Media Centre

2011 News Archive

NTI Announces 2011 Photo of the Year Contest Winner

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. officials today selected the 2011 Photo of the Year. Ipeelee Itorcheak of Iqaluit was awarded $1,000 in prize money for his photograph, entitled Passing Narwhal. Itorcheak also received an enlarged copy of his photograph, and the honour of having his photograph appear as the cover of the organization’s annual report.

Niore Iqalukjuak, also of Arctic Bay, took second place with his photograph, Waiting Under the …

Narwhal Tusk Trade Restriction Partially Lifted

Nunavut Tunngavik Vice-President James Eetoolook announced that Department of Fisheries and Oceans partially lifted international trade restrictions on narwhal tusks this week.

“This is excellent news,” said Eetoolook. “When DFO imposed the narwhal tusk trade ban on 17 Nunavut communities last year, the decision was based on questionable scientific data derived from partial aerial surveys in 2003. The reversal of that decision is based on an aerial survey done …

Perry River Oral History Project Launched

(December 13, 2011 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today launched the Perry River Oral History Project on the NTI website. The project contains the oral history transcripts recorded from Perry River residents who relocated to Gjoa Haven in 1967.
NTI began the project several years ago after a group of people in Gjoa Haven wrote to NTI Vice-President James Eetoolook, asking for help in getting …

NTI to Host Annual Year-in-Review Program Live on CBC Radio

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will host the annual Year-in-Review program live on CBC radio from Rankin Inlet, Dec.19, 2011, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. CT.

“The annual live radio show provides an avenue for Beneficiaries to ask questions and express their concerns directly to me, and it provides NTI with the opportunity to update Inuit on our work in 2011,” said Towtongie.

Inuit are encouraged to listen to the program and take …

Nunavut Poverty Summit Produces Broad Agreement on Plan of Action

Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President Jack Anawak today announced The Makimaniq Plan: A Shared Approach to Poverty Reduction.
The plan outlines a common agenda for poverty reduction in Nunavut, developed by the forty-five participants in the territory’s first poverty summit.
“Everyone has a role to play to eliminate poverty in our territory,” said Premier Eva Aariak. “My Cabinet is committed to do its part and is prepared …

Annual General Meeting Members Pass Resource Revenue Policy

Nunavut Tunngavik President Cathy Towtongie today explained the Resource Revenue Policy adopted by resolution by members during the annual general meeting in Cambridge Bay.

“The objective of the policy is to establish a clear, efficient and consensus-based policy to govern the use of a portion of the economic benefits derived from mineral resource development in Nunavut. It is not a policy on mining in general. NTI already has mineral resource …

Nunavut Community Wellness Plans Report Released

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie, the Honourable Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut and the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Federal Minister of Health today announced the release of the Nunavut Community Wellness Planning (NCWP) pilot projects. The project was undertaken in partnership between NTI, Government of Nunavut, Health Canada and six Nunavut communities. Health Canada provided $2.4 million in funding for the project through the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund.
Six Nunavut communities—Arviat, …

Nunavut Tunngavik Annual General Meeting Closes

(November 24, 2011 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) The Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Annual General Meeting of members wrapped up in Cambridge Bay today. NTI President Cathy Towtongie called the meeting productive and efficient.
“Our meetings went very well. Members approved the annual funding request from the Nunavut Trust, reviewed and approved the audited financial statements and the 2011 NTI Annual Report, and approved the Resource Revenue Policy,” said Towtongie. During the discussion …

2011 KIA Election – Candidates Nominated

2011 KIA Election – Candidates Nominated

Notice is given to the eligible voters at a Kivalliq Inuit Association election that nominations for candidates for the 2011 election have been accepted as follows:

President
David Ningeongan Joe Kaludjak Kono Tattuinee

Vice President
Raymond Ningeocheak Stanley Adjuk

Director for Repulse Bay
David Tuktudjuk Donat Milortok Peter Mannik

Director for Rankin Inlet
Lynn Rudd Jack Kabvitok

Rosie Oolooyuk Patrick …

Official List of Candidates for 2011 QIA Elections

PRESIDENT: (3-year term to expire December 2014)

Eegeesiak, Josie Okalik
Quassa, Paul
Qulaut, George

COMMUNITY DIRECTOR(S):

