(May 22, 2012 –Rankin Inlet, Nunavut)  Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today said that she is pleased that the Hon John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, announced on Friday the appointment of Dale Drown as Chief Federal Negotiator for devolution.

“NTI has wanted a federal negotiator to be appointed since we signed the Devolution Protocol agreement in 2008,” Towtongie said.  “I am very pleased that Minister Duncan has taken this first step. It is vital to the future of Nunavut.”

President Towtongie also applauded the appointment of Mr. David Akeeagok as the Nunavut Government’s lead devolution negotiator, announced today by the Premier of Nunavut, Eva Aariak.

“David is very capable, and I am confident that he will make sure that Nunavut’s interests are protected in this process. We look forward to working with him.” President Towtongie said.

“NTI is a full party to the devolution process and looks forward to the negotiation of an agreement that will be in Nunavut’s constitutional and economic interest, and consistent with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement” , she added.