NR 03-02 MEE ENG Meeting Overview.doc

(FEBRUARY 27, 2003 – Kinngait/Cape Dorset, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Inuit land claims organization, will provide a new service for beneficiaries who wish to visit long-lost relatives or connect again with Nunavut.

At its meeting in Cape Dorset, the Board of Directors approved the policy needed to bring the new Nunatuqaminut (Traditional Lands) Travel Program into effect on April 1, 2003. The $100,000 program will provide assistance to eligible beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement of up to $500 per individual or $5,000 per group.

The new program will allow beneficiaries who now live outside of Nunavut to visit their former homes, or for those who live in Nunavut to visit long lost family members in communities other than their own, said Paul Kaludjuk, Vice President of Finance. We feel this program will enhance the ties between beneficiaries of the NLCA, no matter where they live.

The Board of Directors dealt with a variety of important issues over the course of their three-day-long meeting. Formal approval was given to a number of human resources initiatives, including a new HR Manual and new Terms of Reference for the Executive Portfolio System.

NTI is proud of the work we have done in the areas of staff development, corporate accountability and corporate organization, said NTI President Cathy Towtongie. We recognize the importance of a professional workforce in achieving our organization’s mission of Inuit social, cultural and economic well-being.

Approval was also given to amending the Rules and Procedures for the Management of Inuit-Owned Lands, minor amendments to the Conflict of Interest Policy, and developing an Environmental Policy for NTI.

Among the recent activities noted by Executive Committee members were:
A meeting Feb. 21 with Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Robert Nault to develop new approaches for ensuring the federal and territorial governments have a representative workforce,
NTI’s on-going lobby of the federal government to increase the Northern Residents Deduction to recognize the higher costs of living in Nunavut, especially in the High Arctic, and
Work with the Government of Nunavut on protecting and enhancing the use of Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun in the schools and workplace throughout Nunavut.

For further information:

Nancy Campbell
Director of Communications
Tel: (867) 975-4900
Fax: (867) 975-4943 Paul Irngaut
Executive Liaison & Public Relations Advisor
Tel: (867) 975-4900
Fax: (867) 975-4949 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Cape Dorset / February 25-27

Recognition Award (Community): Nuna Parr, of Cape Dorset, was presented with a plaque by NTI in recognition of his contributions to his community. Mr. Parr is known as an artist and a hunter who always shares his meat after a successful hunt. He also hosts a community feast using his own funds.

Recognition Award (Nunavut): David Joanasie of Cape Dorset was recognize by NTI for his contributions to Nunavut through sports. Mr. Joanasie’s plaque was accepted on his behalf by his parents, as he was away in New Brunswick at the Canada Winter Games as a member of the Badminton team. His achievements include participating in the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk as well as Nunavut Youth Abroad, which allowed him to travel to Africa in summer 2002.