Inungnik Makipalliatittiniq NTI 2025–2029 Priorities

As newly elected President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., I am humbled and honored to take on this responsibility at such a pivotal moment in our shared journey. Together, we inherit the legacy of those who fought for the creation of Nunavut — a land born from the determination to reclaim Inuit rights, language, and culture. Today, we must rise to safeguard what they envisioned, ensuring that our identity as Inuit thrives for generations to come.

It is with great urgency and passion that I introduce NTI’s new organizational strategy, Inungnik Makipalliatittiniq. This strategy reflects a transformative shift in how we approach our future. It is no longer enough to advocate from the sidelines. It is time for Inuit to take full control of our affairs — to lead boldly, to act decisively, and to secure a better tomorrow for ourselves, our children, and the generations yet to come.

Over the past year, the NTI Board of Directors has worked tirelessly, meeting in June, August, December, and January to chart the path forward for 2025–2029. We have listened, deliberated, and united around our primary responsibility: to uphold the rights of Inuit, as enshrined in the Nunavut Agreement. Our commitment is unwavering, but the challenges we face demand immediate and collective action.

One of the most pressing priorities we must address is safeguarding Inuktut, the heart of our identity. Inuktut is not just a language; it is the vessel of our culture, our history, and our way of understanding the world. Yet, it is under threat. The erosion of Inuktut in our homes, schools, and communities is not just a loss of words — it is a loss of who we are.

The right for Inuit children to be taught in our own language, from kindergarten through Grade 12, is fundamental. Without this, we are failing our children and undermining the very foundation of Inuit self-determination. Education in Inuktut is a promise of equality, dignity, and the future our ancestors envisioned when they fought for Nunavut. It is closely linked to the Inuit children’s educational success, which is essential for Inuit to take on public sector jobs in Nunavut, another key objective under the Nunavut Agreement.

Our strategy, Inungnik Makipalliatittiniq, places this promise at the center of our work. Through decisive action and strong collaboration with the Regional Inuit Associations, we will ensure that Inuktut is protected and revitalized for all time. This is not just a policy priority — it is a moral imperative.

The strategy’s interconnected priorities reflect the breadth and depth of what we must achieve:

1. Constructive and Creative Partnerships with Governments – Building pathways to meaningful collaboration while asserting Inuit leadership and control.

1. Nourishing Inuit with Dignity – Combating food insecurity with innovative, Inuit-led solutions.

1. Meaningful Work – Empowering Inuit through employment that is fulfilling and reflects our potential.

1. Skilled Inuit Ready to Work – Delivering education and training programs that prepare Inuit to lead in every sector.

1. Thriving Inuit Communities – Addressing the housing and infrastructure crises to build vibrant, self-sustaining communities.

1. Inuktut for All Time – Ensuring that Inuktut thrives as the cornerstone of Inuit identity.

1. Community Health, Happiness, and Wellbeing – Creating conditions where Inuit can live with self-respect, free from systemic inequities.

1. Embracing a Culture of Excellence – Inspiring each other to aim higher and achieve more.

2025-2029 PRIORITIES 1

The path forward is clear: we must act with courage and conviction. We cannot afford to wait while our language, culture, and communities face further decline. This is our moment to stand united, to build upon the foundation laid by those who came before us, and to ensure that the promise of Nunavut is fulfilled — not just for today, but for all time.

Our world is changing, both politically and our climate. We will adapt. Over the next year, we will develop plans to protect our sovereignty, our Inuit identity and Inuit customs and take climate action. Now more than ever, we must work in unity with Indigenous peoples throughout the world to defend our rights and future.

Let us move forward together, with urgency and determination, to create a Nunavut where every child learns in Inuktut, every community thrives, and every Inuk is empowered to lead a life of dignity and pride.

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