My Little Corner of Canada, July 10

It has now been 15 years since we celebrated the creation of Nunavut.

Back then, many of us were a little nervous, because we weren’t sure if we could actually run a new government.

What if the new government couldn’t carry out its responsibilities and mandate? What if it collapsed because of the lack of enough resources? What if corruption destroyed its credibility?

Some conservative commentators from southern Canada predicted the new government would be crippled by incompetence and corruption.

Some predicted it would fail in a few years. Some Inuit expressed doubt about our ability to run a functioning government. Some young Inuit were skeptical and were not that excited about having their own jurisdiction in Canada.

Fifteen years later, the sky has not fallen. We have a functioning government.

No major scandals or incidents of corruption have broken out. Each year, the new government gains experience and confidence in its ability to carry out its responsibilities.

Every year, ordinary Inuit feel more comfortable about running our own government. Young Inuit now express pride in our achievements.

The Nunavut flag is now waved with more enthusiasm. The flag is now proudly displayed in many national events in southern Canada. Young Inuit who travel abroad take the flag with them to display around the world.

Like any newborn, the young territory first learned to crawl. Then it learned to take its first few steps. It is now learning to run.

The Government of Nunavut still does not have enough resources to do the many things it wants to do to improve the lives our people. We need economic development to put more money into the hands of our government to allow it to do so.

Big Brother in Ottawa needs to devolve more powers to the Nunavut Government. We need a devolution agreement. Not just any agreement, but an agreement that reflects the intention and spirit of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

The young territory must now establish its place in the Canadian family.

It must be fair to all its citizens. It must recognize the diversity of the world we live in. It must respect all cultures and religions. But is must continue to have an Inuk soul.