Why is nunavut important

Northwest Territories residents are about to vote on boundaries for a proposed territory called Nunavut. The majority of voters in a plebiscite choose to split the Northwest Territories in two. The page you are looking at will not be updated. The Creation of Nunavut The Story. Eva Aariak, a closer look Eva Aariak has a long history of dedication to Nunavut and its educational development. Nunavut goes back to three time zones After two years in one time zone, Nunavut switches back to three zones.

Suicide prevention still needed in Nunavut Suicide, one of the North's most debilitating problems, is something the territory's premier has faced personally. Lost and confused in Iqaluit Don't get lost in Iqaluit.

Nunavut polar bear plates It's one of the North's most prized possessions: the polar bear-shaped license plate. Economic growth coupled with a return to traditional Inuit values are among the long-term goals promised for this new state.

The last few months have been filled with last-minute preparations for the historic birthday of North America's newest territory. Multimillion dollar business expansions into the circumpolar region have included a new Internet service by Northwestel which will be provided to the Nunavut capital of Iqaluit this year. Higher education is entering the territory by way of the University of the Arctic, a new institution which is striving to be "in the North and for the North. The creation of the Nunavut territory, where 82 percent of the people are Inuit, represents a victory for the political and cultural autonomy of indigenous peoples.

While native groups in Canada, known as First Nations, suffer from some of the worst social pathologies and economic hardships in the country, there is a growing trend toward self-determination.

For example, the Nisgaa Indians of northern British Columbia signed a treaty last year with the Canadian government that gave them the right of self-government over an area more than half the size of Rhode Island. Holding the reins of power to their own land provides the residents of Nunavut and these other areas the tools necessary for political stability, economic growth, and an increase in the standard living for everyone, as well as a boost in native identity and self-confidence.

The establishment of Nunavut is the most ambitious Canadian aboriginal proposal for self-government, and reflects the obstacles and promises of political sovereignty for the native peoples of Canada. The new territory, to be called "Nunavut" after the Inuit word for "our land," would include the central and eastern area of the NWT where the majority of residents are Inuit.

Following a plebiscite held in the NWT in in which A Constitutional Alliance was then established, composed of members of the Legislative Assembly and representatives of Aboriginal organizations in the NWT, whose goal was to agree upon the physical boundaries of division and the appropriate political structures for the territory. While the Constitutional Alliance finally negotiated the Iqaluit Agreement in , disagreements over land claim areas resulted in the non-ratification of the agreement and the canceling of the proposed plebiscite on the boundary specifications.

Fiftyfour percent of those voting supported the proposed boundary, which was then formally adopted by the government of the Northwest Territories, the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut the Inuit claims organization , and the federal government in the Nunavut Political Accord. During the discussions of the division boundary, a separate land claims negotiation was also occurring over the creation of Nunavut. In April , an Agreement-in-Principle to settle the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement was finalized which affirmed federal, territorial, and Inuit support for the creation of Nunavut "as soon as possible.

The geographical change is not only significant because it was a large change for Canada geographically, but because this significance allows the next two significances to be possible. Next, it is socially significant because, at that time, the population living on the geographical area, now known as Nunavut, contained 85 percent of its habitants of Inuit origin [27].

Because of this, it is crucial to mention the impact that the creation of Nunavut had on the Inuit and their culture. Given that such a specific cultural majority was present in a specific region, it was important for them to have a geographical area of their own, where they could live with their traditional values and language. The establishment of that territory allowed for the official recognition of public, cultural and social symbols of Inuit tradition, which then became visible in Nunavut.

Third of all, the creation of Nunavut had also a great political impact as with its creation, the eastern part of the Northwest Territories became an autonomous political entity. Even though the political power they have is very limited, it is still very important as many Native populations around Canada and the world stride for political power, and the chance to govern themselves.

In brief, this event had a great significance for Inuit people and Canada. The geographical change that introduced Nunavut in the eastern part of the Northwest Territories gave land to a minority overall in Canada, but who was a majority on that specific region. This allowed the people in that community to evolve and live based on their traditional values, language and culture which is a crucial element of any community.

This is even more important for the ones that are representing a minority as without proper governance that gives importance to certain traditions, these can easily be lost through the process of assimilation. The creation of Nunavut allowed the Inuit population to have their say in their local area through social and political means, which in the end allows them to preserve their values and history going forward as a present population in Canada.

In conclusion, the entrance of Nunavut into the Canadian federation as a territory was perhaps one of the most important events in Canadian history of recent memory. Taking outside influences from movements in Quebec and Greenland, the residents of Nunavut were able to obtain measures which allowed for financial compensation, a native-controlled government, as well as being able to determine their own future.

The existence of a province which has both its government and its culture controlled by its original inhabitants is proof that it is possible to go forward with reconciliation, and even return to the First Nations peoples what was taken from them centuries ago.

The geographical change that introduced Nunavut in the eastern part of the Northwest Territories gave land to a people who are a minority in Canada, but who are a majority in that specific region. This allows the people in that community to evolve and live based on their traditional values, language and culture which is a crucial element of any community.

This moment is significantly more important for the ones that are representing a minority. Without proper governance that emphasizes the importance to certain traditions, the traditions, values and culture can easily be lost through the process of assimilation. Therefore, all things mentioned previously considered, the creation of Nunavut in Canada is truly a moment that matters because of the social, political, and geographic implications it had on Canada as a whole, as well as its Indigenous population.

Government of Canada, August 9, Retrieved from. Government of Canada, February 7, Government of Canada, March 23, Doi : Government of Canada, March 2, Department of Culture and Heritage, July 9,