Nunavut on the Net.

While Nunavut is becoming a reality on the Canadian map, the internet has been providing information on the formation of the territory. The following sites are useful in finding out about Nunavut. Most of them are available in French, English, Innuinaqtun, and Inukitut.

An unofficial version of the Nunavut Act (www.assembly.gov.nt.ca/LEG/nunavutact.html) is reproduced for consultation purposes only. It can be viewed online or downloaded in its entirety in an Adobe PDF version.

An October 22, 1998 press release from the Department of Justice Canada explains the plans for the Nunavut Court of Justice (canada.justice.gc.ca/News/Communiques/1998/nunubck_en.html). It is hoped this new single-level trial court will be more responsive to the community and less complicated for those who come into contact with the justice system.

Although the Law Society of Nunavut (www.nunanet.com/lawsoc/) does not come into existence until April 1, 1999, information on the creation and development of the society are presented. The section dealing with the action plan outlines details for communicating through electronic means and possibly making decisions available through the web site rather than actually printing law reports.

Nunavut ("Our Land")-Canada (arctic-circle.uconn.edu/ArcticCirlce/SEEJ/Nunav ut/) is a site by Arctic Circle: Social Equity and Environmental Justice. It has a concise listing of important Nunavut links and resources.

Based in Iqaluit, Nunatsiaq News (www.nunatsiaq.com) is the definitive place for news about Nunavut. Besides current and back issues of the weekly publication, a lively discussion forum is available for readers to voice their opinions. An FAQ section provides facts about Nunavut and about the publication.

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (N.T.I.) (www.tunngavik.com) is a private corporation which was established in 1993 to ensure that the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is followed. The Agreement Between the Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement Area and Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada can be found at www.tunngavik.com/site-eng/nlca/nlca.htm and covers such issues as political development, wildlife, parks, land use planning, water management, and Inuit employment within government.

The Nunavut Planning Commission (npc.nunavut.ca) is another organization to assist with the transition into the new territory. The Planning Commission is working with Inuit and government representatives to develop planning policies, objectives and goals for the Nunavut Settlement Area. It will also create land use plans to ensure resources are used and developed responsibly.

The Office of the Interim Commissioner (www.icon.gov.nu.ca) has been busy creating the administrative framework for the future Nunavut Government. Facts about the Commission, its work, the people of Nunavut, and employment opportunities can be located on the site. An update on justice issues in Nunavut can be found at www.icon.gov.nu.ca/english/justice.html.

The Nunavut Elections (www.assembly.gov.nt.ca/LEG/elections/nu nindex.html) are scheduled for February 15, 1999. Once the results are in, the newly elected Nunavut Legislative Assembly will assume political responsibility. Information on the voting process, candidates, and electoral boundaries are available.

Nunavut Celebrations (www.nunavutcelebrations.com) is the home page of the Nunavut Implementation Commission. Its mandate is to advise governments and Inuit organizations on the design and planning of the Nunavut Government by consulting with the people of Nunavut. The site has recently become the main source of information for the events and activities leading up to the official existence of Nunavut.

Valerie Footz is the Information Services Coordinator for ACJNet in Edmonton, Alberta