Iqaluit (July 07/03) - Everyone has a vision of what Nunavut will become in the next 20, 30 or 40 years and almost every one of them is a little bit different.

John Amagoalik is known to many as one of the fathers of Nunavut. He spent 25 years making Nunavut a reality. He said the territory still has a long way to go. - Christine Kay/NNSL photo

Some say the creation of Nunavut has meant more jobs and more freedom. Others say very little has changed.

"It's very disappointing to see how things have not changed," said John Amagoalik.

The former president of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada worked on the creation of Nunavut for 25 years and is known as one of the territory's fathers.

"The kind of territory we wanted was one that operated in our language. I figured we would have a new education act in 12 months time, a new wildlife act in 12 months time and we have nothing."

Amagoalik knows the territory is still new. He hopes the government of Nunavut makes more commitment to the Inuktitut language, and focuses on creating an economy.

Getting around is still difficult

James Kow Charlie lives in Sanikiluaq. He likes what Nunavut is becoming and believes celebrating Nunavut Day is very important. It is a day to acknowledge the land claims agreement and to celebrate a new-found independence.

Kow Charlie organizes all of the activities in Sanikiluaq, such community games, for Nunavut Day.

There is one thing he hopes will be made easier for Nunavummiut in the future: travel.

"I hope there's better access for athletes to play outside the community. They always have a problem raising money to go play outside the community," said Kow Charlie.

He said travel for everyone is so expensive that it is difficult for people to organize sporting tournaments or even visit family and friends in other communities.

Inuit languages need more attention

Ragilee Attagootak said she's glad Nunavut is its own territory. She said Nunavut has made the Inuit proud of their language, their culture and of who they are.

When she looks at Nunavut's future, Attagootak hopes Inuit always remember what makes them so proud. She hopes everyone works together to make sure the Inuit culture is maintained.

"I just wish there was more Inuktitut speaking kids. A lot of them are speaking English now. We have to keep our language," she said.

Attagootak has lived all over the territory. She grew up in Arctic Bay and has lived in Pond Inlet and Grise Fiord. Now, she lives in Resolute Bay.

She believes Nunavut can only get better as it gets older.

A land and a day to celebrate

It is a big year for Nunavut. Not only is it the territory's fourth birthday, it is also the 10th anniversary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

Although there are differing opinions on the territory's progress, everyone agrees that Inuit now have a stronger voice.

On July 9, every one of the 26 communities in the territory will be celebrating the birth of Nunavut and the accomplishments it's made so far.