Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit Established

IQALUIT, Nunavut (September 8, 2003) – The Government of Nunavut has taken the next major step in ensuring that Inuit culture, values and knowledge are incorporated in its decision making,

Peter Kilabuk, Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, has announced the appointment of 11 community representatives to the newly-formed Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.

The Katimajiit is an external council that will provide advice to the government on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. The establishment of the Katimajiit reaffirms the commitment of the Government of Nunavut in developing an administration that includes Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or traditional Inuit knowledge and values.

"We are very fortunate indeed to have the wealth and breadth of traditional Inuit knowledge encompassed by these members. Through their involvement, we will be able to meet the commitment we made in the Bathurst Mandate to have Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit provide the context in which we develop an open, responsive and accountable government," Kilabuk said.

The Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit will:

• Provide advice in developing public policy to reflect Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit; provide advice, as requested by government departments, on their efforts to develop and deliver programs and services within the context of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit;

• Provide advice to departments on their efforts to demonstrate traditional Inuit values through their day-to-day operations;

• Provide advice to departments on the viability of suggested approaches to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit issues.

The members are: Attima Hadlari of Cambridge Bay; Miriam Nilaulaq Aglukkaq of Gjoa Haven; Peter Peetooloot of Taloyoak; Henry Ialuanik of Arviat,; Jackie Napayok of Whale Cove; Mary Ann Tattuinee of Rankin Inlet.; Rynie Audla of Sanikiluaq; Metuq Nowdlaq of Iqaluit; Kananginak Pootoogook of Cape Dorset; George Qulaut of Igloolik and Albert Nurriaq of Hall Beach. Each member will serve on the council for a two-year term.

For further information please contact:
Penny Rumbolt
Communications Manager
Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth
(867) 975-5531
prumbolt@gov.nu.ca