Nunavut is serviced by several developmental agencies that pursue economic opportunities on behalf of Nunavummiut. At the territorial level, the Nunavut Development Corporation is a public agency with the mandate of creating employment opportunities and promoting economic diversity and stability for all Nunavummiut.
Three regional development corporations, the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, the Sakku Investments Corporation and the Kitikmeot Corporation, also promote development in their respective regions. The postwar expansion of the global economy fuelled by an abundance of cheap oil had a dramatic impact on Nunavut.
Oil exploration began throughout parts of the Arctic Archipelago in the s and s, and test wells were drilled on several islands, including Cornwallis , Bathurst , King Christian and Melville Islands. Exploration increased with the oil crisis of the s. Cameron Island represents the only site that has been developed for commercial oil production in Nunavut. The field produced 2.
Oil and gas exploration has continued in Nunavut. In December , the federal government issued a ban on all oil and gas drilling in Arctic waters, although this ban will be reviewed every five years. Nunavut is the only province or territory in Canada that relies exclusively on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs. All electricity in Nunavut is supplied by Qulliq Energy Corporation QEC , a territorial corporation owned by the Government of Nunavut, through diesel combustion in 26 stand-alone diesel plants in 25 communities Iqaluit has two.
Nunavut is completely dependent on millions of litres of imported petroleum products to support everyday living. Mineral development in Nunavut has always proven difficult because of the extreme operating conditions and lack of infrastructure.
Still, several lucrative mines have been opened in the territory over the last few decades. There are currently three major mines in full operation in Nunavut. In addition, Mary River Iron Ore mine, operated by Baffinland Iron Mines, produces such high-quality ore that no processing is required before it is shipped to market.
Mines often raise environmental concerns, such as loss of habitat for caribou and other animals. They also have the potential to provide hundreds of jobs to Inuit, as well as resource royalties to the territorial government. Harvesting animals provides country food to supplement diets, but also fur, skin and bones for clothing, games and art. Nunavut has established commercial char, shrimp and turbot fisheries.
In particular, the turbot fishery is a major employer in the Baffin region. As more studies are completed on its commercial fishing stock, Nunavut anticipates the fisheries sector to be an important area of growth in its economy. Moreover, further diversification happens every year in the industry. For example, in Kugluktuk, residents produce high-end qiviut wool from the hides of muskox for export.
In , the annual unemployment rate for Nunavut was The largest employer in the territory is the Government of Nunavut. As of , however, Inuit accounted for nearly 85 per cent of the population, but only 50 per cent of government workers. In addition to government employment, new jobs are emerging in construction, mining, mineral exploration, the fisheries sector and tourism.
There are no political parties at the territorial level, and candidates run as individuals. Paul Quassa held the office for less than a year from to 20 18 before losing a vote of non-confidence. He was replaced by Joe Savikataaq in June See also Table: Premiers of Nunavut.
Nunavut has a consensus government system, which blends the principles of parliamentary democracy with Inuit values of cooperation, egalitarianism and communal decision-making — different from the system of party politics that exists everywhere else in Canada, with the exception of the Northwest Territories. Within this system, however, unanimous agreement is not necessary for decisions to be made in the Assembly, although unanimity is often achieved.
While ministers are expected to vote with Cabinet, regular MLAs may vote based on their individual opinions. Nunavut also has a commissioner, who is appointed by the Canadian government. The role is a symbolic one, much like that of a lieutenant governor in a province.
The commissioner swears in members of the legislative assembly and executive council, opens sessions of the assembly, gives assent to bills and generally serves as a symbolic head of state for the territory. Devolution will allow Nunavummiut a greater say in the issues that affect them and allow them to make decisions on how these lands and resources are used. Devolution is viewed by Nunavummiut as the key to unlocking economic self-sufficiency and maintaining Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq, or environmental stewardship.
See also Territorial Government in Canada. While the Kitikmeot, Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk regions do not have autonomous governments, they do have Regional Inuit Associations, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Kivalliq Inuit Association and Kitikmeot Inuit Association that provide a basis for local administration.
