NTI … NT Why?
Nunavut leaders reflect on how organization’s role has evolved since 1999 and why the 2024 election is critical for voters
Nunatsiaq News speaks with Paul Quassa, Peter Ittinuar, Tagak Curley and Dennis Patterson on the evolution of NTI since its creation. (File photos)
Voter apathy and dissatisfaction have plagued Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. for years.
Turnout for the 2021 presidential election sat at 17.5 per cent, compared to around 30 per cent in recent past elections.
This year, the organization that is mandated to ensure obligations made to Nunavut Inuit under the Nunavut Agreement are upheld threw $2 million into getting voters to the polls through a $100 voucher program.
But engaging voters is not a new priority for Nunavut’s Inuit leadership.
As president of the Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut, NTI’s predecessor, Paul Quassa played a key role in negotiating the 1993 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
He said increasing voter participation was crucial to ratifying the agreement, as the federal government required a turnout of around 65 per cent for approval.
To achieve that, Quassa decided to extend the voting period to three days instead of just one, to reach as many beneficiaries as possible.
“It worked and this could very much make a difference now,” he said.
However, Quassa indicated that maybe the election process isn’t the problem so much as the “mindset of the voters.”
It’s an inclination echoed by Peter Ittinuar, Canada’s first Inuit MP.
He said voters have become more “apathetic and despondent” toward NTI because they aren’t seeing any direct benefits from the “millions of dollars” going into the organization.
Nunatsiaq News caught up with four former territorial leaders, who were there since the beginning, to discuss NTI’s relevance and the organization’s potential for the future — and why people should care who is at the helm.
Need for more accountability and financial transparency
Ittinuar said this year’s $28-million shortfall in annual funding from the Nunavut Trust to NTI, which was first disclosed in October, and the lack of information provided on why it happened, would have been grounds for “impeachment in any other political situation.”
Former senator Dennis Patterson shared similar thoughts in a recent interview.
“Transparency and accountability has diminished in the years since NTI was first established, when there was a lot of attention paid to the Nunavut Trust and its solemn obligations to increase and preserve the principal,” he said.
Their concerns are echoed by Tagak Curley, a former MLA who said NTI must “get closer to the people” to regain their trust.
Calling himself a strong advocate for public debate, Curley recalls how in the 1990s he pushed the N.W.T. legislative assembly to hold special meetings that invited public participation and allowed for the discussion of different viewpoints on the division of the territories.
“NTI needs to get back to getting people actively involved, because otherwise there’s not enough information going out,” Curley said.
“There’s resentment building up that NTI is not representing people — and rightly so. There has to be a bureaucratic cleanup job before any expectation of respect.”
NTI’s pursuit of self-governance
In November 2021, NTI leadership passed a resolution to pursue Inuit self-governance in response to the Government of Nunavut’s alleged disregard for the Nunavut Agreement.
“In the last decade or so, NTI has become a challenger, a competitor for funds, and a litigator against the Nunavut government that their land claim gave birth to,” said Patterson, who was involved in the settlement of the final land claim agreement.
Patterson pointed to $286 million in federal funding allocated to NTI for affordable housing announced last month during the Nunavut Association of Municipalities conference.
These allocations represent a “direct challenge” to the territorial government’s jurisdiction over housing, he said.
“This issue of whether NTI becomes a quasi-government as a rival to the GN is the burning issue to me in the coming election,” Patterson said.
Curley said the GN is needed to administer public services for the “general population, because we are a public territory and not only Inuit live up here.”
“We need the public government to be closer to the people and NTI is not part of that,” he said.
Quassa emphasized partnership, arguing the GN represents the same beneficiaries as NTI. The Inuit organization, he said, can advocate for a more Inuit-oriented approach to collaboration.
“At the end of the day, the reason why we created Nunavut was to become self-sufficient, and to become self-sufficient you have to be partners,” he said.
Why should voters care about the upcoming election?
NTI is the “guardian” of the Nunavut Agreement and the voice of Inuit, said Quassa.
“A lot of times, our government will make legislation that does not abide with the social values of Inuit and it is NTI’s responsibility to directly challenge the government on our behalf,” he said.
Patterson agreed, saying NTI’s value lies in its advocacy for the cultural rights of Inuit. And to do that, it has the resources — literally.
“Inuit don’t have to rely on the government forever because they can leverage their ownership and management of lands and resources to create revenues that can be used to enhance Inuit language and culture,” Patterson said.
However, in order for NTI to fulfill its purpose to Inuit beneficiaries, strong, visible leadership is going to be required, said Curley.
“The next NTI president should be a person who is not afraid to consult with the public and walk into sometimes acrimonious debate,” he said.
“If you cannot remain in the same room with people you disagree with, you don’t belong in the leadership.”
