Media Centre

2019 News Archive

NTI President Congratulates Kivalliq Inuit Association elect Kono Tattuinee

(December 17, 2019 Iqaluit) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today congratulated Kono Tattuinee on being elected as president of Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA). Tattuinee was elected on December 12, 2019, in an election delayed for two days due to inclement weather.
Stanley Adjuk, David Ningeongan and Kono Tattuinee were the three candidates for the KIA Presidential elections.
“Congratulations to the newly elected Kivalliq Inuit Association President. I look forward …

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Inuit are maintaining Inuktut despite Mulroney Cabinet secret instructions to block its use

(December 5, 2019) NTI today released a damning 1990 Government of Canada cabinet document (secret for 20 years; obtained under Access to Information Act) which shows Prime Minister Mulroney and his cabinet knowingly and deliberately blocked use of Inuktitut in government services in the territory–singling out education and courts as two services for which government explicitly decided shall not have any Inuktut language guarantees or protections.
Statscan reports Inuktut use among …

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NTI Statement Regarding NIRB Adjournment

(December 4, 2019 Iqaluit) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s (NTI) mandate is to protect Inuit rights under the Nunavut Agreement. Inuit have very specific rights to be informed when it comes to resource development in Nunavut. In fact, this is the reason why the Nunavut Agreement was created.
It was a difficult decision, on November 6, 2019, for NTI to introduce the motion to adjourn the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) hearing on …

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Aluki Kotierk, President, NTI Opening Remarks to the Standing Committee on Legislation Bill 25 – proposed Education Act amendments

Aluki Kotierk, President, NTI
Opening Remarks to the Standing Committee on Legislation
Bill 25 – proposed Education Act amendments
Monday, November 25, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Introductory Remarks
Thank you, chairperson and members, for the opportunity to present before the Standing Committee today in regards to Bill 25.
My name is Aluki Kotierk. I am the President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
My presentation is a joint response from NTI, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the Kivalliq Inuit Association …

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President Kotierk Congratulates the Government of Canada’s New and Returning Cabinet Ministers

For Immediate Release
President Kotierk Congratulates the Government of Canada’s New and Returning Cabinet Ministers
(November 21, 2019- Cambridge Bay) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk congratulates the Government of Canada’s new and returning Cabinet ministers who were sworn in yesterday in Ottawa.
NTI is committed to working in partnership with the new Cabinet to ensure the rights and title of Nunavut Inuit are respected. The full and fair implementation …

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Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation reopens application period for students

For Immediate Release
Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation reopens application period for students
(November 4, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk is pleased to announce that Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation (NTF) scholarship applications will be accepted until November 30, 2019.
“I am encouraged to know that there are many Inuit students pursuing Post-Secondary education and that we can support them through the Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation”, said President Kotierk. …

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2019 NTI President’s Award

2019 NTI President’s Award
For immediate release:
(October 23, 2019 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk presented three Nunavut Inuit with the NTI President’s Award at the community feast in Rankin Inlet where NTI is hosting their Annual General Meeting (AGM) this week.
The NTI President’s Award is intended to recognize and celebrate Nunavut Inuit who have made significant contributions in promoting the economic, social and cultural well-being …

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Recovery Centre Coming to Nunavut

August 19, 2019 — Iqaluit, Qikiqtaaluk Region NU — Government of Nunavut,  Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Indigenous Services Canada
Improving mental wellness for Inuit in Nunavut means providing better access to care that is culturally appropriate, closer to home, effective, and sustainable.
The Partnership Table on Health, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Government of Canada’s came together to sign a joint declaration of intent for the construction and operations of …

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NTI President Signs Devolution Agreement in Principle

For Immediate Release
NTI President Signs Devolution Agreement in Principle
(August 15, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Aluki Kotierk, the President of NTI today signed a Nunavut Devolution Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) with Minister Carolyn Bennett and Premier Joe Savikataaq.
NTI has long supported the transfer of Crown lands and resources from the federal government to the Government of Nunavut. A similar transfer has already taken place in Yukon and Northwest Territories, and Nunavut is …

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Inuit Pleased at Co-Developed Federal Government Directive Aimed at Implementing the Government Contracting Promises (Article 24) of the Nunavut Agreement

