 19, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today announced that NTI was taking legal action against the Government of Canada in an attempt to oblige the government to include Inuit in the process set up to resolve the residential school legacy.
NTI filed a Statement of Claim against the Attorney General of Canada on Aug. 31, 2005, naming two Nunavut …

BACKGROUNDER

NR 05-33 RSS ENG BKGR Residential Schools.doc
(September 19, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut)
The Indian residential school system began in 1870. The Government of Canada operated nearly every school as a joint venture with various religious organizations. The schools were located in every province and territory except Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. A total of 130 schools existed over time, and while most residential schools ceased to operate …

NTI Recognizes World Suicide Prevention Day

NR 05-31 SUI ENG Suicide Prevention.doc
(September 10, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today recognized World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10, 2005.
To officially commemorate the day and to acknowledge its international importance, Kaludjak announced a new NTI initiative.
NTI is inviting Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Beneficiaries from across Nunavut to write down their thoughts about suicide, and to express what they think should be done …

Qaujisaqtiit Society Now Open for Business

NR 05-27 QAU ENG Qaujisaqtiit Society.doc
(September 6, 2005 — Ottawa) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today announced the launch of the Qaujisaqtiit Society, a new charitable non-profit Inuit organization. Kaludjak is also the President of the Qaujisaqtiit Society Board of Directors.
The Qaujisaqtiit Society will provide leadership and support for the organizations which make up its membership. The society will enhance its members’ capacity to effectively respond to evolving …

NTI Congratulates Uriash Puqiqnak on Appointment to Order of Canada

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 …

Repulse Bay Hunters Land Bowhead Whale

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 …

NTI Announces Two New Finance Appointments

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 …

NTI President Pleased Peary Caribou Not on SARA list

NR 05-28 BOU ENG Peary Caribou.doc
(July 21, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today said he was pleased that federal Environment Minister Stephane Dion reversed his recommendation to list the Peary Caribou herd as endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
NTI was relieved that Minister Dion made this decision. When he first announced he intended to list Peary Caribou as an endangered species in …

NTI Calls on DIAND to Fill Vacant NWMB Appointments

NR 05-26 APP ENG Vacant Appointments.doc
(July 21, 2005 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today called for Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Andy Scott to appoint a chairperson to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. The position has been vacant for eight months.
The delay is especially problematic because a second NWMB position filled by a DIAND representative has been vacant since January …

NTI President Wants Gas Compensation Program to be Accessible to Inuit

NR 05-25 GAS ENG Gas Compensation.doc
(July 21, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today expressed concern about the gas compensation program being offered by Shell Canada in reaction to the bad gasoline they delivered to nine Nunavut communities last year.
NTI is concerned that Shell Canada’s compensation program does not reflect the actual cost of living in Nunavut, or the actual amount of damage done to …

Inuit Ask Federal Environment Minister Stephane Dion to Act on Bowhead Whale Sanctuary

NR 05-24 ISA ENG Whale Sanctuary.doc
(July 5, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak, Qikiqtani Inuit Association President Thomasie Alikatuktuk, and Joelie Sanguya, Chair of the Igaliqtuuq Steering Committee in Clyde River, are calling on Federal Environment Minister Stephane Dion to give urgent political direction to conclude the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries. Political muscle is needed to …

PM Paul Martin must personally intervene to solve Inuit housing crisis

NR 05-22B ITK ENG Housing.doc
(June 24, 2005 – OTTAWA) In a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin, Inuit leaders have requested that the Prime Minister personally intervene in the Inuit housing crisis, and instruct the Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to act on a 10-year housing plan that has been in the Federal Government’s hands for over 10 months.
The proposal, from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated …

NTI Moves to Zero-Based Budgeting Process

NR 05-22 ZER ENG Zero Based Budgeting.doc
(June 8, 2005 -Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President and Vice-President of Finance James Eetoolook announced today the NTI Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution directing the organization to adopt a zero-based budgeting process effective fiscal 2006/07. The Board passed the resolution during their quarterly board meeting in Grise Fiord last week.
Our primary goal in moving to zero-based budgeting is …

Charlie Evalik Appointed NTI’s Chief Negotiator

NR 05-21 CHI ENG New Chief Negotiator.doc
(June 7, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today announced that Charlie Evalik was appointed Chief Negotiator and Nunavut Implementation Panel member for NTI. Kaludjak said the appointment became official during NTI’s quarterly Board of Directors’ meeting held in Grise Fiord last week.
We were extremely pleased to appoint Charlie Evalik to this position. He will use his extensive leadership …

