Creation of Nunavut

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Topic spans: 1997 - 2008

On April 1, 1999, the new territory of Nunavut was born, finally making the controversial dream of the Northwest Territories' Inuit a reality. It meant the Inuit gained self-rule and control over their own institutions. This was the result of years of lobbying Ottawa and numerous plebiscites overwhelmingly in favour of self-determination. But along with the territory come the challenges: combating suicide, reversing assimilation and regaining a sense of identity.

Topic image with inukshuk courtesy of the Government of Nunavut.

14 television clips

6 radio clips

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Happy Nunavut Day

Broadcast Date: April 1, 1999

The northern lights appeared in Nunavut skies last night, just in time for the birth of the new Canadian territory. Their illumination of Koojesse Bay provided just enough light for snowmobilers travelling to the celebrations of April 1, 1999. Mushers with their wailing huskies watched the spectacle from the bay. Commissioner Helen Maksagak took her oath and Nunavut swore in its first members of the legislature. CBC Radio's This Morning reports from the festivities in Iqaluit.

Happy Nunavut Day

• The celebrations in this clip took place in Nunavut's capital city Iqaluit, which means "place of many fish." Iqaluit is also the largest community and Nunavut's hub, with direct flights from Ottawa and Edmonton.
• In 1995, plebiscite voters selected Iqaluit over Rankin Inlet as the capital.
• People in Nunavut called April 1 Nunavut Day, but since that date had no real significance, they later decided to change it to July 9, the day the land claim agreement and the Nunavut Act received royal assent.

Happy Nunavut Day

Medium: Radio

Program: This Morning

Broadcast Date: April 1, 1999

Host: Avril Benoît

Duration: 3:02

Last updated:
March 31, 2009

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