A look at Nunavut 10 years later

To understand Nunavut today, we must look back a bit further than 10 years. We must recall the settlement of the Nunavut Land Claim in 1993; where Nunavut was conceived before its birth on April 1, 1999.

The claim was a far-reaching document, but I will look mainly at the provisions that relate to exploration and mining.

Probably one of the most significant aspects of the claim was that it gave Inuit ownership of vast tracts of known mineral potential.

This land was carefully chosen by the Inuit for its socioeconomic potential after tough negotiations with the federal government.

The Inuit negotiators of the day received some good geological advice that has put the Inuit, through their corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., at the center of the developments in Nunavut.

The story of the negotiations is told in an excellent book, "New Owners in Their Own Land," by Robert MacPherson, one of the geologists who advised the Inuit negotiators during land selection.

Industry sees Inuit as partners in mining

What this means as the mining industry goes forward in exploring and developing Nunavut's mineral potential is that the Inuit will have a firm partnership role in those activities and opportunities. Exploration on Inuit lands will be subject to increased vigilance on the part of the Inuit, and communities will be better informed about activities of the industry. Mine development will be subject to even closer scrutiny, and through the requirement of the land claim, Inuit Impact Benefit Agreements will provide Inuit with employment, business and training opportunities and a share of the royalties which are due to the federal government.

These provisions, in effect, make the Inuit partners in our industry.

While at this stage, this applies only to Inuit-owned lands, I believe it is good news for the Inuit and for the mineral industry as a whole.

The provisions of the land claim cut both ways.

For the Inuit, it provides for opportunities to participate directly in the north's No. 1 industry.

It also encourages Inuit and governments together to set the stage for future growth of their territory through planning and investments in infrastructure such as roads, ports and power generation facilities to facilitate development of the industry and their communities.

By encouraging the industry and the economy, the Inuit will be encouraged to develop their human resources through education, training, and building awareness of the industry that holds so much potential for Nunavut.

Education and training hold key to prosperity

Explorers and miners are already participating in the formation of mine training organizations and developing awareness programs for communities. Field assistant jobs are already offered to communities near exploration projects. Specific job-related training programs have already been delivered in communities near mine sites, and more are on the way. Inuit-owned businesses are taking part in the industry through contracts for a variety of services. Inuit have become joint venture partners in companies that do contract mining and construction and provide air transport, logistics and other services.

What does the future hold? Over the next 10 years, I believe that the Inuit and industry can work together with government to encourage the youth to stay in school so that they can participate as geologists, engineers, accountants, biologists, ecologists, chemists, geophysicists, technicians and trades people of all kinds.

I believe that this knowledge base will help not only the mining industry but also will have a profound effect on the social fabric of Nunavut. It's a tall order, but let's use the 10th anniversary to mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to education at all levels.

I believe that, with that commitment to education, Nunavut can develop a realistic vision that sees the territory as a place where there is high employment and people and businesses that are successful in developing Nunavut's rich natural resources in a responsible manner.