September 14, 1979

At its historical annual general meeting in Igloolik in September of 1979, ITC unveiled its "Political Development in Nunavut" document.

Split NWT, become province: ITC

CHRIS NEILL
Nunatsiaq News

IGLOOLIK — A proposal calling for a separate eastern arctic territory that would eventually become a province was approved by delegates to the ITC annual general meeting held in Igloolik September 3-7.

ITC has been proposing a division of the Northwest Territories for several years, but this is the first time it has been specified that the new territory (which ITC calls Nunavut) would seek provincehood.

The discussion paper also differs from previous ITC proposals in that it recognizes three areas within the Territories: Nunavut (eastern and central Arctic), the Mackenzie Valley, and the Western Arctic. In Nunavut the present proposal allows for a later inclusion of the Western Arctic if so desired.

The paper argues that the present form of government in the Northwest Territories does not provide for adequate participation by Inuit; Yellowknife, the capital, is geographically separated from Inuit inhabited areas; provincial status would give Inuit more control over the use of land.

The proposal suggests that Nunavut would first become a territory with a commissioner and an assembly with powers roughly equivalent to those now held by the Yukon and NWT Councils.

About five to seven years later, Nunavut would get partial provincial powers, reaching full provincehood in about 15 years. The forms of government would be within the constitution of Canada, but might differ in some respects; for example, the Nunavut assembly might or might not develop a party system.

"Nunavut would affirm the will of all of its inhabitants, regardless of origin, to live and determine their future together in a territory/ province based on consent of its peoples and on the principles of democracy and responsible government."

Languages and cultures of both Inuit and non-Inuit would be respected. the paper does call for a 10-year total residency before a person would be eligible to vote in elections.