At the beginning of each year, Chief Justice Beverly Browne puts together a schedule outlining the dates the court will travel to different communities.

Heather Daley works out of Iqaluit as the director of court services for Nunavut. She said the court system is busy but they get by. - Christine Kay/NNSL photo

"Some communities rarely get a visit but if the need arises they can be added to the circuit," said director of court services Heather Daley.

The number of times court may be held in a community is based on need.

If there is a sudden rash of crime in Grise Fiord for example, more dates will be added to the list.

"We do the circuit because we have no other choice," said Daley.

According to the law, a criminal charge must be resolved in the community where the offence took place unless an application is made otherwise.

To provide the service, a large number of staff must travel with the circuit including a judge, interpreter, recorder, clerk, prosecutor, defence lawyer, and witness support groups.

Elders in each community help the legal team with the sentencing.

They familiarize the court with the community and help them understand the wishes and concerns of the residents.

This aspect of the court system is unique to Nunavut.

"There's a really good team work approach. I think it's getting better and better," said Daley.

Qikiqtarjuaq resident Johnny Ayaruaq has worked as an interpreter for the court system for 23 years.

He has travelled to all 26 communities over the years, and knows the system benefits Nunavummiut facing charges.

"It's good for the accused. They are home and they've got their family. It makes it a lot easier," he said.

One concern Ayaruaq has is the lack of Inuktitut speaking people in the justice system.

He can't wait until the students in Nunavut Arctic College's law program graduate.

"It would make things a lot easier, especially for unilingual people.

"It's going to be great," he explained.