Nunatsiavut Assembly facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nunatsiavut Assembly Nunatsiavut katimajitsuangit
Type
Type	Unicameral
Leadership
President	Johannes Lampe, non-partisan consensus government Since 2016
First Minister	Tony Andersen, non-partisan consensus government
Speaker of the Nunatsiavut Assembly	Edward Blake-Rudowski, non-partisan consensus government Since 2017
Seats	18
Meeting place
Nunatsiavut Assembly Building, Hopedale, Newfoundland and Labrador
Website
Nunatsiavut Assembly

The Nunatsiavut Assembly is like the main law-making group for the government of Nunatsiavut, Canada. It's where important decisions are made for the Inuit people living in this special region. Think of it as their parliament or legislature.

How Nunatsiavut Was Formed

On January 22, 2005, the Inuit people of Nunatsiavut signed an important agreement. This was called the Labrador Inuit Lands Claims Agreement. They signed it with the Canadian government and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

What the Agreement Means

This agreement gave the Inuit special rights over a large area of land. This land is about 72,520 km² (28,000 sq mi) in size. It covers the northern part of Labrador, including the area north of Nain. The agreement also gave them rights over 44,030 km² (17,000 sq mi) of ocean.

Even though they don't own all this land, the Inuit gained special rights. These rights are for how they traditionally use the land. They also gained ownership of 15,800 km² (6,100 sq mi) of land. This land is called Labrador Inuit Lands.

A Protected Treaty

The Labrador Inuit Lands Claims Agreement is a treaty. It is protected by the Canadian Constitution. This means it is a very strong and important agreement. It helps protect the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

The Inuit of Labrador, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Canadian Parliament all approved this agreement. It officially became law on June 23, 2005.

Starting the Government

On December 1, 2005, the Nunatsiavut government officially began. An interim government was set up. This government was made up of members from the Labrador Inuit Association. This day was a big step. It meant the Nunatsiavut government could start making its own laws. These laws cover things like culture, education, and health for their people.

In October 2006, Nunatsiavut held its first election. Nine members were chosen to form the new government. They were sworn in on October 16 in Hopedale. The current Nunatsiavut Assembly Building in Hopedale opened in 2012. In February 2021, Marlene Winters-Wheeler became the Speaker.

How Members Are Chosen

The Nunatsiavut Assembly has 10 regular members. Six of these members represent areas within Nunatsiavut. Four members represent Inuit living outside Nunatsiavut, in other parts of Canada.

Who Else Is in the Assembly?

Besides the 10 regular members, the President of Nunatsiavut is also part of the Assembly. The leaders of the Inuit Community governments also join. These leaders are called "AngajukKâk." They are like mayors for their communities.

The chairpersons of two special Inuit corporations also serve. These corporations are the NunaKatiget Community Corporation and the Sivunivut Inuit Community Corporation. They represent Inuit living in the Upper Lake Melville area.

Voting in Elections

Only Inuit residents can vote in Nunatsiavut's elections. Inuit people make up most of the population in Nunatsiavut. Other groups are represented in local town councils. These councils have a non-Inuit member to speak for them. Nunatsiavut does not use a political party system.

Who Are the Current Members?

The Nunatsiavut Assembly Building in Hopedale.

Additional Leaders in the Assembly

The President of Nunatsiavut is a key member of the Assembly. Since 2016, Johannes Lampe has held this important role.

Community Leaders (AngajukKâk)

The leaders of the Inuit Community governments also serve in the Assembly. They represent their local communities.

Corporation Chairpersons

The chairpersons of two community corporations are also part of the Assembly.

The Executive Council

The Executive Council is like the cabinet of the Nunatsiavut government. These members are called Ministers. Each Minister is in charge of a specific area.

Past First Ministers

The First Minister is a very important leader in Nunatsiavut. Here are some people who have held this role:

• Kate Mitchell
• Anthony Andersen