Media Centre

2010 News Archive

NTI Announces 2010 Photo of the Year Contest Winner

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie announced today that Bernard Maktar of Pond Inlet won NTI’s 2010 Photo of the Year Contest for his photograph entitled Snowgeese. Maktar won $1,000 in prize money and an enlarged copy of his photograph. The winning photograph will be portrayed on the cover of the 2011 NTI Annual Report and will serve as the background image for NTI’s advertising template for the next year.
Celina …

NTI Executive Committee Appoints Chairpersons

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced that Vice-President Jack Anawak would serve as chair of the Nunavut Social Development Council, and Vice-President James Eetoolook would serve as chair of the Inuit Wildlife and Environment Council.
The appointments were made by the NTI Executive Committee and are effective immediately.
“I look forward to working with the NTI Board and the new councils as we continue in our efforts to fully implement …

Fisheries Issues Narwhal Tusk Ban Without Consulting Inuit

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today called on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to immediately reverse their decision to restrict the trade of narwhal tusks for 17 Nunavut communities.
DFO notified NTI of the ban last week. NTI was not made aware of the restriction prior to it being imposed, and Inuit were not consulted. DFO’s actions violate Inuit harvesting rights as set out in the Nunavut Land …

Oath of Office

(December 14th, 2010 Iqaluit, Nunavut)  Following yesterday’s NTI election, Iqaluit resident Jack Anawak was sworn in as vice-president on the Board of Directors. Cathy Towtongie was sworn in as president in Rankin Inlet, and James Eetoolook took the oath of office while also in Rankin Inlet.

Cathy Towtongie, James Eetoolook, and Jack Anawak Elected to NTI Board of Directors

(December 14, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Lori Idlout this morning announced the unofficial results of the by-election for president and election for two vice-president positions.
Cathy Towtongie was elected president and will serve until 2012.
James Eetoolook and Jack Anawak were elected vice-president until 2014. The NTI Board of Directors will now assign the successful vice-president candidates either the role of Chair of Nunavut Social Development …

Nunavut Tunngavik Congratulates Annie Peterloosie on Award

(November 24, 2010 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Jose Kusugak today congratulated Pond Inlet resident Annie Peterloosie on winning a 2011 National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the category of Culture, Heritage and Spirituality.
Peterloosie was recognized in the House of Commons yesterday alongside the 13 other recipients.
“Nunavummiut have tremendous respect for Annie in her abilities as a healer, community leader, and cultural storyteller. The National Aboriginal Achievement …

Advance Polls, Voting Day, Poll Locations

Updated Dec. 1, 2010
(Nov. 23—Iqaluit, NU) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will hold a by-election for president and an election for two vice-president positions on Monday, December 13, 2010.
Which positions are being elected?
The president and two vice-president positions will be elected to the NTI Board of Directors. After the election, the NTI Board will assign the successful vice-president candidates either the role of Chair of Nunavut Social Development Council or Chair of …

Jose Kusugak receives the Elijah Menarik Award

(November 22, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. interim President, Jose Kusugak was awarded the Elijah Menarik Award from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

From 1980 to 1990 Kusugak served for ten years as the area manager for the Kivalliq (Keewatin) region with the CBC. He went on to become an Inuit leader as President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and currently with the Kivalliq Inuit Association. […]

NTI applauds Canada’s endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

(November 12, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. interim President, Jose Kusugak applauded the Government of Canada today for formally endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“We have always felt that Canada should assume a leading role in the international community with regard to Indigenous issues.” said Kusugak. “After the government failed to support the declaration in 2007 we, along with other Aboriginal organizations, lobbied …

Chief Returning Officer Announced Names of Candidates

(November 9, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Lori Idlout announced the names of the official candidates running for the president and two vice-president positions at NTI.
The president and two vice-president positions will be elected to the NTI Board of Directors. After the election, the NTI Board will assign the successful vice-president candidates either the role of Chair of Nunavut Social Development Council or Chair of …

Jose Kusugak will be Acting-President

(November 5, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Executive Board member and President of the Kivalliq Inuit Association will be acting-President of NTI effective November 8, 2010 through December 13, 2010.
NTI is holding a by-election for the position of president on Dec. 13, 2010. During the election period Kusugak will fulfill the duties of the President.
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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

Nomination Period Closes for President, Vice-President Positions

(November 5, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Lori Idlout announced that Nomination Period for the by-election of president and election of two vice-presidents at NTI closes today at 5 p.m. local time.
The president and two vice-president positions will be elected to the NTI Board of Directors. After the election, the NTI Board will assign the successful vice-president candidates either the role of Chair of …

