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NUNAVUT - John Amagoalik was born in Inujuak, Nunavik, and was moved with his family at the age of five to the High Arctic to help establish the community of Resolute.

He grew up to become one of the negotiators for the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, and became directly responsible for the creation of the Government of Nunavut.

"In some ways we've made progress. In other ways we have not moved," said John Amagoalik.

"Our government is a bit more experienced and starting to run better. The deep social problems are still present and some are getting worse. And unfortunately now we find ourselves in court with the government of Canada who is not living up to the treaty."

Amagoalik said Nunavut's early years were rocky because of the inexperience of its government.

"The first few years it sputtered along, but over the past few years the members of the legislative assembly have become much more confident in handling their portfolios," he said.

"I think as a territory we're squeaking by, despite the lack of resources that the government has."

One of the real points of pride Amagoalik holds is the passion with which Inuit hold to their traditional culture, values and language. Preserving those things was one of the key objectives of the negotiations over the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

He said he is especially impressed with the commitment that Inuit youth have shown in that regard.

He blames Nunavut's social problems such as alcohol and drug abuse and an "epidemic" of suicides on root causes that have not been addressed, such as overcrowding.

Asked how those root causes could be addressed, Amagoalik was sombre.

"It's going to take money and time," he said. "We need to see funding from the government of Canada. Hopefully our emerging resources can provide some support, but it's going to take money and time. It always does, I guess."

Amagoalik was optimistic about Nunavut's future, comparing it to Newfoundland, which joined Canada in 1949. Newfoundland was though of an economic backwater by the rest of Canada for many years, he said, but has since become prominent. Amagoalik is hopeful Nunavut can do the same. "It's hard to say how far off that is but I think we'll eventually get there and pursue provincial status," he said.