The most difficult court battles fought by the indigenous people in Canada have been the most rewarding for Inuit. From the ability to even negotiate the Nunavut Agreement to being able to get training dollars for Inuit public servants. If we had listened to white old folk, to just be smiling nice Eskimos and just accept whatever government offers, where would we be?
The Nunavut Agreement was not a court battle, it was an agreement between Inuit “AND” the state of Canada. It was a two-way street, which many seem eager to forget whilst draping themselves in fantasy and fiction around the past.
Of course you don’t have to accept what the government offers, but neither does the government have to give you demand. The realities of politics are complex. Getting what you want is a complicated process.
I challenge you to read the last line the above piece one more time, try it out loud.
Your opinion is no better than the ‘white man’ you can’t stand listening too. I might even suspect, in this case, it is far less interesting, useful, and informed.
Quite a racist comment.
How is this racist? I take it he was referring to Dennis Patterson, who never should have accepted his senate appointment. The sentiments to me express the frustration of, people with different cultural values speaking for an indigenous majority.
The policies and implementation of those policies reflect the values of the current trends of Canadian bureaucratic elite that our government accesses when hiring Deputy ministers, and other specialists from the pool. They address issues with policies little different from other jurisdictions, often these policies do not reflect Inuit values. They spend their time trying to have Nunavut assimilate with Canadian values, at the cost of Inuit Culture.
The $100, is one of the only monetary benefit many Inuit will have. The outcome of the election will be more representative of the will of Inuit,. Introduction and familiarization with the voting process to most Inuit, will increase future voter turnout.
A lot of us had hoped Patterson was finally retired from pretending to represent us. He now lives the easy life with our tax dollars in the south while we struggle to get by up here. Why the paper still allows him an organ to preach his values over the ones who will have to find a way to live in the future is very frustrating. We suffered enough being governed out of Yellowknife by his type and created our own territory to no longer being operated by remote control.
Might not be racist, but is unambiguously ageist.
Move the election to October??? slightly warmer weather. Minus 30’s with windchills into the 40/50’s in December.
But then we would be out hunting… and complaining that they should hold the elections when the least amount of hunters are on the land, therefor early Dec.
You are starting to zoom in on the larger truth in this, people love to complain no matter what.
There is a long history of non-Inuit deciding how we should live and be. I take exception an old white tries to tell us how we should have put institutions run. This is an Inuit institution and should not try to be regulated by non-Inuit.
Problem is NTI is run by non Inuit and Inuit who did not grow up in Nunavut, can’t speak Inuktut and do not understand Inuit. They have a dream and fantasy about Inuit and think they know better than Inuit.
They should create voting booth outside like they did telephone booth. Would create more space. Quick and easy. Why not?
“At the end of the day, the reason why we created Nunavut was to become self-sufficient, and to become self-sufficient you have to be partners,” Quassa said.
Being partners is a step along the way, but just one of many steps.
To be self-sufficient requires having the necessay skills, so as to not be dependent on others.
It means having enough Inuit doctors and nurses and teachers and engineers and geologists and chemists and carpenters and electricians and architects and accountants and cooks and taxi drivers and grocery store workers.
The GN is focusing on building infrastructure (never enough) and providing services (not good enough).
NTI needs to focus on building human capacity. Provide the needed after-school tutoring for those who need it. Provide the training and the training opportunities, both through courses and through jobs at NTI owned businesses. Build and run a trade school with sufficient capacity that it can accept and graduate 1000 students every year. Everyone should have a trade, even if they then go on to Nunavut University and get further education. They will be able to use their trade to finance their own higher education. They will be self sufficient.
But most important, share the vision and share the plan to get from where we are now to were we are heading. Too many younger Inuit see nothing but hopelessness. Show the way, provide help to those who need help. Not just for a few children of those already succeeding, but also for all those who are starting further back.
Taima.
FYI – no operating universities in Nunavut–sorry. It”ll ba awhile before a university is built in the territory. Only arctic college atm.
You are correct, there is no Nunavut University, yet.
But there will be, some day, when academic high school graduation in Nunavut is 98%. It will probably begin as a Polytechic, offering degrees in engineering, medicine, robotics, architecture, etc. Eventually it will become a full reseach University, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and offering degrees in liguistics, sciences and the arts.
But before we get the Polytechnic, we will need the 1,000 person Trade School. The one in Rankin Inlet is a start. It accomodates a couple dozen students. Nunavut needs an expanded Trade School that operates in every community and produces 1,000 grandates each year. We have a long way to go.
Perhaps you don’t know that there is a Trades School in Rankin……and a Cultural School in Clyde River ?????
Fast money is the only way to engage ppl with any matter……
This is a good article, well worth the read.
This NTI I find is the most disconnected NTI to the Inuit and communities of Nunavut, NTI does not travel into our communities to engage and consult with us.
