Media Centre

2014 News Archive

James Eetoolook Re-elected NTI Vice-President

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell today announced that James Eetoolook was re-elected vice-president of NTI in today’s election.
Eetoolook will serve as vice-president until 2018. Eetoolook will also serve on NTI’s executive committee, Board of Directors, and as chair of NTI’s Inuit Social and Cultural Development Advisory Committee and the Inuit Wildlife and Environment Advisory Committee.
Douglas Aggark (Chesterfield Inlet). James Eetoolook (Taloyoak) and Jesse Mike (Iqaluit) all competed …

Voting Day for NTI Elections

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell announced today polls would open on voting day for the election of vice-president on Dec. 8, 2014, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. local time.
Douglas Aggark (Chesterfield Inlet), James Eetoolook (Taloyoak) and Jesse Mike (Iqaluit) submitted their nomination papers for the election of vice-president.
Inuit who are Canadian citizens, 16 years of age or older, and enrolled under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement are …

GN and NTI partnering to revise the NNI Policy

Nunavut’s Minister of Economic Development and Transportation George Kuksuk and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Cathy Towtongie have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the process for amending the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti (NNI) Policy.
The goal of the NNI Policy is to increase the participation of Nunavut, Inuit, and local businesses in Government of Nunavut contracting, as required by Article 24 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
The MOU was signed during …

New Study confirms West Hudson Bay Polar Bear is Stable

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today said a new Environment Canada study confirms that the polar bear population in west Hudson Bay is stable. Towtongie’s comments came following a Nunavut Wildlife Management Board meeting in Rankin Inlet that included a presentation by Environment Canada concerning the health of the west Hudson Bay population. The most recent scientific study results show that the population has been stable for the last …

NTI President Calls for Transparency in NNC Program

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today called on the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to immediately make changes to their Nutrition North Canada program to make it more transparent and accountable to Inuit. Towtongie’s comments followed today’s release of the Report of the Auditor General of Canada. Chapter six focused on AANDC’s Nutrition North program.
“NTI’s main concerns with the Nutrition North program and the former Food Mail …

Advance Polls to Open for NTI Elections

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell announced today that advance polls for the election of vice-president will open Dec. 1, 2014, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. local time.
Douglas Aggark (Chesterfield Inlet), James Eetoolook (Taloyoak) and Jesse Mike (Iqaluit) submitted their nomination papers for the election of vice-president.
Voters now have five ways to vote in NTI elections. Voters can vote at advance polls on Dec. 1, on election day …

Honour Inuit Day – #inuujunga

At the 2006 ICC General Assembly in Barrow, Alaska, November 7th was proclaimed as Inuit Day to honour the birth date of ICC visionary, Eben Hopson, Sr.
Inuit Day encourages “all Inuit governments, agencies, and communities to annually proclaim this day as Inuit Day, and conduct appropriate ceremonies and celebrations.”
This year, we want to hear from YOU! On November 7th, using the hashtag #inuujunga, we are encouraging you to use …

Nunavut Tunngavik Announces PSA Contest Winners

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced the winners of the NTI Elections 2014 public service announcement contest for Grade 9 Social Studies students. The contest was part of the joint curriculum initiative launched by NTI and the Government of Nunavut this year.
Students were asked to record digital public service announcements encouraging young Inuit to vote in NTI Elections. The Grade 9 class at Inuujaq School in Arctic Bay …

Chief Returning Officer Announces Names of Candidates

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell today announced the names of the official candidates running for vice-president at NTI.
Douglas Aggark (Chesterfield Inlet), James Eetoolook (Taloyoak) and Jesse Mike (Iqaluit) submitted their nomination papers for the election of vice-president. Candidates had until Nov. 3, 2014, at 5 p.m. local time to withdraw their papers.
Voters now have five ways to vote in NTI elections. Voters can vote at advance polls …

NTI Releases Unofficial Vice-Presidential Candidates List

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell announced that NTI’s nomination period for the election of vice-president closed at 5 p.m. local time today.
Douglas Aggark (Chesterfield Inlet), James Eetoolook (Taloyoak) and Jesse Mike (Iqaluit) submitted their nomination papers for the election of vice-president. Candidates have until Nov. 3, 2014, at 5 p.m. local time to withdraw their papers.
Voters now have five ways to vote in NTI elections. …