Nomination Period for By-Election Open Today

(November 1, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Lori Idlout announced that Nomination Period for the by-election of president and election of two vice-presidents at NTI opened today.
The president and two vice-president positions will be elected to the NTI Board of Directors. After the election, the NTI Board will assign the successful vice-president candidates either the role of Chair of Nunavut Social Development Council or Chair …

Nomination Period Opens for President, Vice-President Positions

(November 1, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Lori Idlout announced that Nomination Period for the by-election of president and election of two vice-presidents at NTI opened today.
The president and two vice-president positions will be elected to the NTI Board of Directors. After the election, the NTI Board will assign the successful vice-president candidates either the role of Chair of Nunavut Social Development Council or Chair …

Office of the Languages Commissioner, Qikiqtani Inuit Association & Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. call for immediate action on language

(October 27, 2010) – Iqaluit, Nunavut — The Government of Nunavut Minister of Languages Louis Tapardjuk announced yesterday that he would not be tabling the Inuit Language Protection Act (ILPA) and Official Languages Act (OLA) mandated implementation plan at this fall session of the Legislative Assembly.
In response, the Languages Commissioner for Nunavut, Alexina Kublu, stated: “The Minister of Languages is failing his duty to Nunavummiut. The Minister was legislatively bound …

NTI Fully Supports the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook is pleased to release the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy, and is thankful for the work of all strategy partners, which include NTI, Government of Nunavut, Embrace Life Council, and RCMP. The partnership was formed in the summer of 2008. All partners worked diligently to ensure the best possible strategy.
“Suicide is a very difficult topic to work on because we are all personally …

NTI to Hold By-election for President Position

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Lori Idlout announced that a by-election for the position of president will be held Dec. 13, 2010, the same day the organization is hosting an election for two vice-presidents.
A by-election is necessary following the removal of Paul Kaludjak from the role of president. Members attending the annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet voted to remove Kaludjak from the role of president yesterday. He …

NTI President Dismissed

(October 26, 2010 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) The membership of the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Annual General Meeting today voted to remove Paul Kaludjak from the position of president of the organization.
Kaludjak was serving a suspension at the time of his dismissal for misuse of his corporate credit card. The NTI Board of Directors issued the suspension during their regular meeting in August.
The dismissal is effective immediately. A by-election will …

Chief Returning Officer Appointed for NTI Elections

(August 30, 2010 Iqaluit) – Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. today announced that Lori Idlout and Ayaya Marketing and Communications will serve as Chief Returning Officer for the upcoming NTI Elections, scheduled for December 13, 2010. Beneficiaries will elect two vice-presidents.

Upon being named Chief Returning Officer, Ayaya announced several key dates related to the NTI election. The dates are as follows:

· November 1, 2010: Nomination papers are made available to candidates
· …

NTI calls for Firearms Safety Training

(October19, 2010 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook today called on the Government of Nunavut and Government of Canada to join NTI in creating resources on safe handling and storage of firearms for Inuit communities.
“The latest unfortunate violent incidents where firearms have been used are clear indicators that we need resources developed to address safe handling and storage of firearms.” said Eetoolook, “these unfortunate incidents are …

Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., call on Nunavummiut to help reduce poverty

IQALUIT, Nunavut (October 18, 2010) – The Honourable Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut, and James Eetoolook, Acting President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., today announced they have joined forces to combat poverty in Nunavut. They are inviting all Nunavummiut to get involved.
“To reduce poverty is a priority for this government,” said Premier Aariak. “Poverty affects us all, and it will take every one of us to meet this challenge. Together we’ll ensure …

New NTI Executive to present Closer to Inuit on Tausunni

(October 14, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting-President James Eetoolook, Kitikmeot Inuit Association President Charlie Evalik, Kivalliq Inuit Association President Jose Kusugak and Qikitani Inuit Association President Okalik Eegeesiak will present the Closer to Inuit governance model, on October 15, 2010 1:30PM on CBC’s Tausunni.
In 2006 NTI and the Regional Inuit Associations initiated a review of their organizational structures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our …

NTI to Hold Elections for Two Vice-President Positions

NR 10-37 VPS ENG – For Immediate Release
(October 4, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Lori Idlout announced today that NTI will hold elections for two vice-president positions December 13, 2010.
Both vice-president positions will serve on the NTI Board of Directors. After the election, the NTI Board will assign the successful candidates either the role of Chair of Nunavut Social Development Council or Chair of Inuit …

Government Housing Predicament Unacceptable to Inuit

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook today called the deficiencies of the Nunavut Housing Corporation unacceptable.
“It is unacceptable for the NHC to spend an estimated $110 million more than the $300 million allotted to build public housing in Nunavut. Unfortunately, this is only one example of how NHC is not meeting the needs of Inuit,” said Eetoolook.
Immediately after securing $200 million for public housing in 2006, the NHC …

