Iqaluit (Apr 07/03) - It's called Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, or IQ for short.

Simply translated it means Inuit traditional values and knowledge.

It's a philosophy the Nunavut government is now trying to incorporate into its everyday operations.

With roughly 80 per cent of constituents of Inuit heritage, it's an essential policy, said Olayuk Akesuk, minister of culture, language elders and youth.

"We often speak of the role of IQ in government and the value of the wisdom of those with Inuit knowledge. We want this wisdom to be available at each level so that, over time, this government will grow more responsive to Inuit ways," he told his colleagues last month.

To achieve that goal, the minister announced the creation of two committees -- one external, one internal -- to help direct the use of IQ within the government.

The news was met with applause and cheers by MLAs and other ministers in the house.

Amittuq MLA Enoki Irqittuq said he is extremely supportive of the plan.

"I am starting to believe that we are not only providing lip service to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit," he said. "As I have stated more than once, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit should not be used as a catch phrase. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit means the Inuit culture, the language, the lifestyle and their identity."

The terms of the committee, said Akesuk, will be responsive to the Bathurst Mandate. The mandate states IQ will provide a context for which the GN will develop an open, responsive and accountable government.

The external committee will be made up of 11 to 15 individuals who will be selected to represent the territory both geographically and linguistically.

Nominations can be made by MLAs, Inuit organizations and community governments.

The internal committee will consist of representatives from the various departments.

The two committees will become the central agency for the advancement of IQ goals within the government, according to Akesuk.

"These structures are totally new for the Government of Nunavut and unlike any in any other Canadian government or any government we know of in the circumpolar world," he added.