Naming of KIA Buildings

On October 20, 2014 KIA President Dr. Charlie Evalik was pleased to officially open the new KIA administrative building in Cambridge Bay. Kitikmeot Corporation held a reception during the official opening, which had representatives from KC, KIA, NTI and members of the public from Cambridge Bay and throughout Nunavut.
“I am pleased to inform you all that the name that has been chosen as a result of our building naming contest …

NTI President’s Awards Recipients Named at AGM

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie named the recipients of the NTI President’s Awards at the annual general meeting in Cambridge Bay.
Each year, the awards are bestowed upon three recipients who have made a significant contribution to preserve Inuit culture and lead community initiatives. This year’s recipients are Elijah Erkloo for his contribution to the preservation of Inuktitut, Millie Kuliktana for her contribution to the preservation of Inuinnaqtun as well …

State of Inuit Culture and Society Annual Report Released

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook today released the 2013-14 Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society, entitled Examining the Justice System in Nunavut.
The 2013-14 report offers insight into Nunavut’s criminal justice system within the larger context of social and economic challenges faced by Inuit. It focuses on three areas within this broad topic: community justice initiatives, family violence, and the relationship between mental health and the …

NTI Voters List Deadline Approaches

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell reminded Inuit voters today that the deadline to verify information on the NTI Voters List is this Friday, Oct. 24, 2014.
Inuit who are 16 years or older on Dec. 8, 2014 and enrolled under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement are included on the Voters List, indicating they are eligible to vote in  NTI Elections. If you believe you are eligible to vote, …

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Course

The workshop
ASIST, a two-day course from Living Works Education (www.livingworks.net). The workshop is structured around small group discussions and skills practice based on adult learning principles.  Participants learn to recognize the signs of suicide behavior and the skills to talk to people who are thinking of killing themselves. It empowers participants to feel comfortable intervening and keeping a person safe by making a plan or connecting them with further …

Nomination Period for NTI Election for Vice-President

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell announced today that the nomination period for the election of NTI vice-president runs from Oct. 27-31, 2014.
The election will take place Dec. 8, 2014. Voters can also head to advance polls Dec. 1, 2014 or can vote by proxy or mail-in ballot.
Eligible candidates must be Canadian citizens, at least 16 years of age, and be enrolled under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Nomination …

Agenda

2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference

Applications are now available for the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC) from May 22 to June 5, 2015.
The GGCLC is a two-week conference, focusing on developing leadership in Canada. The conference will focus on the role that leaders play in inspiring and implementing innovation in their organizations and communities. Members begin in St. John’s, Newfoundland and will go on to visit a region of Canada to study the …

Call For Expressions of Interest For the Role of Chair of the National Committee on Inuit Education

Background
The National Strategy on Inuit Education was introduced in 2011 to close gaps in education systems common to all Inuit regions. The National Committee on Inuit Education (NCIE) oversees the implementation of the National Strategy. The NCIE Chair guides the work of the NCIE with support from ITK’s Amaujaq Centre for Inuit Education. For more information on the work of the Amaujaq Centre visit www.amaujaq.ca.
Earlier this year, Mary Simon …

NTI Voters List Campaign Continues

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell said today that efforts were continuing to update NTI’s Voters List prior to the election for vice-president on Dec. 8, 2014. Karetak-Lindell said that community liaison officers were setting up tables in community grocery stores next week, Sept. 15-19, to assist Inuit in verifying the information on the Voters List.
Inuit who are 16 years or older on Dec. 8, 2014 and enrolled …

Nunavut Tunngavik Launches PSA Contest for Grade 9 Students

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today launched the NTI Elections 2014 public service announcement contest for Grade 9 Social Studies students in Nunavut schools. The contest is part of the joint curriculum initiative that NTI and the Government of Nunavut launched last week.
As part of the contest, Grade 9 students are asked to record digital public service announcements aimed at encouraging young Inuit to vote in NTI Elections. NTI …

Agenda

Joint Curriculum Resource Released

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Government of Nunavut today launched a comprehensive jointly developed curriculum resource that supports the delivery of a new Grade 9 social studies teaching unit. The curriculum in the unit is intended to teach students about democracy and the importance of Canada’s electoral process, with a specific in-depth focus on NTI elections.
The resource is a teacher’s guide that includes material on the history and negotiations of …

NTI Announces 2014 Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship Recipients

(August 5, 2013 –Iqaluit, Nunavut)     Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced the recipients of the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship for 2014. Elizabeth Ujarak McClintock of Arviat and Appolina Makkigak of Rankin Inlet will each receive $5,000 toward their studies. Elizabeth is pursuing Elementary Education at McGill University and Appolina is enrolled in the Nunavut Teacher’s Education Program in Rankin Inlet.
Once again, NTI’s jury had …

Are you on the NTI Voters List?