NTI Disappointed with Firearms Registry Vote

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook expressed disappointment following last night’s vote by MPs in the House of Commons to uphold the Firearms Registry. MPs voted to save the registry 153-151.
“NTI is disappointed the Firearms Registry will remain in place. This will continue to make it more difficult for Inuit to acquire firearms for the purposes of hunting and providing for their families,” said Eetoolook.
The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement …

NTI Supports the Abolition of Long Gun Registry

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook today called on MPs to vote in favour of abolishing the Firearms Registry when the issue comes before the House of Commons on September 22nd.
“NTI fully supports the safe use of firearms,” said Eetoolook, “But the Firearms Act does not take account of the realities of life in Nunavut. Firearms are essential tools used by Inuit to hunt for food …

Monuments to Commemorate High Arctic Exiles Unveiled

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook today unveiled a monument commissioned to commemorate the Inuit forcibly relocated to Resolute Bay from Inukjuak in the 1950s. A second monument will be unveiled in Grise Fiord on Friday, September 10.
“The unveiling of the monuments is an important step in helping Inuit find closure and healing from these terrible events,” said Eetoolook. “The wounds are deep and decades old, but now that …

Nunavut Tunngavik Clarifies Policies and Suspension

(September 1, 2010 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)
1. The Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. policies have been reviewed and reaffirmed since 2008, which includes and not limited to, the NTI Credit Card Policy, NTI Expenditure Policy, NTI Travel Policy and the NTI Executive Compensation Policy (the “Relevant Policies”). These were reviewed and approved by the NTI Executive in early 2009 and reaffirmed with the NTI President present in the NTI Executive meeting in …

Chief Returning Officer Appointed for NTI Elections

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. today announced that Lori Idlout and Ayaya Marketing and Communications will serve as Chief Returning Officer for the upcoming NTI Elections, scheduled for December 13, 2010. Beneficiaries will elect two vice-presidents.
Upon being named Chief Returning Officer, Ayaya announced several key dates related to the NTI election. The dates are as follows:
· November 1, 2010: Nomination papers are made available to candidates
· November 5, 2010: Nomination period closes.
· …

NTI Board of Directors proposes new Board Structure

(August 27, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting-President James Eetoolook today announced the Closer to Inuit Model.
The Closer to Inuit model includes recommendations to change the composition of the NTI board and executive committee; to discontinue the executive portfolio system; to increase the ability to address social and cultural issues through the Nunavut Social Development Council; and to develop an Inuit wildlife advisory council.
“In …

James Eetoolook will be Acting-President

(August 27, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook will be acting-President effective August 30, 2010 through October 30, 2010.
During this time Eetoolook will fulfill the duties of the President including chairing the NTI Annual General Meeting in October in Rankin Inlet.
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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

Nunavut Tunngavik Welcomes Foreign Policy Commitments

(August 23, 2010 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook said today NTI is pleased with Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon’s Arctic Foreign Policy Statement.
“NTI is pleased to see that the Arctic remains a priority for the Government of Canada,” said Eetoolook. “NTI understands this policy has received the approval of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the federal cabinet. This is extremely important.”
He noted that in …

European Union Seal ban Suspended

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President of Finance Raymond Ningeocheak said he was pleased the European Union’s proposed seal ban was suspended from coming into force today. The ban would have prevented the import of seal products into EU countries. Canadian and Greenlandic Inuit and other plaintiffs launched legal action earlier this year and filed the application for interim injunction in July, 2010.

“This is very good news for Inuit and the …

Canada Apologizes to High Arctic Exiles

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today applauded Indian and Northern Affairs Minister John Duncan for apologizing to Inuit on behalf of the Government of Canada for the forced relocation of Inuit families to the High Arctic. Minister Duncan issued the apology in Inukjuak, the northern Quebec community from which Inuit were forcibly relocated to Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord in 1953 and 1955. Inuit from Pond Inlet were …

NTI Congratulates QIA on Attaining an Injunction

(August 11, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.1st Vice-President James Eetoolook today congratulated the Qikitani Inuit Association on successfully attaining a court issued interim injunction on the Natural Resources Canada’s Eastern Canadian Arctic Seismic Experiment.
“NTI welcomes the court decision. This is a victory for QIA and for all Inuit in Nunavut.” said Eetoolook.
NTI has been working cooperatively with QIA on the injunction application and the underlying court …

NTI Encourages Government to Keep Mandatory Long Form

(July 23, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook today asked Industry Minister Hon. Tony Clement to reconsider the decision to eliminate Census Canada’s mandatory long form. Clement announced the decision to replace the Census Canada long form with a form to be completed on a voluntary basis for the 2011 Census.
“Inuit rely heavily on the information gathered by the long form to provide …

