Modern Treaties in Canada: A One Hour Course → Nunavut: A Separate Organization for Treaty Implementation

Nunavut: A Separate Organization for Treaty Implementation

Graphic showing part of a campaign by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) to reject Bill 37, a Government of Nunavut bill that would have delayed implementation of Inuktut language instruction in schools. — This graphic is part of a campaign by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) to reject Bill 37, a Government of Nunavut bill that would have delayed implementation of Inuktut language instruction in schools. The bill was defeated. An important part of NTI’s mandate is to advocate for preservation of Inuit Language and culture. This sometimes leads to conflict with the Government of Nunavut.

In Nunavut, the treaty organization isn’t a government. Here’s how it works:

The Nunavut Agreement led to the establishment of the Government of Nunavut, which governs Nunavut. But the Government of Nunavut does not represent Inuit with respect to treaty implementation. A separate corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), represents Inuit interests with respect to the treaty. So in Nunavut, the Government of Nunavut governs the territory (except for federal Crown lands), while NTI works to ensure that the treaty is properly implemented. NTI is governed by an eight-member board of directors elected by Nunavut Inuit.

This separation of the public government from the treaty implementation organization ensures that regardless of changes in the demographics and leadership of Nunavut Territory, NTI will continue to protect the interests of Nunavut Inuit