Inuit Pleased at Co-Developed Federal Government Directive Aimed at Implementing the Government Contracting Promises (Article 24) of the Nunavut Agreement
(Iqaluit, August 15, 2019) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) is pleased at the release of the new co-developed federal government procurement Directive relating to contracting activity in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
“The implementation of a Nunavut-specific federal procurement policy is required to meet the federal government’s contracting obligations under Article 24 of the …

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Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Notes Historic Day and Pride in the work QIA has accomplished

For Immediate Release
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Notes Historic Day and Pride in the work QIA has accomplished
(August 1, 2019 – Iqaluit, NU) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated notes the historic day and pride in the work of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) for their accomplishment in negotiating and signing the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA) for Tallurutiup Imanga and the interim protection for Tuvaijiuttuq.
“This is a demonstration of government and Inuit working together …

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Tunngavik Foundation Scholarship Program

Tunngavik Foundation Scholarship Program
 (July 26, 2019) The Tunngavik Foundation’s Scholarship Program is now open for applications.  Nunavut Inuit are encouraged to apply for the $2500.00 Post-Secondary Scholarship or the $1000.00 Skills and Employment Advancement Scholarship by August 31, 2019.
“We are pleased to support Nunavut Inuit in their pursuit of furthering their education.  Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation (NTF) aims to support Nunavut Inuit students in both post-secondary and skills and employment advancement,” …

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Government of Canada passes symbolic Indigenous Languages Act

The Act falls short of addressing governments’ historic efforts to eradicate Inuktut and other Indigenous languages
The Federal Indigenous Languages Act, Bill C-91, has received Royal Assent.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk says this symbolic gesture falls short of what Inuit have a right to expect from their federal government, and does not include the legal measures required to produce the intended outcomes.
“Nunavut Inuit, in close collaboration with others across …

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Climate Leadership by and for Nunavut Inuit

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) Vice-President, James Eetoolook from Taloyoak, Nunavut spoke about Inuit knowledge in climate policy and decision making at the release of the National Inuit Climate Change Strategy in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada.
“In Nunavut, like our Inuit Nunangat neighbours, we feel the impact of climate change on personal level. Melting permafrost is washing away roads, destabilizing homes and increasing risk in harvesting and economic activities.” Eetoolook said.
“Hundreds of …

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Bill 25 Education Act Amendments Disappoint Again

(June 5, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated regrets to announce that Bill 25 – An Act to Amend the Education Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act, which received first reading on June 4, is not a significant improvement over the failed Bill 37 in 2017.
Although Article 32 of the Nunavut Agreement requires that NTI be a full participant in the design of Nunavut’s education program, NTI saw …

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The Independent Assessment Process (IAP) is accepting applications from Kivalliq Hall claimants

The Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat (IRSAS) has begun accepting applications to the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) for abuse claims at Kivalliq Hall in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
The IAP was established in 2007 under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) to resolve claims of serious physical, sexual or emotional abuse suffered at Indian Residential Schools. The application deadline for Kivalliq Hall claims is January 25, 2020.
Kivalliq …

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McLean Class Action for Federal Day Schools Objection Period Deadline is May 3

The Mclean Class Action for Federal Day Schools will offer some former day school students compensation as part of a proposed settlement agreement. The Mclean Class Action for Federal Day Schools excludes many schools and limits eligible years. Former students can object to the proposed settlement if they are not in agreement with any or all of the terms. Former students must object by May 3, 2019.
To object, you must …

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Cultural and Healing Program Launch

For Immediate Release
(Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of the Cultural and Healing Program, in which Inuit can apply for funding for projects that address the harms and intergenerational effects of residential schools or for On-the-Land Programs or the teaching of Inuit history, culture, languages and traditions.
Individual Inuit or a group of Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, urban or friendship …

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PSA: Kivalliq Hall Common Experience Payment

Former students who attended Kivalliq Hall from the period of June 12, 1985 to December 3I, 1997, who meet the criteria under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (“IRSSA”), are eligible to apply for compensation in the form of a Common Experience Payment (“CEP”). Canada will start accepting application on May 1st 2019. Eligible former students who meet the following criteria may be eligible for the CEP:
a. resided at Kivalliq …

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Is Nunavut education criminally inadequate?