NTI has stopped providing updates, it’s a very closed NTI, we don’t know what NTI has been doing for some years now.
It seems like NTI has become like a government wanna be, very bureaucratic.
Some of the senior staff seem very arrogant and think they are above everyone. Almost colonial in their approach, very strange how this organization has changed in a short period of time,
It will be interesting to see if the new president will make changes to the senior management to make improvements.
I’ve watched NTI grow into a fat cow that pours money down the throats of its own management and staff but really does little for the Inuit it was created to represent. Much like KIA.
Like handing out crackers to starving people. Doesn’t fill them up, but it would be the best cracker they ever had.
I and many I know, have lost confidence in all forms of government. It seems more about what we can do for ourselves than it is what can be done for the Inuit and long term nunavummiut.
All this crap about going to vote.
Perhaps if the inuit were treated with more respect and actually informed of what the NTI do for them.
Everything I see going on in Nunavut, has nothing to do with the inuit. The people of Nunavut were gathered and spread across the territory and given the basics of living, while there homeland is being stripped of its resources to pay the white man.
Fold NTI, ITK and Nunavut.
Do that Donald Trump Victory dance.
YMCA!!!
These Inuit organizations are useless tax burdens
“Badges?!!! We don’t need no steenkin’ badges!!!”🤣⭐🤘
Last thing I wanna hear about my organization is a non member old dude talk about it.
“Your” organization has to deal with and negotiate with “non-member old dudes”, so knowing what they think about it, for good or bad, is kind of important. Sometimes people from outside a group have a clearer view of the group than some people in the group do.
Alright looks like somebody was raised with superiority complex. In what world do you think I’m not able to articulate thoughts effectively and needs old dudes to help me? Keep telling yourself lies. I don’t ever need Dennis to tell me anything.
IKR?
Preach me a sermon about how to be Eskimo. Better yet. Scream/shout at me to speak Inuktitut. “You’re ESKIMO!!! Speak INUKTUT!!!”
(Baffin Style)
Be militants with threat of physical violence.
After all the hard work, the founding father did to get Nunavut a Territory, It’s so sad that what 80% of eligible votes don’t vote? The why be a territory of dreams? There is so much for a future for your peoples. Quit living off child tax, you’re 13 years old, be a kid, not a parent. Parents get your kids on BControl. Have to get paid to vote, goodness. Its you’re right to vote, be an adult and stand up for whom you believe should be the next leader.
Next thing you know Inuit will be brain washed about 1867 and all the Christmas nonsense.
Wait.
Too late? Monkey see. Monkey do.
Just freakin’ desolve this useless so called N.T.I. “Not Too Involved” body. And the funds they got, put it towards more housing and shelters across Nunavut.
Inuit should have stopped listening a long time ago. To these new comers and new aged politicians, I hope they really understand their role. Not any jokes, just talk no actions, our communities are not the same as before.
NTI is there to uphold the land claim, yet it now gets funding directly for government programming like housing. It is pursuing self-governance. Inuit voted in 1999 for a land claim that created a public government. How did NTI get so offside? My guess is influence by neighboring Inuit orgs.
.
If NTI wants to be a government it’ll have a hard reality check on transparency. Inuit should ask what the President receives in salary and benefits annually and what candidates would do with the existing exorbitant figures.
The GN/NTI division of responsibilities, as well as the Consensus-style government, look as if they were designed to ensure that politics remains superficial, short-term and perpetually dependent on Ottawa. It probably wasn’t by design, but it works so well it’s hard to ignore the possibility.
How did NTI get so offside? The Trudeau government and ITK encouraged it.
It was from the lack of leadership by the President and the control of the senior management , nothing to do with the federal government or ITK.
Now let see if the new President will show some leadership and make changes to the senior management.
It seems the underlying issues, in many of the comments, is for NTI to be more transparent and responsive to it’s members. We need to need to look at how these 2 issues can be addressed.
NTI and RIOS must work out a process to address transparency, as a lot of direct programs that members can apply for and receive funding are administered the 3 Regional Inuit Organizations. RIOs are also given responsibility for investing funds through their it’s corporations, ie. Qikitaaluuq Corporation. NTI and RIOs must share information the numerous programs that are available to it’s members. All this information is available on-line, but NTI and RIOs must find a better way to communicate and some of these, include regular community radio PSAs, community visits, open houses (monthly sessions to hold information sharing/questions, etc.) I believe each Nunavut community has a Community Liaison Officer and they should be more visible. RIOs have Community Directors and they can do more community awareness work, in between meetings.
STOLEN LANDS.
So ignorant… Inuit ceded their land to Canada. Did you know that?
Canada should just back out of Nunavut and all the southerners go back south, this way we Inuit can be self sufficient.