Clyde River:    (3-year term to expire December 2014)

Enuaraq, Josie
Enuaraq, Elisapee
Illingayuk, Levi
Iqalukjuak, Peter
Natanine, Jerry

Hall Beach:     (3-year term to expire December 2014)

Audlakiak, Jaypetee
Curley, Anne
Kaernerk, Jopie
Kanatsiak, David
Kannutaq, Asenath
Kaunak, Levi
Qanatiaq, Solomon
Qamaniq, Abraham
Ulluapak, Laimiki

Igloolik:           (3-year term to expire December 2014)

Allurut, Solomon
Illupalik, John
Qaunaq, Gordon

Iqaluit:            (3-year term to expire December 2014)

Itorcheak, Adamee
Nattaq, Simon
Redfern, Madeleine

Kimmirut:       (3-year …

What is the role of ITK in the post land claims era and what are the challenges that lie ahead?

·
From Eskimo to Inuit in 40 Years

Thursday, November 3, 2011

National Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

1:30-3 p.m. Panel Discussion

The World We Want
What is the role of ITK in the post land claims era and what are the challenges that lie ahead?

Panelists
Pita Aatami, Nellie Cournoyea, Cathy Towtongie, Jim Lyall
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, distinguished co-panelists, Mary Simon, and conference participants.

· My name is Cathy Towtongie …

Inuit Heritage Trust Disappointed by Lack of Government Commitment to Nunavut Heritage Centre

) Inuit Heritage Trust President Luke Suluk said today the organization is disappointed the Government of Nunavut has chosen not to commit to the urgent need to create a Nunavut Heritage Centre.
IHT has worked on the creation of the Nunavut Heritage Center with key partners Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the GN for the past seven years. Article 33.2.4 calls for the urgent establishment of heritage facilities in Nunavut …

Inuit Participate in Canadian Delegation to Polar Bear Range States Meeting

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook said today that Canada is leading the way in integrating science and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge as it is called in other jurisdictions, in the management of polar bears across the circumpolar world. Eetoolook made the comments in his role as a member of the Canadian delegation to the Polar Bear Range States Meeting held in Iqaluit this week.

Eetoolook said he …

NTI Board and Staff to Participate in ASIST Training

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced that the NTI Board of Directors and staff in all four office locations would be given the opportunity to participate in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). The two-day ASIST workshop teaches participants the skills necessary to identify people at risk of suicide, the way in which to speak to a person at risk of suicide, and the ability to take the …

Has tobacco affected you, your family and/or community?

Has tobacco affected you, your family and/or community?

If you answered YES, then we are looking for your story!

· Have you lost loved ones to tobacco use?

· Has your health or the health of loved ones been severely affected by tobacco? How has this affected you?

· Have you quit smoking or are trying to quit because you are worried about the future of your …

2009/10 Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society Released

(October 12, 2011 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today released the 2009/10 Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society, entitled Our Primary Concern: Inuit language in Nunavut. The report outlines in detail the current state of Inuit language across Nunavut, and provides several concrete examples of how Aboriginal cultures around the world have significantly revitalized their languages.

“Language is the cornerstone of a …

Nunavut and Nunavik Agree on Polar Bear Management

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook called last week’s meeting in Inukjuak, Nunavik, positive and productive.

Meeting participants included NTI and Makivik Corp. officials, Inuit, Cree, hunters, wildlife management boards, and territorial, provincial and federal government representatives. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss management of polar bears in the South Hudson Bay population.

Participants at the meeting agreed to a temporary, voluntary total quota of 60 bears per …

Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan Released

Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak joined Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President Jack Anawak, Government of Nunavut Health Minister Tagak Curley, Embrace Life Council President Becky Kilabuk, and RCMP “V” Division Superintendent Howard Eaton today to sign and release the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan.

The 2011-2014 action plan was created through a partnership between NTI, GN, Embrace Life Council, and RCMP, and operationalizes the eight commitments made in the Nunavut …

The Iqaluit based TAIMA TB program is holding a FOCUS GROUP and we would like you to participate!

