Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut facts for kids
The Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut (TFN) was an important organization for the Inuit people in what is now Nunavut. From 1982 to 1993, TFN officially represented the Inuit. Their main job was to talk with the government about treaties and land claims. This means they worked to get official agreements about land ownership for the Inuit.
Before TFN, another group called Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami represented Inuit across Canada. TFN took over the job of negotiating for the Inuit in the area that would become Nunavut. After TFN, a new group called Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) took its place.
How the Inuit Became a Strong Voice
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Inuit people started to become a stronger political force. They wanted more control over their natural resources, like land and animals. This was a big moment for Inuit communities. It encouraged many young Inuit leaders to speak up.
These young leaders began to connect with each other. They worked together across the Northwest Territories, Quebec, and Labrador.
TFN's Important Work
In 1982, the Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut (TFN) was officially created. It took over the important job of negotiating land claims from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. TFN worked hard for ten years.
In September 1992, TFN reached a final agreement with the government of Canada. This was a huge step!
In November 1992, the Nunavut Final Agreement was put to a vote. Nearly 85% of Inuit in Nunavut approved it. This showed strong support for the agreement.
The final step happened on May 25, 1993. The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement was signed in Iqaluit. Brian Mulroney, who was the Prime Minister at the time, signed it. Paul Quassa, the president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), also signed. NTI took over from TFN after the agreement was approved.
The Canadian Parliament then passed laws to support the agreement in June 1993. This made it possible for Nunavut to become a new territory. The land claims agreement was the result of 20 years of talks. It led to the largest land claims settlement in Canada's history.
