Iqaluit (Sep 29/03) - Most communities in Nunavut depend on government spending to survive but that must change, said Sustainable Resources Minister Olayuk Akesuk on Wednesday.

His comments came as he unveiled Nunavut's first economic development strategy.

"The government spending won't be sustainable," he said. "Private businesses have to take a bigger role in supporting our economy."

The new strategy is the result of two years of planning by the territorial government and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Cathy Towtongie, president of NTI, said the strategy is the first step to creating a vibrant, sustainable economy for Nunavut.

The document focuses on developing a number of industries in Nunavut over the next 10 years.

Those include commercial fishing, Inuit artwork, small Inuit-owned businesses, tourism and mining and the oil and gas industries.

"This is really a made-in-Nunavut strategy that will respect our way of life," said Towtongie.

She said there needs to be more emphasis on developing infrastructure in Nunavut and a better commitment towards training and educational programs for Inuit. "About half of the Inuit family is unemployed but we are flying people from the south to fill construction jobs," she said. "There needs to be the resources to provide the training for the people who live here."