The Iqaluit based TAIMA TB program is holding a FOCUS GROUP and we would like you to participate!
We are looking for the following people to participate:
If you have received a home visit from our team
OR
If you have visited our website, facebook page and YouTube videos on the web
OR
If you attended TAIMA TB night, our community feast that was held in April
Come share your thoughts and experiences with TAIMA TB.
We want …

NTI Welcomes Federal Investment in Nunavut

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today said she welcomed Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s announcement of a three-year pilot project to create a partnership to enhance the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines. The partnership, which comes with $830,000 in funding, includes the Government of Nunavut, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines.

“Mining is, and will continue to be, a critical …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Board of Directors Meeting Repulse Bay, Nunavut August 23-25, 2011 AGENDA

Day One – Tuesday August 23, 2011

· Call to Order

· Opening Prayer

· Welcoming Remarks NTI President Cathy Towtongie

· Welcoming Remarks Mayor Hugh Haqpi

· Welcoming Remarks MLA John Ningark

1. Approval of Agenda

2. Executive Committee Reports

a) NTI President Cathy Towtongie

b) KitIA President Charlie Evalik

c) KivIA A/President Joe Kaludjak

d) QIA President Okalik Eegeesiak

BREAK

3. NTI Chief Executive Officer Report …

President Sends Condolences

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie offered condolences to the families affected by the air disaster in Resolute Bay over the weekend.

“I want to express my personal and heartfelt condolences for the loss of the families, the people of Resolute Bay, the Nunavut community, and the First Air family. At times like this, there are often no words to express our deep sadness, emotion and love. So often, …

NTI Committee Meets with Fisheries on Narwhal

) Nunavut Tunngavik Vice-President James Eetoolook called this week’s meeting with officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans promising. The meeting was the second of two meetings planned as part of an alternative resolution to the legal action NTI launched against DFO earlier this year after DFO restricted international trade in narwhal tusks without consulting Inuit. NTI halted the legal action in June, 2011, after DFO agreed to participate …

NTI Announces Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced the recipients of the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Memorial Scholarship. Emily Joanasie of Iqaluit and Monica Kiguktak of Grise Fiord will each receive $5,000 toward their studies in education. Both students are enrolled in the Nunavut Teacher Education Program at Nunavut Arctic College, Joanasie in Iqaluit, Kiguktak in Cambridge Bay.

“It gives me great pleasure as president of NTI to award these two hard-working …

NTI Meets with Fisheries on Narwhal

Nunavut Tunngavik Vice-President James Eetoolook said NTI met with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans last week to address governance issues between narwhal co-management partners, which include NTI, Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Government of Nunavut and DFO.

The meeting was the first of two meetings planned as part of an alternative resolution to the legal action NTI launched against DFO earlier this year after DFO restricted international trade in narwhal …

NTI Alarmed by QEC’s Disturbing Pattern of Discriminatory Employment Practices Against Inuit

Nunavut Tunngavik President Cathy Towtongie today expressed serious concern over the continuous pattern of discriminatory employment practices specifically targeted against a growing number of Inuit employees at the Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC).

Since June, 2010, at least seven Inuit QEC employees have filed union grievances or wrongful termination lawsuits or reported to NTI unfair treatment of Inuit employees by QEC management. Most disturbingly, it is alleged that Inuit employees …

Kakiniit Grants Recipients Announced

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie and Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak today announced the names of the recipients of the Kakiniit Grants program.

Caroline Ipeelie-Qiatsuk – Cape Dorset
Eva Noah – Baker Lake
Nakasuk Alariaq – Cape Dorset
Sandra Pijamini – Grise Fiord
Leslie Qammaniq – Pond Inlet
Emily Karpik – Iqaluit
Marie Belleau – Iqaluit
Teevi Mackey – Ottawa
Romani Makkik – Iqaluit
Annabella Piugaituk – Iqaluit

The grants program awards $1,000 to five students seeking to improve their …

Celebrate Nunavut!

Celebrate Nunavut!

July 9, 2011, is Nunavut Day.

