🗺️ Chapter 10: Canada's Regions
10.6.5 Nunavut
2 paragraphs · 5 questions
Nunavut means "our land" in Inuktitut. It was established in 1999 out of the eastern part of the Northwest Territories, and it took in all of what used to be the District of Keewatin. Its capital, Iqaluit, was once called Frobisher Bay. That older name came from Martin Frobisher, an English explorer who pushed into the uncharted Arctic in 1576 in the service of Queen Elizabeth I.
Key Facts
- Nunavut means "our land" in Inuktitut
- Established in 1999 from the eastern Northwest Territories
- Capital Iqaluit was formerly named Frobisher Bay
- Martin Frobisher explored the Arctic in 1576 for Queen Elizabeth I
Nunavut is governed in an unusual way. Its Legislative Assembly has 19 members. Instead of voting along party lines, they agree together, by consensus, on who will be premier and who will be ministers. About 85 percent of the people are Inuit, according to the 2012 figures. Inuktitut is one of the official languages there, and it is the first language children use in school.
Key Facts
- 19-member Legislative Assembly picks premier and ministers by consensus
- About 85% of the people are Inuit (2012 figures)
- Inuktitut is an official language and the first language in schools
Test yourself on this topic
5 practice questions from “Nunavut”, each with the answer explained.
- What does the word "Nunavut" mean in Inuktitut?
- In which year was Nunavut established?
- Nunavut was created out of which area?
- Roughly what proportion of Nunavut's people are Inuit?
- How does Nunavut's Legislative Assembly choose its premier and ministers?
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