Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 07/02) - Premier Paul Okalik wants Inuit to apply for reserve status in order to ensure they are not ignored in Ottawa.

Okalik said he was "frustrated and disappointed" with the Sept. 30 Throne Speech.

"Those issues that Inuit feel strongly about did not get the attention.

Okalik met Prime Minister Jean Chretien in Ottawa just five days before the speech, and said he believed they had reached an understanding on a number of issues. Okalik said Inuit were ignored in the Aboriginal Initiatives outlined in the speech.

In the past, he said, when references are made to reserves and First Nations, Inuit have been told that they are not eligible for benefits.

"I think the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs needs a wake-up call," he said.

"Perhaps we should try and apply for reservation status. Maybe that will draw attention to some of the real challenges we are facing ... you have to be a reserve to get the attention of Ottawa," he said.

Okalik said all Nunavummiut face real challenges in establishing adequate health care, dealing with social issues and creating infrastructure.

Okalik said he has written to the prime minister to express his concerns.