This year’s event in Iqaluit promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Nunavut Tunngavik, Government of Nunavut, Government of Canada and Nunavut Tourism have joined forces to host the annual Nunavut Day activities.
Events take place in the Legislative Assembly parking lot in Iqaluit from 1-5 p.m. on July 9.
Participants can look forward to a traditional Inuit country food, barbecued hamburgers, games for kids …

Insurance Program to Be Discontinued

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Executive Officer Terry Audla today announced the end of the Beneficiary Death and Dismemberment Insurance program.
Audla said the NTI Board of Directors made the decision based on a review that showed the premiums paid for the program outweighed the benefits received by Beneficiaries over the past few years.
“This was a difficult decision to make, but more money was being spent on running the program than on …

NTI Withdrawals Judicial Review on Narwhal Tusks Against DFO

(June 20, 2011 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)     Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Executive Officer Terry Audla announced today an alternative resolution to NTI’s application for Judicial Review of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s decision in 2010 respecting Narwhal.
 
“DFO and NTI have agreed on the necessity of meaningful, timely consultations by Government with Inuit on issues that may have an impact on Inuit rights pursuant to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement including decisions …

Nunavut Tunngavik Jointly Announces National Goals for Inuit Education

(June 16, 2011 – Ottawa, Ontario)            Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. executive member Okalik Eegeesiak today announced support for a series of bold new recommendations intended to fundamentally improve the Inuit educational system in Canada.  Together with Inuit educational leaders from across Inuit Nunangat, Eegeesiak introduced the new transformational plan.
 
A total of 10 core investments and recommendations are set out in First Canadians, Canadians First: The National Strategy on Inuit Education. …

Nunavut Tunngavik Reacts to Federal Budget

 
(June 7, 2011 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie commented on the release of yesterday’s federal budget. Towtongie was disappointed by the absence of any new major investments to Nunavut, and in particular, addresses to social and housing crisis faced by Inuit, that require immediate attention.Towtongie said that it was disheartening that no new funds were identified in support of Inuit language programs, along with further …

NTI Calls for Investment and Innovation in the Provision of Oral Healthcare

Following the recent release of the Inuit Oral Health Survey, Nunavut Tunngavik President Cathy Towtongie called for greater investment and innovation in the provision of oral healthcare services in Nunavut’s communities.
Results indicate that 70 percent of the 1,216 Inuit who participated in the survey required immediate dental care, in part due to services not readily available in Inuit communities. The results regarding Inuit children are especially disconcerting, showing that …

Regional Roundtables to Identify “Options for Action” for Poverty Reduction Plan

The second stage of the public engagement process for the preparation of Nunavut’s Poverty Reduction Action Plan begins this week when the Kitikmeot Regional Roundtable meets in Cambridge Bay.
The Cambridge Bay Roundtable will be co-chaired by Government of Nunavut Finance Minister, Keith Peterson and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President, Jack Anawak. The Roundtable brings together participants from each community in the region, as well as representatives from government, Inuit organizations, non-profit …

NLCA Monument Carvers Chosen

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced that NTI had chosen the three carvers who will create the monument commissioned to celebrate the significant achievements of the people involved in negotiating the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
“I offer personal thanks to all the carvers who submitted applications. I wish there was a way to have everyone contribute to this piece,” said Towtongie. “I am so very pleased …

Management Objectives for Polar Bears Need Review

Nunavut Tunngavik Vice-President James Eetoolook said today that a review of the management objectives for polar bears should be considered by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.
The current management system for polar bears began in the 1970s when quotas were first introduced. At that time, the polar bear population in Nunavut was estimated between 7,000 – 8,000 bears. In the 1980s, the concept of sub-populations for polar bears was introduced, and …

Guess the Relative

Do you think your family tree might have British roots?
Would you like to travel to Britain to discover your living relatives?
Dragonfly TV is making an exciting new game show featuring families, ancestors and long-lost relatives.
We’re searching for people from all over the world, who think they may have British ancestry, who would like to take part.
Whether your Great Great Grandfather was born in England or your Great Aunt lived in …

DFO Refuses to Visit all Affected Communities

Nunavut Tunngavik Vice-President James Eetoolook advises Inuit that legal action against the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is continuing. Eetoolook said NTI expected an announcement from the court in the near future.
NTI initiated legal action after DFO put an international trade ban in place on narwhal tusks from 17 Nunavut communities. The ban was announced by DFO officials in Ottawa in December, 2010, with no prior notification or consultation with …

NTI President Congratulates MP Leona Aglukkaq

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie congratulated Member of Parliament Leona Aglukkaq on winning her second term in federal office yesterday.
“I look forward to continuing our working relationship with Ms. Aglukkaq. NTI and the Conservative government have a long history, and NTI looks forward to achieving full implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement under Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s majority government,” said Towtongie.
“I look forward to meeting with …

Taima TB Radio Shows

Tune in tonight for a TAIMA TB phone in radio show at 5:00 pm ET with Dr. Gonzalo Alvarez and NTI’s Director of Social and Cultural Development Natan Obed. The program airs on Iqaluit’s francophone radio station at 107.3 FM.
Tomorrow, CBC’s radio host Rosie Simonfalvy will update listeners on the Taima TB project on Nipivut.

