Since that time, new aboriginal organizations have been formed and established and Inuit-designated agencies have been given greater roles and responsibilities to ensure Nunavut becomes a reality on deadline.

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

In 1993, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. was set up as a private corporation to ensure that promises made under the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement are carried out.

The word Nunavut means "our land," while Tunngavik refers to a multi-layered organism or foundation. NTI represents the interests of 21,000 Inuit and is responsible for promoting and protecting Inuit interests in the creation of the Nunavut territory in 1999 by assuring that the terms of the Nunavut Political Accord are met.

NTI follows the 41 articles outlined in the land claim, which includes the forming of self-government through a political accord, title to approximately 350,000 square kilometres of land, including mineral rights to about 10 per cent of that.

NTI will also manage capital transfer payments from Ottawa of $1.148 billion, payable to the Inuit over 14 years, a $13-million Training Trust Fund and a share of federal government royalties from oil, gas and mineral development on Crown lands.

Jose Kusugak is president of NTI, with a head office located in Iqaluit.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association,
Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Kivalliq Inuit Association

All three are non-profit land claim and community organizations.

QIA was formed in 1996, replacing the Baffin Regional Inuit Association, which was formed in 1975.

QIA has 19 directors, representing each Baffin and High Arctic community.

The association also has youth, elder and women representatives.

All three associations are funded by NTI, as well as the federal government. Nunavut Tunngavik is mandated by Inuit to represent Inuit in government, promote Inuit language, traditions and protect the environment.

They were set up protect, defend and promote the interests of all beneficiaries of the three regions under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

All three also promote social and economic development, career advancement and education, encourage Inuit leadership and preserve Inuit culture and language.

They are divided into five functional areas: communications, employment and training, finance, youth initiatives and lands. All report to the executive director, who reports to the president of the board of directors.

Board members serve three-year terms and are elected by beneficiaries over the age of 16 residing in the region.

The community directors are elected by their community while the president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer are elected by beneficiaries from all communities.

Qikiqtani's president is Lazarus Arreak, located in Iqaluit.

The Kitikmeot Inuit Association president is Charlie Evalik of Cambridge Bay.

The Kivalliq Inuit Association president is Paul Kaludjak of Rankin Inlet.

Nunavut Implementation Commission

Headed by chief commissioner John Amagoalik, the Nunavut Implementation Commission is the primary advisory board determining the look of the Nunavut government.

Through two comprehensive reports, Footprints in New Snow and FootPrints 2, the commission outlines proposed functions and structures of the new government.

They develop a timetable for the government to take over responsibilities for the delivery of services, the process for the first election, including ridings and the number of members, construction schedule and division of assets and liabilities between Nunavut and the NWT.

NIC's life ends April 1, 1999.

The Officer of the Interim Commissioner

Between now and April 1, 1999, Interim Commissioner Jack Anawak is the only person holding a public office with power and authority over Nunavut.

The commissioner carries out his work in consultation with a Nunavut member of the legislative assembly, the president of NTI and the chair of NIC.

The commissioner is based in Iqaluit and has a multi-year budget of almost $10 million.

The interim commissioner has great autonomy and is mandated to focus on administrative tasks to ensure the creation of a Nunavut government. It is not political department.

Pauktuutit

Pauktuutit is the national non-profit association representing all Inuit women in Canada.

Its mandate is to create awareness about the needs of Inuit women and to encourage their involvement in community, regional and national concerns during development.

They are recognized as the official representative of Inuit women, with the aim of uniting Inuit women and creating better conditions, motivating them, promoting self-confidence and equality both in society and government.

Pauktuutit has worked on a number of projects in the past, including a child-care initiative that resulted in Inuit receiving $14 million to create child-care spaces in Inuit and aboriginal communities.

Other programs include a tobacco-use reduction production, a substance-abuse program, a housing and violence report and an economic development program.

Pauktuutit is based in Ottawa and headed by president Martha Flaherty, vice-president Andrea Webb and secretary-treasurer Deborah Tagornak.

There are also eight regional board members.