No Inuit health pros that I know of. We’d all die.
It’s concerning to see the ongoing voter apathy and dissatisfaction with NTI, as highlighted in this article. Nunavut was created in 1999 with the hope of empowering Inuit through self-governance and ensuring the promises of the Nunavut Agreement were upheld. Yet, it seems that many Inuit beneficiaries feel left behind, seeing little transparency or tangible benefits from NTI leadership.
The recurring focus on meetings, travel, and executive-level priorities often overshadows grassroots engagement and the day-to-day realities faced by beneficiaries. Despite the significant funds allocated to NTI, there is a growing disconnect between leadership and the communities they are meant to serve. This is compounded by a lack of accountability, as seen in the recent financial shortfall that has left many unanswered questions.
Former leaders like Tagak Curley and Dennis Patterson raise valid points about the need for NTI to “get closer to the people.” Meaningful change will only happen when leadership prioritizes transparency, financial accountability, and active community engagement. It’s also critical for NTI to rebuild trust through open dialogue and by demonstrating how funds are directly benefiting Inuit lives, whether through housing, education, or preserving Inuit language and culture.
As voters, we must hold our leaders accountable and demand they represent our interests, not just during elections but throughout their term. If NTI is to remain relevant and fulfill its mandate, it must refocus on the principles of partnership and self-sufficiency that Nunavut was built upon. Strong, visible, and inclusive leadership is more essential now than ever.
Simple, Inuit Beneficiaries aren’t benefitting, RIO’s elected officials and NTI staff and Board of Directors are the ones that are benefitting.
So what you are saying is to get involved and stop complaining?
They stole our Land
No, you gave it to us in exchange for the NLCA.
Why are you so ignorant of the past?
It must be the education system here, but I have met very, very few Inuit that know much of anything about their own history. Most of what is believed is a mix of grievance narrative and pure fiction, little of which captures the realities of the past.
From the NTI Staff list…150 odd staff to deliver 4 small “operational policies” on behalf of Inuit. Seems like we are paying a ton of salaries for little actual work that helps us. Lots of analysis, coordination, stuff like that. No actual things getting done.
NTI is very, very top heavy. 3 staff for the President, 6 staff for the CEO, 5 staff for the CAO, 4 staff for the COO – seems like the heads of our organization like getting others to do their work for them. And honestly, why does a team of 150 people need a CEO, a CAO AND a COO to lead them?
Meanwhile, the Implementation Department itself (the guts of the organization), only has 5 staff total at the same time there are12 communications staff to deliver an annual report, and 60+ news releases a year that probably could be done by 1-2 people and a good media contract.
8 staff in the Inuit Training department, although it appears that NTI does not deliver any Inuit training programs directly. 23 staff for Inuit Social and Cultural development (which has very little grounding in Nunavut Agreement obligations), as opposed to only 6 staff in the Lands department looking after subsurface rights, which is a crucial, foundational role that NTI has to do and do well for Inuit to benefit.
Yes, NTI has clearly gone off the rails under Kotierk. RIAs, with all their flaws, are much better at actually working directly for Inuit. It should be by convention that the NTI President be elected from an RIA board so we know they have that background in serving Inuit directly.
I am glad the guy from Arctic Bay won. At least he learned the ropes from QIA.
Very interesting points Lucretius. I hope the media digs into the points you’ve made.
It’s disheartening to see the perception that, for Inuit seeking employment with NTI or other Inuit organizations, connections seem to matter more than qualifications or passion. Many highly capable Inuit with the education, skills, and genuine commitment to making a difference have faced challenges in even getting a response, let alone an interview. This discourages talented individuals from applying and undermines the very purpose of these organizations—to support and uplift Inuit voices and contributions.
While I’m not certain if this has changed under current leadership, the past few years have left many feeling excluded or overlooked, despite meeting or exceeding the qualifications for roles. It’s essential for organizations like NTI to ensure their hiring processes are fair, transparent, and supportive of Inuit talent. A proactive approach to outreach, mentorship, and feedback for unsuccessful applicants could help restore confidence in these systems and ensure the best candidates are empowered to contribute to their communities.
Want to know why I do not vote? The system we have been forced to use, forced until we complied, forced until we said ok, forced care there seemed to nothing better out there. Political view are just that, politics, they do not create leaders, only followers, they do not want anything that will ‘hurt’, stop the production of wealth for the rich, look at who is in politics, they are all rich privileged men, who got their money from any means. We ceded our land cause we were in survival mode, not thinking clearly, fear has been forced on us since they took us from our homes and put us in residential homes where we were beaten, starved, humiliated, abused until we complied. We are hurt people, hurting other people, mostly our own families, so we drink, smoke up take drugs, hit, scream, hoping someone will hear us. We can become human. learn to heal. learn to help each other.