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. today launched an enrolment campaign in order to update the NTI Voters List before the election for vice-president on Dec. 8, 2014. Inuit who are 16 years or older on Dec. 8, 2014 and enrolled under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement are included on the Voters List, indicating they are eligible to vote in NTI Elections. Inuit are asked to visit the NTI website at

Criminal Records Checks for NTI Elections

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak –Lindell today said candidates considering running in the NTI election for vice-president on Dec. 8, 2014 were now able to apply for their criminal records check, as required by the organization’s elections guidelines.
The changes were approved at NTI’s last annual general meeting. Candidates are required to submit an original criminal records check when they submit their nomination papers. To ensure the records …

Traditional Inuit Values Counsellor Will be Missed

Nunavut Tunngavik President Cathy Towtongie today expressed her condolences to the family of well-known traditional counsellor Thomas Ootook of Pond Inlet. Ootook passed away Sunday in Ottawa.
“I was saddened to learn of Thomas’ passing today. The comfort and relief he brought to so many Inuit through his wisdom and counselling will never be forgotten. He was a leader in the field of traditional Inuit counselling and his unique style will …

Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship Deadline Approaches

The deadline for the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship is July 9, 2014. Applicants have just one week left to submit their applications.
Applicants must write a 500-word essay that discusses in detail how they will use their education to promote Inuit rights, identity, language and culture. All essays must be original and must not plagiarize work already published by other writers. It is preferable that applicants be enrolled in education or …

Nunavut Tunngavik Announces Chief Returning Officer

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will host an election for NTI vice-president on Dec. 8, 2014. Nancy Karetak –Lindell, associated with Ayaya Communications Ltd., will serve as chief returning officer. Karetak-Lindell brings significant experience in election administration to the position.
The nomination period for the 2014 vice-president election runs from Oct. 27-31, 2014. The chief returning officer will issue an official notice of election at the conclusion of the nomination period.
NTI’s vice-president serves …

IIBA Delay to be Resolved by Conciliator

Nunavut Tunngavik Acting President James Eetoolook today announced that NTI and the Regional Inuit Associations invoked the Inuit right under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement to bring in a conciliator to resolve a 16-year delay in concluding an Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement for Canadian Heritage Rivers in Nunavut. In accordance with Article 9 of the NLCA, the Government of Canada is obligated to negotiate an IIBA for Heritage Rivers …

Government of Nunavut Does Not Support Inuit Wildlife Rights

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook today reacted to the Government of Nunavut’s position on establishing a basic needs level on caribou in the Southampton Island population. NTI and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board have asked the GN to clarify their position on the basic needs level of that population for the last five years. The GN submitted their position to the NWMB last month. The GN’s proposal is contrary …

Food Security Strategy and Action Plan Released

The Nunavut Food Security Coalition today released the Nunavut Food Security Strategy and Action Plan on the first day of the national Hunger Awareness Week. The aim is to provide all Nunavummiut with an adequate supply of safe, culturally preferable, affordable, nutritious food, and incorporate a food system that promotes Inuit Societal Values, more self-reliance and environmental sustainability.
Six themes have been identified that structures the strategy and action plan: …

Nunavut Food Security Strategy and Action Plan and Community Feast

Start Date: May 2, 2014
End Date: May 5, 2014
Iqaluit, NU
The Nunavut Food Security Coalition is celebrating the release of the Nunavut Food Security Strategy and Action Plan at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit on Monday, May 5, at 5:30 p.m. The release happens at the same time as Hunger Awareness Week, to increase awareness about food security.
A community feast will follow at 6 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend.
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Media …

Nunavut Court of Appeal Affirms that the Government of Canada Breached the Nunavut (Land Claims) Agreement

The Nunavut Court of Appeal has affirmed, in a decision issued on April 23, 2014, that the Government of Canada breached Section 12.7.6 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) by failing to properly implement the Nunavut General Monitoring Plan, and that the Inuit of Nunavut are entitled to substantial damages.  The Court of Appeal, however, has ruled that the precise amount of the damages should be determined after the …