THOMAS R. BERGER APPOINTED CONCILIATOR FOR THE NUNAVUT LAND CLAIMS AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

NR 05-20B BER ENG Conciliator Announced.doc
(May 26, 2005 – Ottawa, Ontario) – Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak, the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minster of State for Northern Development, and Premier of Nunavut, Paul Okalik, today announced the appointment of former Supreme Court of B.C. Justice Thomas Berger as Conciliator for the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Implementation Contract negotiations.
Mr. Berger, through his dual professional life in law and in …

Nunavut Economic Forum Selects New Executive Director

NR 05-20 NEF ENG NEF Executive Director.doc
(May 24, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Economic Forum (NEF) President Monica Ell today announced that Iqaluit resident Glenn Cousins was selected as the organization’s new Executive Director.
Ell said Cousins was leaving behind a long career with the Northwest Company to take on the leading role in the Forum. He also has served recently as President of the Iqaluit Chamber of Commerce.
We …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Calls on Federal Environment Minister Stephane Dion to Reverse Recommendation

NR 05-19 SAR ENG Species At Risk.doc
(May 20, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 2nd Vice-President Raymond Ningeocheak today called on federal Environment Minister Stephane Dion to reverse his recommendation to list the Peary Caribou herd as endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Ningeocheak made the statement shortly after Minister Dion’s intention was published in the Canada Gazette.
We were surprised to learn that Minister Dion plans …

Hydro project will impact Sanikiluaq residents

NR 05-18 NTK ENG Hydro Project.doc
(May 12, 2005 – SANIKILUAQ, Nunavut ) – The impact of a massive hydro project on the marine environment near Sanikiluaq was ignored in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) says NTK, a joint working group looking into the implications of developments on Hudson Bay and James Bay.
Formed in 2002 NTK, or Nunavuummi Tasiujarjuamiuguqatigiit Katutjiqatigiingit, is the Nunavut Hudson Bay Inter-Agency Working Group that submitted …

NTI Calls on Department of Fisheries and Oceans to End Discrimination Against Inuit

NR 05-17 DFO ENG Fisheries Discrimination.doc
(April 27, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik President Paul Kaludjak today said the Department of Fisheries and Oceans discriminates against Inuit in the way it currently allocates quotas for turbot and shrimp. Kaludjak made the statement after meeting with Department of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan in Iqaluit yesterday.
Other jurisdictions in Canada enjoy 85 to 100 per cent of the total …

NTI Hires New Chief Executive Officer

NR 05-16 NEW ENG NEW CEO.doc
(April 14, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today announced that Joe Adla Kunuk was hired as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer. Kaludjak made the announcement following an NTI Board of Directors’ teleconference held earlier today.
On behalf of the NTI Board, I can say that NTI is pleased to have Joe Adla Kunuk join our team as CEO. Having …

Inuit and Scientists Team Up on Climate Change Adaptation

NR 05-15 CCC ENG Climate Change Adaptation.doc
(March 22, 2005 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik 1st Vice-President and Vice-President of Finance James Eetoolook said he was very satisfied with the outcome of the Inuit Perspectives on Climate Change Adaptation Challenges workshop held in Iqaluit last week.
The workshop followed up on the work initiated during the Elder’s Conference on Climate Change in Cambridge Bay in 2001. Inuit Elders and hunters …

Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society Established

NR 05-14 DIS ENG Disabilities Society.doc
(March 17, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik 2nd Vice-President Raymond Ningeocheak announced today the establishment of the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society, a disabilities council for Nunavut. The inaugural meeting of the Society took place in Iqaluit this week, March 15-17, 2005. This is a very exciting development because there has been no concerted effort to address disabilities issues on a territorial basis since …

NTI: DIAND fails to Carry Out Prime Minister’s Commitment to Nunavut

NR 05-13 SCO ENG DIAND Obligations.doc
(March 16, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik President Paul Kaludjak said today that the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) is failing to carry out commitments Prime Minister Paul Martin made to change how Northern Aboriginal peoples are treated in Canada. Kaludjak said he plans to deliver a strong message to DIAND Minister Andrew Scott during the Minister’s visit to Nunavut …

NTI to Host Climate Change Adaptation Workshop

NR 05-10 ADA ENG Adaptation Workshop.doc
(March 14, 2005 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook today announced a three-day climate change adaptation workshop would take place in Iqaluit this week.
The workshop, entitled Inuit Perspectives on Climate Change Adaptation Challenges in Nunavut, will be held at the Francophone Centre March 15-17, 2005. Forty participants including Inuit Elders, Inuit organization representatives, governments and Arctic climate researchers will …

