Inuit in Nunavut turn land claims dispute over to courts

Nunavut's land claims organization says it's going to sue Ottawa for failing to live up to its obligations under the land claims implementation deal.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Paul Kaludjak says after five years of trying to work with the federal government on implementation issues, there is still no commitment.

"I hope we can come to an agreement with the government that the implementation has to happen," Kaludjak said Wednesday.

"There has to be a real commitment that the claim long-awaited by the Inuit of Nunavut can begin."

The $1-billion lawsuit, which NTI plans to file with the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit this week, may also prompt Ottawa to appoint an implementation plan negotiator, he said.

The Inuit of Nunavut signed their land claims agreement in 1993.

Earlier this year, a report by conciliator Thomas Berger on the state of implementation made a number of recommendations for improvements, including more money for education.

Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, who has notyet commented on the lawsuit,has called Berger's recommendations costly.