Creation of Nunavut

Home · Politics · Provincial/Territorial Politics · Creation of Nunavut

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

You must sign in to leave a comment on this clip.

No comments

Polar bear plates

Broadcast Date: May 11, 1999

The kerfuffle over who gets to keep the polar bear shaped vehicle license plates has finally come to an end. Cars in both Nunavut and the Northwest Territories will have the plates. The only difference is the new territory's plates will read "Nunavut" and end with an "N."

Polar bear plates

• The plate controversy started in 1998 and became famous that year when stories about it appeared in newspapers around the world.
• The plates are the only ones in North America that aren't rectangular.
• Mail-order shops, license offices and Iqaluit stores sell souvenir copies of the plates.
• Nunavut and the Northwest Territories have both kept the postal designator NT. Canada Post said NU would have offended francophones because nu means nude.

Polar bear plates

Medium: Television

Program: Igalaaq

Broadcast Date: May 11, 1999

Guest(s): Jack Anawak, Seamus Henry

Reporter: Paul Irngaut

Duration: 1:57

Last updated:
Nov. 19, 2004

End of list