Iqaluit (Nov 20/06) -Nunavut Tunngavik delegates addressed a grab-bag of issues during a question-and-answer session with NTI leaders Nov. 14.

Some highlights from the session:

Larry Audlaluk called on the NTI executive to encourage the federal government to spend money on the people who live in the high Arctic instead of big-ticket military hardware.

Nunavut Tunngavik delegate Joe Arragutainaq of Sanikiluaq speaks during a question-and-answer session with Nunavut Tunngavik - Chris Windeyer/NNSL photo

"Just let (Prime Minister Stephen Harper) know there are people up there," he said.

Joe Arragutainaq of Sanikiluaq was one of several delegates to express doubt about the supposed decline of polar bears. Arragutainaq said polar bear numbers are healthier now than before Inuit began to make the shift to a wage economy.

Also on the environmental front, Pond Inlet director Phillip Paneak cast doubt on the ability of international forums to do anything about climate change. Seasons of open water in the Arctic also happened years ago, he said.

"We have big meetings like we can change or reverse this climate change," he said.

Iqaluit director Sytukie Joamie said he doesn't want Iqaluit to be used as a dumping ground for unremorseful sex offenders. A child rapist, recently released from prison, landed in Nunavut's capital a few weeks ago.

"If a person is not repentant then we do not want them in our community," he said.

Responding to a question about surface and subsurface mineral rights on Inuit-owned land, first vice-president James Eetoolook vowed NTI would wring jobs and benefits for Inuit communities from mining companies.

"You don't want just menial jobs," he said.

Second vice-president Raymond Ningeocheak praised Nunavut Sivuniksavut students in attendance for counter-protesting anti-sealing activists in Ottawa last year. Delegates responded with a round of applause for the students.