Nunavut – Inuit homeland and Canada's newest territory since 1999
In 1999 Nunavut was separated from the Northwest Territories through the Nunavut Act and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, giving the Inuit a territory of their own with self-government. It was the first major change to Canada's map since 1949.
The region's human history spans about 4,500 years: the Pre-Dorset and later Dorset cultures lived here, followed from the 11th century by the Thule people, ancestors of today's Inuit, who by 1300 had settled most of present-day Nunavut. Norse sagas mention a land called Helluland, which has been associated with Baffin Island. Today Nunavut is Canada's largest and northernmost territory, spanning much of the Arctic Archipelago. Do you have a story from your community? Share it here!