Media Centre

2016 News Archive

NTI Commemorates 30th Anniversary of Tabling of Inuit Education and Language Rights

(December 14, 2016) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Vice-President James Eetoolook today released the Education and Language Social Rights Provisions that were originally tabled by the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut (TFN) during the negotiations with the Government of Canada for the Nunavut Agreement. This week marks the 30th anniversary of the Inuit declaration of education and language rights made by TFN during the negotiations. When the agreement was ratified in 1993, …

Voting Day for NTI Election for President

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Chief Returning Officer Mary Wilman announced today polls will open on voting day for the NTI Election for President on Dec. 12, 2016, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. local time.
The official candidates are: Levinia Brown, Aluki Kotierk, Joe Adla Kunuk and Cathy Towtongie.
Voters must be Canadian citizens, at least 16 years of age as of December 12, 2016, and enrolled or eligible to enroll under the …

Important Nutrition North Canada Presentation

Dr. Tracey Galloway of the University of Toronto will deliver a presentation on the Nutrition North Canada program on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Parish Hall. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. All members of the public are invited to attend this very important presentation. Interpretation and refreshments will be available.

Terminology Change to Use of Terms Nunavut Agreement and Inuit

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Acting President James Eetoolook today announced NTI would use the term Nunavut Agreement when referring to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in all future communications. The changes were agreed upon by NTI’s Board of Directors, as well as the members of the annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet last month.
The full title of the 1993 agreement is Agreement Between the Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement …

Job Opening with Statistics Canada

Do you like to engage community members and ask questions?
Are you a good listener?
Are you fluent in lnuktitut or lnuinnaqtun?
If so, this opportunity is for you!
Building sustainable futures
Positions Available: Location:
Hourly rate: Tenure:
Various (Interviewers, Guides, Interpreters) Nunavut, Canada
$19.92 per hour (plus applicable allowances)
Part-time contract work between January 3, 2017 and June 30, 2017.
Minimum quali fications:

Must be 18 years of age or older and eligible to work in Canada
Basic computer skills and …

Chief Returning Officer Announces Official List of Candidates

Chief Returning Officer Announces Official List of Candidates
 (November 7, 2016 — Iqaluit, Nunavut)    Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Mary Wilman announced today the official list of candidates for the NTI Election for President to be held December 12, 2016.
The official candidates are: Levinia Brown, Aluki Kotierk, Joe Adla Kunuk and Cathy Towtongie. Candidates had until 5 pm today to withdraw their papers.
Voters must be Canadian citizens, at least …

NTI Releases Unofficial Presidential Candidates List

(November 4, 2016 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Chief Returning Officer Mary Wilman announced that the nomination period for the NTI Election for President closed at 5 p.m. local time today.
Levinia Brown, Aluki Kotierk, Joe Adla Kunuk and Cathy Towtongie submitted their nomination papers for the NTI Election for President. Candidates have until Nov. 7, 2016, at 5 p.m. local time to withdraw their papers.
Eligible candidates and voters must …

NTI Speaks Up for Use of Inuktut in Cape Dorset and across Nunavut Schools

(October 27, 2016 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) “The incident in Cape Dorset invoked emotions on a very sensitive issue that we thought we would never live through again,” says the Vice President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., James Eetoolook.
“Reports of an eighth grade student being threatened with punishment for speaking Inuktut are very disturbing,” said Eetoolook. “As Minister Quassa has properly noted, it brings back painful memories of the past for …

NTI Voters List Deadline Approaches

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Chief Returning Officer Mary Wilman reminded Inuit voters today that the deadline to verify information on the NTI Voters List is Friday, Oct. 28, 2016.
Inuit who are Canadian citizens, 16 years of age by Dec. 12, 2016 and enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement are included on the Voters List. If you believe you are eligible to vote, but are not on the list please contact the …

NTI: Hiring of Inuktut-Speaking Teachers Key to Education

(October 20, 2016 –Rankin Inlet, Nunavut)     Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Vice-President James Eetoolook today told members gathered for NTI’s annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet that the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) proposed amendments to the Education Act undermine Inuit rights contained in constitutionally protected legislation and policy, including the Nunavut Agreement, Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and the recommendations …

NTI Names Recipients of 2016 President’s Awards

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Cathy Towtongie announced the recipients of the 2016 President’s Awards during last night’s feast held as part of the annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet.
Chris Cousins of Ottawa was recognized for his hard work in pushing the Qulliq Energy Corporation to recognize its obligation to implement Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement. Louie Kamookak of Gjoa Haven was recognized for his role in collecting the …

Nomination Period for NTI Elections for President

 Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Chief Returning Officer Mary Wilman announced today that the nomination period for the NTI Election for President runs from Oct. 31 – Nov. 4, 2016.  Nomination forms can be obtained from the chief returning officer, community liaison officers, or from NTI’s website once the nomination period opens.
Eligible candidates must file their nomination papers with the chief returning officer no later than 5 p.m. local time, Nov. …

