NTI likes Nunavut devolution negotiator choices: Towtongie

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie says she’s “pleased” that John Duncan, the federal minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, decided to appoint Dale Drown as chief federal negotiator for Nunavut devolution.

“NTI has wanted a federal negotiator to be appointed since we signed the Devolution Protocol agreement in 2008,” Towtongie said. “I am very pleased that Minister Duncan has taken this first step. It is vital to the future of Nunavut.”

Towtongie also said she applauded the appointment of David Akeeagok as the Nunavut government’s lead devolution negotiator, as announced May 22 by Nunavut Premier Eva Arreak.

“David is very capable, and I am confident that he will make sure that Nunavut’s interests are protected in this process. We look forward to working with him,” Towtongie said.

“NTI is a full party to the devolution process and looks forward to the negotiation of an agreement that will be in Nunavut’s constitutional and economic interest, and consistent with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.”