Ottawa signs agreement with Inuit

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The largest comprehensive land claim in Canada is a step closer to bringing over 350,000 square km of land - half the size of Saskatchewan - and $580 million to 17,000 Inuit of the eastern Arctic.

The federal government and the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut signed the agreement-in-principle April 30 in Igloolik, Northwest Territories. The claim, scheduled for finalization in 18 months, gives the Inuit wildlife harvesting rights, participation in land and resource management and economic development in central and eastern Arctic.

"Today we are making history and resolving a major outstanding issue," and Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Tom Siddon. "Real progress in claims' negotiations is being made."

Under a final agreement Inuit people will receive 50 per cent of the first $2 million the federal government gets in resource royalties, then five per cent of all future royalties within the settlement area.

A Nunavut Wildlife Management Board with equal Inuit and public membership will overlook wildlife harvesting and there will be equal representation on boards responsible for land use and environmental reviews of land development.