Lorraine Brooke, a consultant hired to head up the IWG, announced last week that Cauchon did not accept the proposed changes. The changes would have made the Firearms Act more culturally appropriate for Inuit, the group argued.

Quebec Senator Charlie Watt struck the IWG last year because he was frustrated by difficulties Inuit face in trying to comply with federal firearms legislation.

Cauchon dismissed the proposed adaptations on two grounds. First, he did not feel that land claims beneficiary cards should be used in lieu of acquisition/possession certificates. Secondly, Cauchon refused to exempt Inuit from fees charged for licensing and registration -- even though the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement clearly states that Inuit are not required to pay fees or acquire licences when hunting.

Cauchon did however, tell Watt he was still supportive of the IWG's endeavours. Brooke said Watt decided at that point to cease work on the futile issue.

"It was enough to make Senator Watt decide it was not worth going forward with it at this point," said Brooke.

Nunavut Tunngavik first vice president James Eetoolook expressed disappointment.

"We came so close ... but the whole thing died."