Premier John Main is 1 month into role; NTI’s presidential election was December 2024
Premier John Main and acting Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Paul Irngaut, seen at an announcement in June, say they’re focused on working together as the territorial government and Nunavut Inuit organization renew a collaboration agreement. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
The Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. have renewed an agreement the two organizations signed in 2022 to collaborate and further the implementation of the Nunavut Agreement.
Premier John Main and acting NTI president Paul Irngaut signed the renewal Tuesday, the GN and NTI announced in a joint news release.
“The Government of Nunavut remains committed to meaningful collaboration and alignment of shared priorities with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,” Main said in the release.
“Supporting the well-being of Inuit is at the core of our collective efforts under this partnership. We look forward to advancing this important work.”
The renewal comes at a time of leadership change for both the GN and NTI.
Main is one month into his new role as Nunavut’s premier. Irngaut is filling as NTI president while Jeremy Tunraluk is on leave, facing an assault charge before the courts. Tunraluk himself was elected president of NTI a year ago, on Dec. 10, 2024.
Nunavut’s status as a territory is a result of the Nunavut Agreement, signed in 1993. The agreement, which is still in the process of implementation, gives Inuit rights over their land.
Earlier this year, the federal government committed $1.5 billion to help implement the Nunavut Agreement.
One notable outstanding provision of the agreement is the Nunavut Land Use Plan, which would lay out which parts of the territory can be developed and what will be protected from development.
Both Main and Irngaut made statements last month emphasizing the need to prioritize collaboration between the GN and NTI.
The 2022 agreement, which was signed by then-premier P.J. Akeeagok and NTI president Aluki Kotierk, formed the Nunavut Partnership Committee. That committee brings the GN, NTI and regional Inuit organizations together to identify and take action on shared goals and issues.
“Inuit lives will improve through working in constructive, creative and accountable partnership with government,” Irngaut said in Tuesday’s release.
“We are stronger and more efficient when working together.”
