Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 22/02) - Anyone wanting a say in what sort of laws should govern wildlife in Nunavut will have their chance at the microphone.

In an attempt to develop a new wildlife act relevant to the lives of Nunavummiut, government officials are travelling to every community in the territory over the next two months.

Representatives from the Department of Sustainable Development, Nunavut Tunngavik and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board are equal partners in the undertaking.

Board chair Ben Kovic said it is the first time territorial residents have actually been asked about what they'd like to see.

"With any other act created in Nunavut, nobody had a voice," said Kovic last week.

"Regardless of how disappointed we were, we still had to follow it. Today, because we have the Nunavut government, we have the power to do it our own way so it's relevant to Nunavummiut and the land," he said.

Kovic was among the more than 30 people gathered to hear the three organizations discuss the consultations.

The former legislation -- created in 1978 and adopted from the government of the Northwest Territories upon division -- doesn't work in Nunavut.

Not only does it refer to forestry, but the animals and culture are entirely different. The legislation also fails to address the regulations of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

Kovic added that appropriate organizations should be able to make changes when necessary.

Sustainable Development Minister Olayuk Akesuk said the government will spend the summer analysing what Nunavummiut say and could have draft legislation ready for cabinet by the fall session.

As for how the trio will resolve any conflicts that may arise over wildlife or hunting issues, Akesuk said he hopes they will be able to come to an agreement on tough issues.