My Little Corner of Canada, May 8

On May 4 in the capital of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the governments of Canada and Nunavut signed an agreement to settle NTI’s court case against the Government of Canada for failing to live up to its obligations under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

This out of court settlement marks another milestone in our efforts to decolonize our ancestral homeland.

We have convinced the Government of Canada that the lies and broken promises of the past are no longer acceptable. Justice now demands that Canada must move away from being the colonial master of Inuit Nunangat.

Congratulations to NTI. Over the years in court, people like James Eetoolook (vice president) have provided steady political leadership.

Lawyers John Merritt and Dougald Brown deserve recognition for providing solid legal advice, not just in this court case, but for the many years they have dedicated to the Inuit movement in Nunavut.

The upcoming federal election scheduled for this fall probably had a lot to do with the government’s decision to settle out of court.

Next item on the agenda is a devolution agreement between Nunavut and Ottawa.

There are provisions in the NLCA that commit the Government of Canada to negotiate a devolution agreement to transfer authority and powers to the Nunavut government from Ottawa.

This is the third step in the implementation of our treaty.

There is also a mythological beast that still lurks in the room when aboriginal peoples and Canada discuss issues. That ancient beast is called The Indian Act.

It should be relegated to history and replaced with something of our own making.

This Corner Quotes

“Do not listen to vain words from empty minds.”

— a Chinese proverb.

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