(New York, New York) 2019 is the International Year of Indigenous Languages. It also marks 20 years since the establishment of the Nunavut territorial public government.Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk reflects back on what benchmarks shape the reality of Inuktut today, “Language was a motivating factor for Inuit to work towards achieving a land claim agreement. Inuit envisioned better services and programs, in our language and reflecting Inuit …

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Creating Employment Opportunities for Inuit Through Inuktut Skills

Iqaluit, Nunavut –  On the eve of the 20th anniversary of Nunavut’s creation, Inuit are investing more than $5.4 million over three years in accredited Inuktut language training through the Pirurvik Centre.
“Inuit are proud to invest in the Pirurvik Centre to meet the tremendous need among Nunavut’s employers for employees with strong Inuktut skills, to increase the pool of certified Inuktut language instructors and for the delivery of programs to …

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Apology A Step To Continued Reconciliation In Nunavut

(March 8, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Inuit leaders accept Canada’s apology for its role in the forced treatment of Nunavut Inuit during the tuberculosis epidemic from the 1940s to the 1960s. The apology was attended by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Aluki Kotierk, Qikiqtani Inuit Association President PJ Akeeagok, Kivalliq Inuit Association President David Ningeongan and Kitikmeot Inuit Association Vice-President Charlie Lyall.
Thousands of Inuit were forcibly taken from their families …

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Makigiaqta Now Accepting Applications From Nunavut Employers

(February 22, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) The Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation announces a new contribution program that will expedite review of applications for small and medium sized Inuit training initiatives. Organizations are encouraged to submit applications for funding that are in line with Makigiaqta’s mandate to ‘enhance the preparedness of Nunavut Inuit for employment.’
Makigiaqta will invest in services, capability and research, in line with the strategic priority areas of early …

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Leadership and Partnership Required for Inuktut Education

(February 21, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) On International Mother Language Day, Aluki Kotierk, the President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), calls upon the Government of Nunavut to demonstrate leadership and a commitment to true partnership for Inuktut education as the Minister of Education proposes to postpone Inuktut Language of Instruction timelines with Bill 20, the Interim Language of Instruction Act.
“The government has an obligation to consult with Inuit on social …

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Nunavut Economy Forecasts Continued Growth, While Health of Nunavut Inuit Decline

(Feb 20, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) The Nunavut Finance Minister has presented a budget that is virtually the same as previous years, an indication that the Government of Canada is continuing to underinvest in the Territory.
George Hickes reported the Territory’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown approximately by five percent annually since 1999 and growth in the economy is expected to remain growing by that margin into 2026.
During the Territory’s …

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NTI Board Unanimously Support Three Pillars in Addictions and Trauma Treatment System for Nunavut

(February 14, 2019 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) The Nunavut Tunngavik Board of Directors supports the three pillar approach to Addictions and Trauma Treatment system in Nunavut and calls on government to fund the system on an urgent basis.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) has been an active partner of the multi-party feasibility process in 2017 and 2018 for a new addiction and trauma treatment system in Nunavut. The study identifies three pillars for …

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Nunavut Inuit say federal indigenous languages bill needs significant changes in order to meet Inuit needs and reflect Inuit realities

(Iqaluit, February 5, 2019) — Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), the organization representing Inuit in Nunavut, has expressed great disappointment at both the contents of the indigenous languages bill tabled by the federal government in the House of Commons today, and the process involving its development.
Inuktut has official status at the territorial level in Nunavut. Nunavut forms part of Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland in Canada. Inuit Nunangat …

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Inuit Leaders push for strong measures that support the revitalization, maintenance and protection of Inuktut as part of the International Year of Indigenous Languages launched at the United Nations General Assembly

February 1, 2019, Ottawa, ON and New York, NY– Inuit leadership from the four Inuit regions in Canada: Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President, Aluki Kotierk of Nunavut, Makivik Corporation President Charlie Watt of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut Government President Johannes Lampe of Nunatsiavut, and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair and CEO, Duane Smith of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, along with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada President Monica …

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