Inuit

Since the late 20th century the Inuit have begun to form particular organizations to represent their interests. Such organizations have been instrumental in, for example, resolving land claims. The international Inuit Circumpolar Conference, founded in 1977, meets every three years. It provides a forum for Greenland and North American Inuit to discuss common problems, lobby for an Inuit voice in the planning of economic development, and promote the preservation of the environment. A further significant advance came in 1999 when the Inuit region of Nunavut became a separate Canadian territory, giving the Inuit people an opportunity to elect representatives and gain political control over their own affairs.