NTI: Self-Determination the focus of 2019 AGM

Press Release

(October 24, 2019 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) On the conclusion of the 2019 Annual General Meeting of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), President Aluki Kotierk recognized Inuit interest for self-determination.

“Members remain optimistic that Inuit culture and language will remain strong in the territory of Nunavut, but recognize that the way forward will require innovation and urgent work,” said President Kotierk. “Inuit call for the Government to work with us to address the issues of education, Inuit employment, early learning and justice. Inuit expect equity and to be full participants in decisions affecting them.”

During the AGM, Members passed resolutions, including:

• On Education, for the Standing Committee, the Territorial Leader, the Minister of Education and the Members of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly to withdraw Bill 25 and to work with NTI to table the Nunavut Education Reform Act as a new education bill that is responsive to Inuit concerns.
• On Inuit employment, for the Governments of Canada and Nunavut to take immediate actions to fully implement Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement including how and by when each government department will increase Inuit employment to a representative level.
• On Inuit Early Learning and Childcare (IELCC), for the GN to make significant investments, including the construction of new child care centres, to work with Inuit under Article 32 of the Nunavut Agreement in the implementation of the Inuit Early Learning and Childcare Framework, and the Minister of Education to fulfill its Inuit Language obligations in IELCC in Nunavut.
• On Justice, for the GoC and GN to provide services in Inuktut in the administration of justice to serve the needs of Inuit offenders including increasing participation of Inuit in the full spectrum in the administration of justice, restorative justice initiatives and community reintegration programs. The members also call upon the Governments to ensure each community are provided adequate resources to support fully functioning community justice committees.

The next AGM will in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, from October 20-22, 2020.

For further information:

Malaya Mikijuk

Assistant Director of Communications

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

Tel: 867-975-4907

Email: MMikijuk@tunngavik.com

www.tunngavik.com

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