These associations manage Inuit-owned lands for the Inuit beneficiaries of the regions, work for the protection, administration and advancement of Inuit rights and benefits, and promote the economic, social, political and cultural well-being of their regions. The court travels to the communities based on need, visiting some every six weeks and others less than once every two years.
Members of the circuit court include a judge, clerk of the court, court reporter, prosecutor and at least one defence attorney. While on circuit, court is held in community halls, school gyms and other available space, and elders often sit with the judges in the courtroom. Currently, Nunavut has one hospital, the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit, and two larger health centres in the regional centres of Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay , which are also staffed by physicians.
Health services in the remaining communities are provided by community health nurses, while physicians visit them throughout the year. These centres are administered by the Department of Health of the Government of Nunavut. To receive specialized or advanced care, Nunavummiut often must travel to tertiary care facilities in places like Yellowknife , Edmonton , Winnipeg or Ottawa.
The Government of Nunavut also provides many public health services and health promotion initiatives, including maternal-child health supports, immunization clinics, chronic disease management, sexual health, anti-tobacco-use programs, oral health, nutrition and food security initiatives. Throughout Nunavut, traditional medicines and healing continue to play a vital role in the health of Nunavummiut. Nunavummiut face many health challenges, often caused by overcrowded, poorly ventilated homes and poor access to medical care.
Over 60 per cent of Nunavummiut smoke, leading to high rates of lung cancer and respiratory diseases. Nunavut has high rates of diabetes, obesity, sexually transmitted infections, suicide, tuberculosis and the highest rate of infant mortality in the country.
Starting in the s, Inuit have taken ever greater control of education in Nunavut. In the s, the Eastern Arctic operated under the mandate of three Inuit school boards, responsible for staffing, policies and programs. In , Nunavut passed its own education act, which called for bilingual education for all students by an Inuit language and either English or French , incorporation of Inuit culture into all aspects of the education system including consultation with communities and elders and additional support for students to stay engaged in the educational process.
Progress toward the goals set in the Nunavut Education Act has been slow, and the Department of Education has been subject to a great deal of criticism over the effectiveness of the education system, leading to calls for greater Inuit influence, better accommodation of the special needs of students and more local control.
In , Nunavut had the lowest percentage of high-school graduates within its working-age population in Canada, despite spending, proportionately, the most amount of money on education.
Building on the adult education initiatives started in many northern communities in the s and s, Arctic College was established in , with campuses in Fort Smith and Iqaluit. In , the Arctic Colleges Act gave the college the mandate to deliver adult and postsecondary education across the Northwest Territories.
In , Nunavut Arctic College was created in anticipation of the division of the Northwest Territories. Today, it is the only postsecondary institution in the territory, with a range of degree, diploma and certificate programs in language and culture, business, fine arts, environmental technology, human services, apprenticeship trades and adult basic education programs.
Community Learning Centres staffed by adult educators are located in all 25 communities. Much of the transportation infrastructure in Nunavut was constructed in the s, although parts of the system were built in the s and s.
Roads exist in and around communities, although these are not extensive. In Nunavut, the Community Transportation Initiatives Program is slowly expanding road access to important harvesting, recreational and cultural sites. Many of the necessities of life in Nunavut arrive by air or ship. In Nunavut, the airport system is centred on regional hubs, Iqaluit , Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay , which can accommodate jet aircraft and provide access to other communities.
Smaller aircraft then move people and goods, including mail, fresh food and other supplies, from the hubs to the other communities. In recent years, an increase in Arctic cruise ship tourism has led to heightened levels of maritime traffic.
Although Inuit life changed significantly over the course of the 20th century, traditional values and cultural practices remain strong amongst Nunavummiut. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or traditional knowledge, which includes storytelling, mythology, music and dancing, remains an essential part of cultural life in Nunavut.
Inuit continue to embrace the land and sea as integral to their cultural identity and community health. As such, going out on the land, harvesting its resources and sharing this bounty with family and community also remain important elements of Nunavummiut cultural life.
Many communities also have museums or cultural displays that explain their histories and the culture of their people. Prominent graphic artists from Nunavut include Luke Anguhadluq , Jessie Oonark , Pudlo Pudlat , Andrew Qappik and Annie Pootoogook , while prominent printmakers include Pitseolak Ashoona , Kenojuak Ashevak and Kananginak Pootoogook Carvers Simeonie Amagoalik and Looty Pijamini are known for their sculptures commemorating Inuit who were forced to relocate to the High Arctic by the federal government.