NTI to Review Programs for Beneficiaries

NR 05-11 BEN ENG Beneficiary Programs.doc
(March 9, 2005 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 2nd Vice-President Raymond Ningeocheak today announced changes made to the Programs for Beneficiaries offered by NTI. The changes, passed in a resolution during the recent NTI Board of Directors meeting in Kugluktuk, were needed in order to stretch funds to continue the popular programs.
We want to help as many Inuit as possible with NTI’s …

NTI Says DIAND Plans to Appoint a non-Inuk to Inuit Secretariat

NR 05-12 SEC ENG Inuit Secretariat.doc
(March 4, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has learned that the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development plans to appoint a non-Inuk as the Executive Director for the Inuit Secretariat.
When Prime Minister Paul Martin announced 11 months ago that he was creating an Inuit Secretariat, we applauded his initiative. We thought that Inuit would finally be appropriately represented in the federal …

NTI Congratulates Government of Nunavut on Budget

NR 05-09 GNB ENG GN Budget.doc
(February 28, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik President Paul Kaludjak welcomed many of the initiatives included in the Government of Nunavut’s 2005-2006 Budget, tabled Friday by Finance Minister Leona Aglukkaq in the Nunavut Legislative Assembly. Increased transfer payments from the federal government will permit an increase in spending on the needs of Nunavummiut by the territorial government over the coming year.
I was …

Federal Budget Gets Mixed Reviews from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

NR 05-08 FED ENG Federal Budget.doc
(February 24, 2005 — Kugluktuk, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak said that while he was pleased by certain aspects of the 2005 Budget tabled by federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale yesterday, he was disappointed in other aspects.
Federal cash transfers for health care in the territories and provinces increased by six per cent for 2005-06, and I hope that will help Nunavut improve …

Inuit Encouraged to Pursue Traditional Diet Following Contaminants Workshop

NR 05-07 CON ENG Workshop Ends.doc
(February 18, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. wrapped up its Contaminants in Nunavut: Inuit Capacity-Building Workshop today. Conference Chair Thomasie Alikatuktuk and Conference Facilitator Joanasie Akumalik agreed that the workshop was overwhelmingly successful.
The workshop brought together nearly 50 environmental experts to focus for three days on contaminants in country food, and the effect contaminants may have on the health of Inuit …

NTI to Host Contaminants Workshop in Iqaluit

NR 05-06 ENV ENG Contaminants Workshop.doc
(February 14, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook announced today that an environmental workshop will begin tomorrow in Iqaluit at the Association des francophone du Nunavut Building.
Called Contaminants in Nunavut: Inuit Capacity-Building Workshop, the event will bring together a group of more than 40 environmental experts, including Inuit Elders from Nunavut, to discuss issues relating to contaminants and human …

Joint Secretariat to Support Wildlife Organizations in Nunavut

NR 05-04 JOI ENG Wildlife Secretariat.doc
(February 10, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 2nd Vice-President Raymond Ningeocheak today announced the creation of a new Joint Secretariat formed to provide support to Nunavut’s three Regional Wildlife Organizations, and the Hunters and Trappers Organizations.
Ningeocheak made the announcement on behalf of the Wildlife Policy Advisory Committee (WPAC), which he chairs in his capacity as NTI’s Executive Member responsible for the Wildlife …

NTI Committed to Inuktitut Preservation Initiatives

NR 05-05 LAN ENG Language Promotion.doc
(February 7, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today encouraged families in Nunavut to speak Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun at home. Mr. Kaludjak made the statement in honour of Nunavut’s Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq (Language Week), Feb. 5 – 12, 2005.
The first language children learn is the language spoken in the home by the parents. Families play a crucial role in ensuring …

Hamlet of Repulse Bay to Stage 2005 Bowhead Whale Harvest

NR 05-03 BOW ENG Bowhead Harvest.doc
(February 7, 2005 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 2nd Vice-President Raymond Ningeocheak announced today that the Repulse Bay Hunters and Trappers Organization was successful in its quest to host the 2005 Bowhead Whale harvest.
Ningeocheak made the announcement following a meeting of the Wildlife Policy Advisory Committee, which he chairs. The Kitikmeot Hunters and Trappers Association, the Kivalliq Wildlife Board and the Qikiqtaaluk …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. to hire new Chief Executive Officer

NR 05-01 CEO ENG NTI to Hire New CEO.doc
(January 24, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak announced today that NTI is beginning the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer. John Lamb has filled the position for the last three years, but his contract is set to expire July 31, 2005. President Kaludjak said NTI plans to fill the position with an Inuktitut-speaking Beneficiary. …