Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiritt Kanatami, speaks Thursday at a press conference in Otawa, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens. Trudeau and Obed announced the Inuit Nunangat Policy, which will guide the federal government’s relationship with Inuit. (Photo by Corey Larocque)
New federal policy to shape how Ottawa works with Inuit
Trudeau, Obed announce Inuit Nunangat Policy
The federal government will recognize Inuit Nunangat as a distinct region within Canada and spend $25 million over five years in a bid to create a more prosperous homeland for Inuit.
It’s part of the government’s new Inuit Nunangat Policy, announced Thursday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national organization representing Inuit across the country.
The policy outlines how federal policies, programs and services that affect the Inuit homeland or benefit Inuit will be designed, according to a government news release. It will direct the federal government to consider the rights, interests and circumstances of the Inuit in the way it funds Inuit land claims organizations.
Trudeau and Obed announced the new policy at a press conference in Ottawa, following a meeting of the Indigenous-Crown Partnership Committee. Members of the committee endorsed the Inuit Nunangat Policy during a three hour committee meeting Thursday afternoon, the release states.
Obed said the policy puts in place changes that are necessary to respond to Inuit needs.
“It serves as an important step towards Inuit self-determination,” Obed said in the release.
Trudeau called it an important step “on the long journey toward reconciliation.”
Nunatsiaq News is developing full coverage of Thursday’s announcement.
Money on top of money, the vague cash drops never seem to end. I wonder if we will ever see what this money was actually used for?
With NTI sitting at the table this money will disappear into their coffers never to be seen again. The best we can hope for is another lotto because they sure aren’t providing any programs or services.
How is the GN ever going to expand or strengthen services when the money to do so doesn’t reach them?
You can’t be serious now, the reason NTI is involved is because the GN with any crazy amount of money cannot get anything done and it is never enough money for the GN.
The GN operates like a money pit where they keep receiving millions and millions and yet for whatever reason they can’t get anything done with it.
Look at their track record, over 2 billion annual budget, on top of that they receive additional millions from the feds and what do the GN have to show for it?
Both statements can be true
Ever read the financial statements? Didn’t think so.
Perhaps they haven’t put enough in YOUR pocket??
Never been in a government, have you?
Typical anonymous criticism without facts on your part.