Premier remembers 'tireless advocate'
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, May 9, 2016
NUNAVUT
James Arvaluk, well-known for his involvement in Nunavut politics, died in Winnipeg April 27 at the age of 68.
Arvaluk served as a member of the legislative assembly of the Northwest Territories from 1991 to 1995 and later as a member of the legislative assembly of Nunavut from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2006 to 2011.
"Mr. Arvaluk was a tireless advocate during the Nunavut land claims process, and was involved in the formation of what is now Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami," stated Premier Peter Taptuna in a news release. "During this difficult time, we remember and appreciate his contributions to the development and progress of our territory."
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed recognized Arvaluk for his involvement in founding the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada.
Arvaluk's presentation to the Government of Canada in 1976 was the first formal call for the creation of a new territory to be known as Nunavut.
"Arvaluk's legacy will live on not only in the integral role he played in shaping Inuit governance and Nunavut, but through the Inuit he inspired to take on leadership roles to bring about meaningful change for their communities," stated Obed in a news release.
