NTI Responds to Mandate of Third Legislative Assembly
On the 10th anniversary of the creation of our territory, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. welcomes Tamapta: Building Our Future Together, the new mandate of the Third Legislative Assembly.
NTI President Paul Kaludjak was very pleased with the government's mandate, in particular, its commitment to full implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. This was further emphasized today by Premier Aariak in the Assembly.
"I was delighted to hear the government will be working alongside NTI to implement the NLCA," said Kaludjak. "The government's new mandate is very positive and shows the public government and NTI hold the same ideals. NTI shares the vision and guiding principles outlined in Tamapta in our own mandate. However, as always, NTI's requirement is for implementation and we eagerly await more definite actions to support the government's new priorities," said Kaludjak.
NTI supports the government's focus on healthy communities and would like to see increased respect and empowerment for communities, especially in the sectors of health and education. As well, NTI welcomes the government's renewed emphasis on education and training.
Another important priority for this government is housing and NTI looks forward to working with the GN to revitalize and recommit to the 2004 joint Nunavut ten-year housing Action Plan. The latest federal budget was a start, but it is only a temporary injection - Nunavut needs a long-term commitment for the future.
An initiative that was particularly welcome was the creation of a comprehensive Nunavut Communications Strategy to engage Nunavummiut in an active two-way dialogue with government. Such an initiative has been lacking in the past, and will complement the existing GN obligations to engage Inuit in social and cultural policy and program development and delivery under Article 32 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Finally, an anniversary is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future and this is an appropriate time to reflect upon the relationship between the Government of Nunavut and NTI.
"NTI looks forward to an improved relationship with the Government of Nunavut, one of shared goals and cooperation. This is something Inuit expected with the creation of Nunavut ten years ago and it is time we demonstrate what can be achieved when we work together," said Kaludjak.
For further information:
Emily Woods
A/Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4953
Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
ewoods@tunngavik.com
www.tunngavik.com