CBC Digital Archives

Nunavut: Idealism versus reality

On April 1, 1999, the new territory of Nunavut was born, finally making the controversial dream of the Northwest Territories' Inuit a reality. It meant the Inuit gained self-rule and control over their own institutions. This was the result of years of lobbying Ottawa and numerous plebiscites overwhelmingly in favour of self-determination. But along with the territory come the challenges: combating suicide, reversing assimilation and regaining a sense of identity.

After 13 years in Nunavut politics, Ed Picco looks back on the exciting developments he's seen during his time in office. They include the election of the first premier - Paul Okalik, an Inuk - the controversial implementation of a single time zone and the equally contentious decision to decentralize the territory's civil service. He also reflects on the creation of Nunavut's own education act while he was minister of education.

Medium: Television
Program: Northbeat
Broadcast Date: Oct. 27, 2008
Guest(s): Ed Picco
Reporter: Sean Rombough
Duration: 3:59

Last updated: February 9, 2012

Page consulted on April 3, 2013

All Clips from this Topic

Related Content

1992: Inuit vote for new territory of Nunavut

In an historic land claim settlement, Inuit in the eastern Arctic endorse the creation of Nuna...

Breaking the Ice: Canada and the Northwest Pa...

It's been called "the Arctic Grail." For centuries, European explorers were obsessed with the ...

1995: Pair pulls off polar adventure

A Canadian and a Russian are the first people to ski to the North Pole and back.

Creation of Nunavut

On April 1, 1999, the new territory of Nunavut was born, finally making the controversial drea...