NTI Voters List Campaign Continues

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Chief Returning Officer Mary Wilman said today that efforts were continuing to update NTI’s Voters List prior to the NTI Election for President on Dec. 12, 2016. Wilman said that community liaison officers were setting up tables in community grocery stores during the month of September to assist Inuit in verifying the information on the Voters List.
Inuit who are Canadian citizens, 16 years by Dec. …

State of Inuit Culture and Society Annual Report Released

(September 8, 2016 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook today released the 2014/15 Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society, entitled Inuit Social and Cultural Self-determination.
The 2014/15 report offers insight into the social and historical context of Article 32 and describes why it was created during the negotiations of the Nunavut Agreement. The report recommends establishing a system to promote better understanding of the …

Are You on the NTI Voters List?

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) today launched an enrolment campaign in order to update the NTI Voters List before the NTI Election for President on Dec. 12, 2016. Inuit who are 16 years by Dec. 12, 2016 and enrolled under the Nunavut 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 www.tunngavik.com to check if …

Criminal Records Checks for NTI Elections

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Chief Returning Officer Mary Wilman today said candidates considering running in the NTI Election for President on Dec. 12, 2016 should apply for their criminal records check, as required by the organization’s elections guidelines.
Candidates are required to submit an original criminal records check when they submit their nomination papers. To ensure the records check is recent, candidates must apply for it 90-days prior to the election …

NTI Announces 2016 Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship Recipients

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced the recipients of the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak (JAK) Scholarship for 2016.  April Ollie of Arviat and Rosemary Akulujuk of Pangnirtung will each receive $5, 000 towards their studies.  Ollie is in her 4th year pursuing her degree in the Nunavut Teachers Education Program (NTEP) and Akulujuk is in her 2nd year pursuing her degree in the NTEP.  Both submitted essays in Inuktitut.
“Congratulations …

Election Commissioner (Standing Offer Agreement)

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) is seeking a qualified individual to serve as Election Commissioner for the upcoming election on December 12, 2016.
The function of the Election Commissioner is to review and investigate any complaint of violation of the election policies, and make recommendations to NTI Board of Directors as to the appropriate remedy or penalty. The Election Commissioner will work closely with the Chief Returning Officer.
In the event a complaint …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Welcomes New Nunavut Devolution Negotiations

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Cathy Towtongie today welcomed the announcement that new tripartite negotiations were beginning in order to bring about the transfer of Crown lands and resources from the federal government to Nunavut.
Towtongie’s comments followed Saturday’s announcement by Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett that Fred Caron would serve as the Government of Canada’s negotiator for Nunavut devolution.
NTI worked with the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut …

NTI Nunavut Day Photo Contest

Nunavut Day Photo Contest
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will conduct a photo contest for Inuit enrolled in the Nunavut Agreement on Nunavut Day, July 9. Inuit are asked to take pictures to show how they are celebrating Nunavut Day in their communities.
Entries will be accepted until midnight local time on July 9. A jury of NTI staff will pic the winning photo. The winner will win one return ticket anywhere …

Education Reforms Must Strengthen Inuit Rights

(June 28th, 2016) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Vice-President James Eetoolook today reminded the Government of Nunavut (GN) that proposed changes to Nunavut’s education system must give Inuit the opportunity to participate in the design and delivery of schooling, as required by Article 32 of the Nunavut Agreement.
The GN is conducting a short period of consultations with district education authorities (DEAs) and other parties over the summer on the changes …

Chief Returning Officer Announced for NTI Election for President

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Vice-President James Eetoolook today announced that Mary Wilman of Ayaya Communications Ltd. would serve as the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) for the NTI Election for President, Dec. 12, 2016.
The nomination period for the election runs from Oct. 31 – Nov. 4, 2016. Eligible candidates and voters must be Canadian citizens, at least 16 years of age, and enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement. Nomination forms can be …

The Canadian Encyclopedia

The Canadian Encyclopedia is looking for a writer to expand and update their article about Nunavut. The Encyclopedia is a free, online resource of over 19,000 bilingual articles and is geared toward a general audience, and are used primarily by elementary and high school aged students. They will pay a rate of 25 cents/word, and are relatively flexible in terms of deadlines. For questions or details, please contact:
Erin James-Abra
Subject …

NTI Welcomes Roll-Out of Nunavut Government Employees Survey

 Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Cathy Towtongie today said NTI welcomed the roll-out of the Nunavut Government Employees Survey to all Government of Nunavut (GN) and Government of Canada employees in Nunavut.
The commitment to conduct the survey was made in the Settlement Agreement that NTI signed with the GN and the federal government last year to conclude NTI’s lawsuit against the federal government for its failure to live up to …