Beyond more traditional arts and crafts such as carving and print-making, Nunavut artists are also making a dramatic impact in music, film and broadcasting.
Meanwhile, Inuit throat-singing, drumming and other Indigenous music continue to enthrall international audiences. Susan Aglukark grew up in Arviat , Nunavut and is a three-time Juno award winner for her blend of country and pop music. While Nunavummiut play many Western recreational games such as soccer , hockey , baseball and basketball , they also embrace traditional Inuit games such as the one and two-foot high kick, kneel jump and arm pull.
The Arctic Winter Games , held biannually since , include a variety of traditional and nontraditional games and involve athletes from across the Circumpolar World. Pan Inuit Trails Explore the vast network of traditional Inuit trails, as mapped in this atlas. Government of Nunavut Your source for information about Government of Nunavut programs, regional tourism and local business opportunities.
Also check out the links to Inuktitut language resources. Aboriginal Arts and Stories The website for the Aboriginal Arts and Stories contest, which features Canada's largest essay writing competition for Indigenous youth ages and a companion program for those who prefer to work through painting, drawing and photography. From Historica Canada. Search The Canadian Encyclopedia. Remember me. I forgot my password. Why sign up? Create Account.
Suggest an Edit. Enter your suggested edit s to this article in the form field below. Accessed 12 November In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. Article published August 09, ; Last Edited July 08, The Canadian Encyclopedia , s. Thank you for your submission Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. Nunavut is a Canadian territory that is administratively divided into 3 regions.
In , the Government of Nunavut created a total of 25 municipalities 24 hamlets and 1 city. With a total area of 2,, sq.
Located at the mouth of the Frobisher Bay, on the southeastern part of the Baffin Island is Iqaluit — the territorial capital, the largest community, and the only city of Nunavut. Nunavut is a Canadian territory located in the northern part of Canada, in the Continent of North America. It is geographically positioned in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth. Nunavut is bordered by the Canadian province of Manitoba in the south and the Northwest Territories in the west and southwest.
It is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean in the north. Regional Maps : Map of North America. The above blank map represents Nunavut, a Canadian territory located in the northern part of Canada. The above map can be downloaded, printed, and used for geography education purposes like map-pointing and coloring activities. Since the majority of the population is Inuit, the Nunavut government will represent many Inuit values and traditions, even allowing workers time off to pursue traditional activities like seal hunts.
In , an organization called the Nunavut Implementation Commission was established to make recommendations on the government structure. It was decided that the primary institutions of public government will be an elected Legislative Assembly, a Cabinet, and a territorial court, all operating on the three official languages of English, French, and Inuktituk. With government departments and agencies set up in the twenty-eight communities throughout the territory, the Nunavut government intends to be decentralized, responding to the economic needs of each region.
As the official unveiling of the new government quickly approaches, construction crews are working around the clock to finish commercial buildings, dozens of apartments, and the new igloo-shaped Nunavut legislative building. In the new capital of Iqaluit, there are now two tanning salons, a Chinese restaurant, a cellular telephone service provider, and a Kentucky Fried Chicken outpost. New construction has also brought negative effects including a growing mound of trash in the town dump, leading to huge flocks of ravens in the near vicinity.
Moreover, seven new town houses were recently destroyed by a fire set by Inuit teenagers sniffing gasoline. Only time will tell whether the recurrent problems of alcoholism, teenage suicides, and spousal abuse will be ameliorated by the new government. One thing is certain, however.
The entire country of Canada, as well as much of the world, will be eagerly waiting to see what the future has in store for the new territory of Nunavut. Our website houses close to five decades of content and publishing. Any content older than 10 years is archival and Cultural Survival does not necessarily agree with the content and word choice today. Learn about Cultural Survival's response to Covid Cultural Survival Quarterly Magazine.
Nunavut Land Claims Agreement The historic land claims settlement was signed after 20 years of negotiation in between representatives of the Inuit of central and eastern Arctic and the Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories.
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