James Arvaluk, Nunavut politician and advocate, dies at 68

FormerNunavutcabinet minister and well-known advocate for InuitJames Arvaluk has died at the age of 68.

From 1991 to 1995,Arvaluk served as amember of the legislative assembly of the Northwest Territories.

Later, he was amember of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. He served as Nunavut's first education minister from 1999 to 2003. He was an MLA againfrom 2006 to 2011.

Premier Peter Taptunareleased a statement today expressing his condolences to Arvaluk's family.

"During this difficult time, we remember and appreciate his contributions to the development and progress of our territory," Taptuna wrote.

Arvaluk was also involved in the founding of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, the national Inuit organization, which is now called Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.