Rankin Inlet (Aug 13/03) - The Kivalliq region has been waiting for three years to officially sign a deal that would create Nunavut's newest national park.

An agreement to name Wager Bay a natural area in Canada was reached by the KIA and the Canadian government three years ago, according to negotiator David Aglukark.

"It was postponed and we've been waiting ever since," he said.

The delay seems unusual since the government began pushing to create the park back in the 1980s.

Aglukark said the KIA didn't proceed with negotiations at that time because they wanted to finalize the Nunavut Lands Claim Agreement first.

Once the NLCA was ratified negotiations to ensure the creation of Wager Bay would benefit Inuit began.

"Inuit have never had a desire or interest to have Wager Bay turned into a national park, it was always the interest of Parks Canada," said Aglukark.

That isn't because Inuit don't care about preservation.

But, traditionally, national parks for preservation reasons were unnecessary.

The park encompasses approximately 23,000 square kilometres of land.

Aglukark said under the impact benefit agreement between Parks Canada and the KIA Inuit are guaranteed jobs and decision making powers.

The creation of the park is also expected to be a draw for more tourism in the area.

Aglukark describes the land as rich, crawling with wildlife native to land, air and sea.

He said there is also a multitude of plant life.

"It's beautiful."

The signing is expected to take place in Repulse Bay on Aug. 22.

Both Heritage Minister Sheila Copps and Prime Minister Jean Chretien are expected to attend.