Our People, Our Land navut
Our vast land, comprising almost two million square kilometres between the Arctic Ocean, Hudson Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Within Nunavut (which means “our land,” in Inuktitut), is 20 per cent of Canada’s land mass, and two-thirds of Canada’s coastline! As the Arctic Ocean becomes more accessible, Nunavut's strategic position for Canada's security and sovereignty grows in importance.
As of the 2006 Census the population of Nunavut was 29,474. 83.6% of our people are Inuit, and it is the Inuit language, culture, and heritage that provide the foundation for our unique way of life in Canada. And we are young – with a median age of 23.1– the youngest in Canada.
Nunavut was created in 1999 in accordance with Article 4 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, by which Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement Area chose a public government model for the control and direction of policy in their land. In this way, Inuit “redrew the map of Canada,” creating the country’s third and largest territory, with a rich and ancient cultural heritage, and an immense base of natural resources.
Our land is rich in wildlife, mineral resources, the wisdom of elders and the boundless human energy of youth.