Appearing on Oct. 29, Anawak gave a speech about the progression of Nunavut during breakfast, and participated in an afternoon seminar on tourism and business in Nunavut.

Prominent fellow leaders John Amagoalik and Jose Kusugak joined Anawak at the event, which wrapped up with an evening of Inuit cultural activities.

Called Nunavut Day, the event was organized as a result of Anawak's previous success with southern media during a similar event this summer.

Western boundaries

The Western Arctic came one step closer to its own election this month when the speaker of the Legislative Assembly received the report from the Electoral Boundaries Commission.

Based on information taken from community meetings held around the territory, the report will be tabled when the members meet again next month.

The report primarily carries recommendations on the number of electoral ridings during the upcoming election.

Act changes

Just five months before the two territories divide, the departments of Justice and Health and Social Services are implementing two new acts which will profoundly affect Northern families. The new Family Law Act sets out new rules for the division and the formation of a family and includes a new definition of spouse. The Children's Law Act provides a new set of rules on custody and the adoption of children. The acts come into effect on Nov. 1.

Decentralization

Nunavut deputy minister of community government, housing and transportation Mike Ferris is taking his show on the road today.

As the chair of the decentralization committee, it is his responsibility to visit the 11 communities affected by the impending government set-up and to discuss with residents how decentralization will affect their lives.

Ferris plans to visit schools and local radio stations and to attend as many meetings as possible during the two-week long tour. He also plans to inform them on how the system will affect them in the years following division.

The model for decentralization was changed and ratified during a Nunavut Political Accord in Ottawa last month. The modified version apparently costs less, but takes the need for undisturbed services into account.