NTI and Agnico Eagle Mines Complete Agreements

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced that NTI and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited recently concluded a series of agreements regarding exploration and mining on Inuit Owned Lands.
There are now 15 mineral exploration agreements between NTI and Agnico Eagle allowing for the exploration of 110,241 hectares of Inuit Owned Lands in the Kivalliq region. NTI and Agnico Eagle also signed a mineral production lease for 114 hectares in the …

Nunavut Tunngavik Supports Sealfie Movement

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook expressed support for the sealfie movement that continues to gain momentum in Nunavut, and on the national and international stages.
A sealfie is when people post pictures of themselves wearing sealskin on social media. It is part of a social media movement intended to support and promote awareness about Nunavut’s sustainable and humane seal harvest. The sealfie movement began after Ellen DeGeneres posted a selfie …

Nunavut Harvesters Support Program under Review

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook today announced the Nunavut Harvesters Support Program will not be offered in 2014 in order to provide time to review the future of the program.
The decision is in keeping with direction from the Nunavut Hunters Income Support Trustees, who recommended there be no distribution and program delivery in 2014. The recommendation also requires NTI and RIA staff to complete a five-year plan and …

Benefits Programs Turned Over to RIAs

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. announced that the bereavement and compassionate travel programs formerly administered by NTI are now the responsibility of the Regional Inuit Associations, effective today. The change is a result of the Closer to Inuit initiative launched in Sept., 2009, to make Nunavut’s Inuit organizations more efficient.
The RIAs will now offer the bereavement and compassionate travel programs to Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in their respective …

Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship Application Period to Open

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. today opened the application period for the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship.
Applicants must write a 500-word essay that discusses in detail how they will use their education to promote Inuit rights, identity, language and culture. All essays must be original and must not plagiarize work already published by other writers. It is preferable that applicants be enrolled in education or Inuit language studies, although exceptions can be made …

Vice-President James Eetoolook to Receive Indspire Award

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook today will receive a 2014 Indspire Award for Lifetime Achievement. Eetoolook was one of 14 Indigenous Canadians to receive an Indspire Award this year. Eetoolook and other NTI Board members are in Winnipeg today to attend the awards ceremony.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award today. I have worked my entire life serving Inuit, and while I never expected any recognition for my …

ITK: Inuit Leaders United in Opposition to EU Seal Ban as WTO Appeal Hearing Begins in Geneva

Ottawa, Ontario – Terry Audla, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), and Duane Smith, President of Inuit Circumpolar Council – Canada (ICC Canada) jointly reaffirmed their opposition to the European Union’s 2009 import ban on seal products today as the World Trade Organization (WTO) begins hearing an appeal by Canada and Norway to a WTO decision to uphold the ban.
The WTO dispute settlement panel acknowledged in November 2013 that the …

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Nunavut Sivuniksavut Pro-Seal Demonstration in Ottawa

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Nunavut Sivuniksavut invite you to …

Support Inuit culture
Support Inuit livelihoods
Support the sustainable harvesting of seals by Inuit

Attend a peaceful demonstration and sealskin fashion show in Ottawa coinciding with a hearing of the Government of Canada’s appeal of a decision by the World Trade Organization to uphold a European Union ban on seal and seal products
WHEN: Noon on Tuesday, March 18th
WHERE: At the Flame on Parliament Hill

Media …

NTI President Clarifies Policies

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie stated today that NTI Members and Board of Directors have in place a Code of Conduct Policy for Board of Directors and a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy for Members to govern the conduct of its Members and Directors.
The policies state that NTI Members and Directors are to:
promote the rights and opportunities of the Inuit of Nunavut as a whole, and …

Interim Narwhal Tags Policy Approved

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook announced that the Regional Wildlife Organizations in Kitikmeot, Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk approved an interim narwhal carry-over policy for tags not used by hunters in 2013.
The interim carry-over policy will allow the RWOs to reallocate, the tags that were not used in 2013 to hunters in 2014 within the same summering stock. RWO approval of the interim policy means the new system will now go …

Nunavut Wildlife Representatives Heading to Nunavik

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook and other Nunavut wildlife representatives will travel to Inukjuak in Nunavik next week, Feb. 12-14, to attend the Nunavik Marine Regional Wildlife Board’s public hearing that will consider establishing a total allowable take of polar bears for the south Hudson Bay sub-population within the Nunavik Offshore Area.
Nunavut has had a polar bear management system and quotas in place for 40 years, while Nunavik is …