1999: Nunavut, Canada's Newest Territory

On April 1, 1999, the new territory of Nunavut was born. It was the largest aboriginal land claims agreement between the Canadian government and the native Inuit people. It meant the Inuit gained self-rule and control over their own institutions.

Before Nunavut was created, the decision was put to a vote in the Northwest Territories. More than 80 per cent of the region's Inuit participated and more than 80 per cent said "Yes". The Dene people in the western part of the territory also voted in favour.

Nunavut means "our land" in Inuktitut. The territory is bordered by Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea to the east, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to the south, and the Northwest Territories on the west.