(November 10, 2015 — Iqaluit, Nunavut)    NTI today mourned the deaths this weekend of two individuals ─ Meeka Kilabuk of Pangnirtung and Iqaluit, and Terry Fenge of Ottawa ─ who played important parts in the successful negotiation of the 1993 Nunavut Agreement, the largest modern treaty in Canadian history.  Both served as main table negotiators over many years, and were equally active in all the research, policy debates, community consultations, and ratification work that accompanied those negotiations.

In addition to her valuable and sustained participation in Nunavut Agreement negotiations and preparations,  Meeka was very much involved in the early life of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and, later on, in the political life of the Qikiqtani region, and provided crucial leadership during the formative years of ITK and other Inuit organizations.

In addition to his work in the Nunavut Agreement negotiations, Terry worked for Inuit on a variety of circumpolar matters, particularly those relating to the Arctic Council, and, in more recent years, on Nunavut Agreement implementation and Manitoba Dene overlap negotiations.

“Nunavut Inuit will remember, with respect and gratitude, the remarkable and creative contributions of both Meeka and Terry to the conclusion of the Nunavut Agreement, which defined core Inuit rights in relation to the ownership and management of lands and resources in Nunavut, including wildlife, and paved the way for the establishment of the Nunavut territory and government in 1999”, said NTI President Cathy Towtongie.  “We also know that their work-day contributions to the life of Nunavut was only a part of what Meeka and Terry offered.  They each gave freely of their time, and their support, and their enthusiasm whenever and however asked, both being particularly committed to encouraging and supporting young people.”

James Eetoolook, Vice President of NTI, noted that he had known and worked with both Meeka and Terry at various times and in various capacities over several decades:  “In addition to their skills and talents, Meeka and Terry both brought cheerfulness and optimism to all their efforts, something that was particularly appreciated during difficult and stressful times.  We will miss them dearly.  Our sympathies and best wishes are with their families at this very difficult time.”