(August 23, 2010 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook said today NTI is pleased with Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon’s Arctic Foreign Policy Statement.

“NTI is pleased to see that the Arctic remains a priority for the Government of Canada,” said Eetoolook. “NTI understands this policy has received the approval of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the federal cabinet. This is extremely important.”

He noted that in presenting the policy, Minister Cannon explained that it is not highly detailed because it is primarily a framework for government action. “What is really going to count are the steps taken to implement the policy,” said Eetoolook.

Eetoolook said NTI viewed the government’s commitment to work with Inuit to implement the policy as very promising, particularly the commitment to improving governance and empowering Northerners.

“NTI looks forward to real progress on devolution and the full implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement,” said Eetoolook. “The formal appointment of a federal Nunavut devolution negotiator is the next step required in the devolution area.”

Eetoolook said the renewed commitment to establish the Lancaster Sound marine conservation area is strongly supported by NTI. “We agree, and we look forward to moving ahead on it”, he added.

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For further information:

Franco Buscemi
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4939 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006 Cell: 867 222 1411
fbuscemi @ tunngavik.com