NTI Launches Interpreter Translator Student Award

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Cathy Towtongie today launched the Interpreter Translator Student Award for first and second year students enrolled in Nunavut Arctic College’s Interpreter Translator Diploma Program.
The new award is based on academic merit and provides one first year student and one second year student each with $1,000. The successful recipients are chosen by program instructors.
This year’s recipients are Andrea Duffy (first year), who is participating in the …

NTI Offers Condolences to the Family of James Arvaluk

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Acting President James Eetoolook today offered condolences to the family and friends of James Arvaluk, a former member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, and a past president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).
“I knew James Arvaluk for many years. I deeply respected his dedication to Inuit and his valuable contribution to the creation of Nunavut. In his role as ITK …

NTI Opposes Referendum Vote in May

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Cathy Towtongie today said that after careful consideration by the NTI Executive Committee, NTI does not support the sale of municipal lands at this time. The potential sale of municipal lands will be voted upon in a Government of Nunavut (GN) territory-wide referendum on May 9, 2016.
In accordance with the Nunavut Agreement, the referendum will ask voters whether they want the municipal council presiding over …

NTI Welcomes Roll-Out of Nunavut Government Employees Survey

. (NTI) President Cathy Towtongie today said NTI welcomed the roll-out of the Nunavut Government Employees Survey to all Government of Nunavut (GN) and Government of Canada employees in Nunavut.
The commitment to conduct the survey was made in the Settlement Agreement that NTI signed with the GN and the federal government last year to conclude NTI’s lawsuit against the federal government for its failure to live up to its obligations …

Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship Application Period Opens

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie announced that the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship application period is now open. NTI will award two Inuit students each with a $5,000 scholarship to pursue studies at accredited post-secondary institutions in the areas of education and Inuit language, or in other areas if winning applicants show that there is a link between their studies and the promotion of Inuit rights.
Eligible post-secondary institutions include Nunavut …

NTI Welcomes US-Canada Joint Statement on Climate, Energy, and Arctic Leadership

(March 11, 2016 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)               Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Cathy Towtongie welcomed the US-Canada Joint Statement on Climate, Energy, and Arctic Leadership, released by US President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau yesterday.
“It is heartening to see President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau commit themselves to an active and energetic agenda addressing climate change and other pressing environmental issues” said Towtongie.  “We recognize many of the agenda items are …

NTI and Nattivak HTO Assert Inuit Fishing Rights

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Vice-President James Eetoolook today announced that NTI has agreed to purchase 1,000 kgs of Arctic char from the Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) in Qikiqtarjuaq. The fish is being harvested from Qammartalik Cove, where there is no total allowable harvest or conservation concerns. NTI will give some of the fish away to assist with food security and will sell some of the fish to a …

NTI Launches Board of Directors Audiocast Meetings

( Iqaluit, Nunavut)  Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced that live proceedings of NTI Board of Directors meetings will now be aired via live audiocast from NTI’s website.
The new service is in a public test phase this year. It begins next week for interested listeners who are unable to attend the NTI Board meeting in person in Gjoa Haven, Mar. 15-17, 2016.
When the meeting begins, the live audiocast …

MHCC: Share Your Mental Wellness Story

We’re looking for Inuit stories to inspire hope on the journey to mental wellness.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), in partnership with Inuit Tapirit Kanatami, is looking for a short video submission on your journey. Videos will be selected for use in the MentalHealth First Aid-Inuit training and other mental wellness initiatives.
Atii, we want to know how you maintain your mental wellness.
If you are interested in submitting, please contact …

NS launches fundraising drive for student residence

Ottawa, January 25, 2016 –  The Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) college program in Ottawa is embarking on another big step in its ongoing development. This time the goal is to raise $2 Million to develop a residence for students who attend the program.
For 31 years, NS has rented and furnished private apartments throughout Ottawa for its 1st Year students. Thanks to the generous support of NTI, regional Inuit associations and the …

Nunavut Inuit Training Corporation Now Operational

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and the Government of Nunavut (GN) today announced that the new training corporation conducted its inaugural meetings in Iqaluit this week.
To operate under the name Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation (legal registration pending), the training corporation was established by NTI based on the Settlement Agreement that NTI, the Government of Canada and the GN signed on May 4, 2015 to settle the 2006 implementation lawsuit. The purpose …

NTI Announces 2015 Photo of the Year Contest Winners

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today offered congratulations to the winner of the 2015 Photo of the Year Contest. Esau Tatatoapik of Arctic Bay took first place for his photograph of Arctic Bay at night. Aimo Paniloo of Clyde River placed second with his photograph of northern lights at low tide, and Kimmirut resident Pudloo Pitsiulak placed third with his photograph of hunters cutting up a seal in the …