Well, we tried to find out. The following is a random sampling of what people on the outside think of the focal points of Northern power.

"Been there, done that -- do I have to go back?" joked Ian Critchley, a 10-year resident of Kugluktuk, when asked if he'd seen much of Iqaluit.

How aware do you think the people of Iqaluit are of Kugluktuk, Ian?

"I bet they can't even spell it, let alone know where it is," he said.

Lena Tapatai, a self-confessed "armchair politician" agreed. "They don't even know what Baker Lake looks like," she said, referring to her community. "They have no idea who lives here, other than the people they see on TV."

Iqaluit might be more responsive to the needs of her community than is Yellowknife, said Tapatai, "but that depends on who will be making the decisions."

Wha Ti's Tom Matus has a far less critical view of Yellowknife.

"It's a good place -- some of the hotels are a little expensive," said Matus. He added there is a perception in the communities they are an afterthought when it comes to government attention.

"All the power's based there, and I think councils and politicians in the communities get frustrated at how difficult it is to reach MLAs and ministers for meetings," he said.

Rita Who-wouldn't-give-her-last-name is perfectly qualified to comment on the city. Born in Tulita, she lived in the capital for 12 years before moving back home six years ago.

She said she likes the city, and takes advantage of the lower grocery prices when she visits, but is glad to be back in Tulita.

"Yellowknife is fast-paced, everything is go, go, go. It's a little slower here."

Jemima Tongak said she's visited Iqaluit for school, and it would be her first choice of education destinations, but added she will always consider Pond Inlet, where she was born and raised, home.

"Looking at it as the capital, I think it will be good for Nunavut," said Tongak.

Todd Tilley of Arviat wasn't so sure.

"We have to kick up a big racket and fight and fight before we get anything," said Tilley. "I don't think that's going to change when Iqaluit's the capital."