NR 07-08 COW ENG Community Outreach Workers.doc

(June 27, 2007 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak announced today that community outreach workers finished their visits to all Nunavut communities to ensure Inuit fully understand the Government of Canada’s Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

The agreement is now in the 150-day Opt Out Period. During this period, former students and their families must decide whether to stay in the settlement or remove themselves (opt out). This decision must be made by Aug. 20, 2007.

NTI’s community outreach program was a success. The outreach workers were able to reach all communities to hold information sessions, deliver presentations, and explain the details and benefits of the settlement agreement, and the rights of former students and their families, said Kaludjak. We will continue to be on hand to answer questions, and to provide advice and support to our Beneficiaries who were sent to residential schools.

When the Opt Out period ends, application forms for the Common Experience Payment will be available. Other parts of the settlement will then begin, including the Independent Assessment Process, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and Healing and Commemoration.

It is estimated that there may be as many as 3,000 Nunavut Inuit who may be included under the settlement agreement.

For further information:

Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4914 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006