GN and NTI renew commitment to work together

Aajiiqatigiinniq, a new protocol that succeeds Iqqanaijaqatigiit, was signed today by Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie. Aajiiqatigiinniq broadly sets out a working relationship that focuses on greater partnership on areas of encouraging self-reliance, raising the standard of living of Inuit, and working together to develop and renew policies, programs, services, and legislation.
“This document reflects the cooperation between the Government of Nunavut and NTI,” …

President Evalik to Receive Honorary Doctorate of Laws

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today congratulated her colleague and fellow NTI Board member Charlie Evalik for receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta. Evalik will officially receive the honor next month from the university’s convocation ceremonies in June.
“I am so happy for Charlie. All his years of dedication, commitment and vision for Inuit is acknowledged with this tremendous achievement,” said Towtongie. “I applaud …

Implementation Monitoring Coordinator

TERM ENDING MARCH, 2012
Implementation Monitoring Coordinator
Department of Implementation
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Under the direction of the Director of Implementation, you will provide the Implementation with a capacity to monitor the fulfillment of Land Claim obligations by all Parties, and to provide the Department with an approved data management and administrative capacity.
You will also work closely with other departmental staff to assist them with correspondence, reports and other documents for the department.
This …

KIA Elections – Certification of Results of President Election

The Chief Returning Officer of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association certifies that the results of the election of President held on March 28, 2011 were as follows:
Elected/Acclaimed/ Number of
Name of Candidate Not Elected Votes Cast
Vivienne Aknavigak Not Elected 160
Charlie Evalik Elected 476
Joseph Otokiak Not Elected 232
Dated at Cambridge Bay on March 28, 2011
For further information contact:
Martina Maniyogina
Chief Returning Officer
Kitikmeot Inuit Association
Cambridge Bay, …

Deadline for Land Claims Monument This Week

The deadline to apply to carve the monument to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is this week, March 31, 2011.
Once the deadline closes, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s selection committee will meet and jury the applications. NTI will select one carver from each region of Nunavut to create the monument. Each carver will also work with an apprentice on the project.
The team will travel to Iqaluit over …

TAIMA TB Statement for World TB Day

TAIMA TB is a new public health campaign starting in April in Iqaluit that will enhance the existing preventative efforts in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Nunavut. The project has two phases.
Phase 1 of the project focuses on increasing TB awareness and knowledge in Iqaluit by engaging the community at large through gatherings, focus groups, and social media (website, video, face book page). A community focus …

Review of Uranium Policy

The Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Board of Directors unanimously approved and adopted a Policy Concerning Uranium Mining in Nunavut in Sept., 2007.
The policy provides for periodic review. NTI will review the policy to ensure it continues to meet the needs of Inuit in Nunavut. NTI fully understands that uranium development must have the full support of Inuit, especially in communities close to uranium development. NTI will review its uranium policy …

JOB OPPORTUNITY TAIMA TB

TAIMA TB is a door to door research campaign that will be happening in Iqaluit over the next year. This project will provide in-home tuberculosis education, testing, and treatment.
TAIMA TB is looking to hire people with the following skills:
• Inuktitut/English interpretation
• Strong knowledge of Inuit culture and local community
• Basic computer skills
• Valid drivers license
• Grade 12 education would be an asset
If you are interested in applying for one of these positions, please contact …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Changes Date, Location of Board Meeting

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has changed the date and location of its next Board of Directors meeting.
The meeting will now be held in Iqaluit, April 2-4, 2011.
The meeting was moved from Repulse Bay to accommodate elections, staff schedules, and travel and accommodations.
NTI will hold its next Board meeting in Repulse Bay in August, 2011.