(May 5, 2017 –Iqaluit, Nunavut)            Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Acting President James Eetoolook today welcomed this week’s report prepared by Mary Simon, Indigenous and Northern Affairs’ (INAC) Ministerial Special Representative on Arctic issues. Entitled A New Shared Arctic Leadership Model, the report contains observations and recommendations based on Simon’s extensive meetings with Arctic governments, representative organizations, communities, and individuals.

“NTI appreciates Mary Simon’s hard work, and commends INAC Minister Carolyn Bennett’s foresight in appointing her to this task. The report suggests key areas that require bold political and policy leadership, including the role of Inuit rights in shaping Arctic governance and program and service delivery, as well as guiding responsible resource development, confronting the unacceptable gaps that separate Inuit from other Canadians in all socio-economic indicators, and the need for the federal government to invest immediately in all areas of Nunavut’s infrastructure,” said Eetoolook.

Eetoolook noted that NTI would use Simon’s report to lobby and negotiate with the federal government, including the Inuit-Crown Partnership process now underway, and in other relevant discussions.