Kakiniit Grants Recipients Announced

(July 9, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak and Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak today announced the names of the recipients of the Kakiniit Grants program.
• 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 …

NTI Welcomes Recommendations of the Standing Committee on National Defence

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook today expressed his support for the recommendations of the Standing Committee on National Defence’s report, Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty. The report, issued by the committee last week, contains 17 recommendations to the Government of Canada. Eetoolook stated that all the recommendations are important, but noted the following as particularly important for Inuit:
· That a Cabinet Committee be established on Arctic Affairs;
· That the Cabinet …

Greenland/Canada Joint Commission on Polar Bear

(June 8, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook announced today that he is pleased consensus on the need for more recent polar bear population data was established during the Greenland/Canada Joint Commission meeting this past week in Ilulissat, Greenland.
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 …

NTI supports Senate report on Commercial Fisheries

(June 08, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook today expressed his support for the Senate’s standing committee on fisheries report, The Management of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada’s Western Arctic, calling for the development of commercial char fisheries in Nunavut.
“We have seen the budding potential for commercial fisheries for a long time now.” said Eetoolook. “But in order for this sector to blossom we need …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and GN agree, the Polar Bear population is healthy in Nunavut

(June 02, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President of Finance Raymond Ningeocheak today announced his support to Nunavut environment minister Daniel Shewchuk’s recommendation to not list the polar bear as a ‘species of special concern’ under the Species at Risk Act.
A recommendation from 2008 to list the polar bear as a ‘species of special concern’ is currently in consideration with the federal environment minister Jim Prentice. If the …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Monument Unveiling Dates are Released

(June 2, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today announced two monuments – one in Resolute Bay and one in Grise Fiord – to commemorate the sacrifices made by Inuit relocated to these communities in the 1950s will be unveiled Sept. 8, 2010 in Resolute and Sept. 10, 2010 in Grise Fiord.
In 2009 two of Nunavut’s leading carvers were commissioned to create these monuments: Simeonie Amagoalik …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. sees Potential in Changes to Food Mail

(May 26, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak said he is pleased to see movement to improve the Food Mail Program but is cautious about the program’s transformation into the Nutrition North Canada Program.

“I have heard for many years now from beneficiaries that the savings through the Food Mail Program aren’t seen at the consumer level.” said Kaludjak. “I am glad we now have an …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Congratulates New Commissioner

(May 12, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today congratulated Edna Elias on her appointment to the role of Commissioner of Nunavut. Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement this afternoon from Ottawa. Elias is Nunavut’s fourth commissioner and takes over the position from Ann Meekitjuk Hanson.

“I am so pleased Ms. Elias was appointed to the role of Commissioner of Nunavut. Her dedication to …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Pleased with New Legislation

(May 12, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak said he was pleased to see Bill C-25, the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act, introduced and given first reading in the House of Commons today.

This legislation is required by Article 10 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. Bill C-25 sets forth the powers, duties and functions of the Nunavut Planning Commission and the Nunavut Impact …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Accepting Applications for Kakiniit Grants

(May 5, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut)     Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is now accepting applications for the 2010 Kakiniit Grants. This program was launched by NTI and the Government of Nunavut in 2007 to encourage and assist students with their cultural and academic education.

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. …

Nunavummiut voices reflected in suicide consultation report

IQALUIT, Nunavut (April 22, 2010) Nunavut’s Suicide Prevention Strategy working group today released a summary report of the 2009 community consultations on the development of a territorial suicide prevention strategy.
The working group focuses on public engagement to ensure all voices are heard in the process of developing a strategy. The intent of sharing this summary is to report back to Nunavummiut about what was shared by community members during the …

NTI urges government to continue to fund AHF

(March 30, 2010 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak is urging the Government of Canada to continue to fund the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF).
There will be an emergency debate this evening from 7 pm in the House of Commons about the state of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
“NTI recognizes the positive impact and benefits that the funding from the AHF has brought to Inuit in Nunavut and to …

Rejection of Polar Bear Proposal Confirmed

(March 25, 2010 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Vice-President of Finance Raymond Ningeocheak today announced that the decision to reject an American proposal to uplist polar bears was upheld during the plenary session of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species’ (CITES) 15th Committee of the Parties meeting in Doha, Qatar.

The American proposal to change the listing of polar bear from appendix II to appendix 1 of CITES …

Auditor-General’s Report: Government Failing Article 23

(March 19, 2010 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak said today the Auditor-General’s 2010 report shows the Government of Nunavut’s failure to meet the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Article 23 requirements through its hiring practices.
The Auditor-General’s report was tabled yesterday in the Nunavut Legislative Assembly. It focuses on the human resources problems of the GN, and stresses the need to adopt a government-wide strategy to deal with …