Iqaluit (Apr 26/04) - Two communities are in the running for the right to hunt the first bowhead whale in Nunavut since 2002.

Applications from the unnamed Kivalliq communities are now being assessed, said a spokesperson with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB). The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans gave the okay for the hunt last fall.

Lucy Kaludjak, executive director for the Keewatin Wildlife Federation, said the hunt is important for Inuit.

"It's something the communities have fought for a long time," she said. "The hunt is something they don't want to lose."

Ben Kovic, chairman of the NWMB, said the hunt is planned for the Foxe Basin area. Because of the area of the hunt, the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board and the Keewatin Wildlife Federation have the most impact on which community will have the hunt.

Solomon Awa, executive director for the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board, said the 2002 hunt was organized between the communities of Hall Beach and Iglulik.

"This is a very big deal for communities in Nunavut," he said. "We used to hunt bowhead whales when ever we wanted. Then we were told to stop."

Since the last hunt was held in the Qikiqtanni region Awa said, they will be looking at the Kivalliq region to hold the hunt.

As part of the application process, communities have to address issues like where and when the hunt will take place, how many people will be involved and how much it will cost.

So far a date hasn't been set for the hunt. Kovic said that will be up to the community when their proposal is completed.