Nunatsiavut

Nunatsiavut

(In Detail)
Capital	Hopedale (legislative) Nain (administrative)
Area Total Recognized	142,450 km² 72,520 km²

Nunatsiavut is an area claimed by the Inuit in Canada. The claim extends from Labrador in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to Quebec. In the year 2002, the Labrador Inuit Association submitted a proposal for limited autonomy to the government of Newfoundland and Labrador; the government is expected to make a ruling soon.

In Inuktitut, Nunatsiavut means "Our Beautiful Land." This name was ratified by the Labrador Inuit Constitution, passed by the Labrador Inuit Association in 2002. One of the main objectives of autonomy is for the preservation of the Inuit culture and language, as well as the environment through environmental stewardship.

Government

The government of Nunatsiavut will be based in Hopedale and Nain. It will consist of a President, an Executive Council, and an Assembly.

The President

The President will be elected by the people of Nunatsiavut for one four year term. The President will lead the Executive Council and the Assembly.

The Nunatsiavut Assembly

The Nunatsiavut Assembly will act as the area's parliament. It will consist of no less than 16 members representing the 7 Inuit constituencies of Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Rigolet, the Upper Lake Melville area, and the rest of Canada. From the Assembly, a member will be elected to act as First Minister. The Assembley will act as a forum for disscusion of laws, and it will oversee the Executive Council.

The Nunatsiavut Executive Council

The Nunatsiavut Executive council will be appointed by the First Minister. It will implement laws, develop and implement policy, initiate and prepare legislation, oversee the administration of the government, and be accountable to the Assembley.

Municipal Government

Municipal governments will be established in Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville and Rigolet. Each will consist of a municipal council representing both Inuit and non-Inuit residents. Each council will be lead by a AngajukKâk, or Chief Executive Officer.

Employment and Education

One of the main reasons for the establishment of Nunatsiavut is to ensure that the citizens of Inuit descent have equal opportunities in the job market. The government will therefore encourage development of Inuit business in the area. The government will also ensure that all people within its borders receive an adequate education, specifically that citizens know of their opportunities and their heritage.