NR 02-16 ASS ENG Assignment of Rights.doc

(October 31, 2002 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated plans to meet with the parties concerned about the “Assignment of Harvesting Rights’ issue to identify their concerns and explore options for resolving the dispute.

The Executive of NTI wants to find a solution that works for everyone, said NTI 2nd Vice President Raymond Ningeocheak. We recognize the rights of Hunters & Trapper’s Organizations to regulate harvesting — but we also acknowledge the concern voiced by some Beneficiaries about the effect these regulations may have on their right to assign their hunting rights.

The meetings will be held in Iqaluit, with a time and location to be finalized shortly.

Section 5.7.34 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement creates an Inuit right to assign harvesting rights. The assignment right is subject to the powers and functions of HTOs to regulate harvesting practices and techniques among members, and generally to manage harvesting among members (section 5.7.3). Also relevant is section 5.7.11, which prohibits HTO by-laws and decisions from unreasonably preventing an Inuk from harvesting for consumptive purposes.

For further information:

Raymond Ningeocheak
2nd Vice President
Tel: (867) 645-5400
Fax: (867) 645-2609 Gabriel Nirlungayuq
Asst. Director of Wildlife