History of Nunavut

Nunavut, meaning "Our land" in Inuktitut, is the newest of Canada's 3 territories. Nunavut came into being on April 1, 1999 as a result of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. It is the largest of the three territories occupying 1/5th of Canada's land mass or 2,093,190 sq. km. Nunavut is divided into 3 regions; Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, Baffin. Iqaluit is the capital and largest of the 26 communities that make up Nunavut. Originally named Frobisher Bay Iqaluit is located on Baffin Island the fifth largest island in the world.

The Flag

The blue and gold colours symbolize the riches of the land, sea and sky. The inuksuk is a symbol of the stone monuments that act as guides for people travelling on the land and also marks sacred and special places. The North Star is a traditional guide for navigation and is also symbolic of the leadership of elders in the community.

The Coat of Arms

The blue and gold colours symbolize the riches of the land, sea and sky. The inuksuk is a symbol of the stone monuments that act as guides for people travelling on the land and also marks sacred and special places. The qulliq (Inuit stone lamp) respresents light and the warmth of family and the community. The arc of fine gold circles refers to the life giving properties of the sun arching above and below the horizon. The North Star represents the traditional guide for navigation. The iglu represents the traditional life of the Inuit and means of survival. The Royal Crown symbolizes public government for all people of Nunavut and establishes Nunavut as a partner in Confederation. The caribou and narwhal represent land and sea animals which are a part of the natural heritage of Nunavut. The base represents land and sea and has 3 species of Arctic wild flowers. The motto in Inuktitut means "Nunavut, our strength".

Facts

• Nunavut population approx. 30,000 - Stats Canada 2003
• 85% of population Inuit
• 1/2 Population under 25
• 3 official languages: Inuktitut, English, French

Nunavut

• Official Flower: Purple Saxifrage
• Animal Symbol: Canadian Inuit Dog (Qimmiq)
• Bird Symbol: Rock Ptarmigan
• Capital: Iqaluit (The place of many fish)
• Nunavut: 1/5 of Canada's land mass
• Nunavut means "Our Land" in Inuktitut
• Flag: Blue/gold symbolizes the riches of land, sea, sky. Red references Canada, Inuksuk symbolizes stone monuments used as guides, the star is the the North Star a guide
• Inuksuks used as guides and to mark special places
• Coastline runs along: Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Hudson Bay
• Wealth of minerals and petroleum deposits

Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

• Ratified in November 1992
• Signed by Prime Minister on May 25, 1993
• Provides title to Nunavut Inuit of 350,000 sq km of land
• Established clear rule of ownership
• Established control over land and resources
• Inuit rights to harvest wildlife throughout Nunavut Settlement Area