Nunavut ministers resolve to advance devolution, keep consensus government

On April 11, cabinet ministers held a ceremonial meeting inside this igloo erected outside the Nunavut legislative building. The top of the igloo was later removed, the GN said, due to safety concerns. (PHOTO BY JANE GEORGE)

When Nunavut’s cabinet held a ceremonial meeting April 11 in an igloo behind the legislative assembly building, they read two resolutions — which the Government of Nunavut revealed April 16.

The first resolution, called the “Nunavut Land Claims Agreement 20th Anniversary Resolution,” said:

“Whereas a new Nunavut Territory and Government were born of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement;

Whereas the Government of Nunavut is fully committed to working with the Government of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated on implementing the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement; and

Whereas the devolution of decision-making authority and management of natural resources is fundamental to the constitutional and political development of Nunavut and Canada;

Be it resolved that the Government of Nunavut reaffirms the rights of Nunavummiut to control and manage their territory through the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.”

The second resolution, called the “Consensus Governance Resolution,” said:

“Whereas through discussion and consensus, Inuit have exercised governance over themselves for centuries; and

Whereas the Government of Nunavut has provided open, democratic, consensus governance to Nunavummiut for 14 years;

Be it resolved that the Government of Nunavut continues to commit itself to upholding the highest standards of consensus governance, accountability, and service to Nunavummiut.”