Navigating the Legal Landscape of Nunavut


Module 1: Introduction to Nunavut’s Legal System
5 Topics | 4 Check-Ins
Topic 1.1: Summary of Nunavut’s Legal Services Board
Check-In 1.1
Topic 1.2: Nunavut’s Legal System
Check-In 1.2
Topic 1.3: Responsibility and Practice
Check-In 1.3
Topic 1.4: Historical Context, Creation, and Unique Cultural Aspects
Check-In 1.4
Summary – Module 1
Module 2: Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) Principles and Legal Practices
4 Topics | 3 Check-Ins
Topic 2.1: Overview of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) Principles
Check-In 2.1
Topic 2.2: Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) Principles in Legal Practice
Check-In 2.2
Topic 2.3: The Sociocultural Fabric of Nunavut
Check-In 2.3
Summary – Module 2
Module 3: Historical Context of Nunavut’s Legal System
5 Topics | 4 Check-Ins
Topic 3.1: Historical Context and Legal System Pre-Colonization to Present
Check-In 3.1
Topic 3.2: The Impact of Colonialism on Inuit Communities and the Justice System
Check-In 3.2
Topic 3.3: Nunavut Land Claims Agreement
Check-In 3.3
Topic 3.4: Qikiqtani Truth Commission
Check-In 3.4
Summary – Module 3
Module 4: Language and Identity
6 Topics | 5 Check-Ins
Topic 4.1: Language Rights and the History of the Constitution in Canada
Check-In 4.1
Topic 4.2: Inuktut Language Rights and Legislature
Check-In 4.2
Topic 4.3: Inuktut Language Revitalization and Protection
Check-In 4.3
Topic 4.4: Restorative Language Efforts
Check-In 4.4
Topic 4.5: Nunavut Land Claims Agreement
Check-In 4.5
Summary – Module 4
Module 5: Alcohol Use and Community Well-being in Nunavut
4 Topics | 3 Check-Ins
Topic 5.1: The introduction of alcohol to settlement communities
Check-In 5.1
Topic 5.2: Shifts to current impacts and trends of alcohol misuse
Check-In 5.2
Topic 5.3: Strategies for Promoting Responsible Alcohol Use and Harm Reduction
Check-In 5.3
Summary – Module 5
Module 6: Intergenerational Trauma
4 Topics | 3 Check-Ins
Topic 6.1: The Colonial Mind of Canada (1950–1975)
Check-In 6.1
Topic 6.2: RCMP
Check-In 6.2
Topic 6.3 Personal Stories and Experiences: QTC
Check-In 6.3
Summary – Module 6
Module 7: Socio-Economic Effects
7 Topics | 6 Check-Ins
Topic 7.1: Understanding Socio-Economic Challenges Faced by Nunavummiut
Check-In 7.1
Topic 7.2: Poverty and Unemployment
Check-In 7.2
Topic 7.3: Housing Conditions and Housing Crisis
Check-In 7.3
Topic 7.4: Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities with Sensitivity
Check-In 7.4
Topic 7.5: Education System and High School Dropout Rate
Check-In 7.5
Topic 7.6: Barriers to Higher Education in the North
Check-In 7.6
Summary – Module 7
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Topic 1.1: Summary of Nunavut’s Legal Services Board

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Nunavut Module 1: Introduction to Nunavut’s Legal System Topic 1.1: Summary of Nunavut’s Legal Services Board

The Legal Services Board of Nunavut (LSB) oversees the provision of legal aid services across Nunavut. It is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Nunavut Minister of Justice. The Board includes one representative from the Law Society of Nunavut,1 one representative from the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Justice,2 one member from each of the Qikiqtani, Kivalliq, and Kitikmeot regions, and two members-at-large.

Overview of the Legal Services Board

The Legal Services Board of Nunavut (LSB) serves as the primary provider of legal aid in the territory, dedicated to ensuring that all residents have access to essential legal representation and advice, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Goals of the LSB (2024)

In 2024, the LSB has set forth the following key goals:

Provision of Legal Services: Ensure the delivery of legal services to all eligible persons.
Optimal Service Conditions: Create the best circumstances possible for the provision of legal services and the systems supporting those services.
Program Development: Develop and coordinate programs aimed at reducing and preventing the occurrence of legal problems.
Legal Knowledge Enhancement: Increase knowledge of the law, legal processes, and the administration of justice.
Public Education and Outreach: Provide public education and outreach focused on human rights.3
Regional Clinics and Their Services

To achieve these goals, the LSB operates a network of regional clinics, each governed by its own Board of Directors. These clinics include:

Kitikmeot Law Centre in Cambridge Bay4
Kivalliq Legal Services in Rankin Inlet5
Maliiganik Tukisiinakvik Legal Services in Iqaluit6

The head office of the LSB is located in Gjoa Haven, in the Kitikmeot Region. These clinics are strategically positioned to serve Nunavut’s 25 communities, providing localized support in civil, criminal, and family law.

Additional Resources

In addition to legal representation, the LSB offers valuable resources to assist Nunavummiut with:

Housing Rights: Information and support related to housing, and rights and responsibilities within landlord/tenant relationships.
Child Protection: Guidance for families navigating child protection laws.
Will Creation: Assistance with drafting wills and understanding estate planning.7

Historical Context and Development

The establishment of the Legal Services Board of Nunavut (LSB) was part of a larger initiative to build a justice system that reflects the unique needs and values of Nunavummiut. After Nunavut separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999, new institutions were created to support the territory, including the incorporation of the LSB in July 2000.

A key principle in Nunavut’s creation was a decentralized government model. Instead of concentrating government services in the capital, Iqaluit, these services were distributed across the territory. This decentralized approach is reflected in the structure of the LSB, with regional clinics and the head office located in Gjoa Haven. This setup ensures that legal services are accessible to all Nunavummiut, regardless of where they live.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Section 7 of the Legal Services Act outlines the core responsibilities of the Nunavut Legal Services Board (LSB). The Board’s primary objectives are:

(a) To ensure the provision of legal services to all eligible persons.
(b) To ensure that the legal services provided, as well as the systems delivering those services, are of the highest quality given the circumstances.
(c) To develop and coordinate territorial or local programs aimed at:
(i) Reducing and preventing the occurrence of legal problems.
(ii) Increasing knowledge of the law, legal processes, and the administration of justice.8

To achieve these objectives, the LSB is responsible for:

Providing legal aid to those in need.
Managing the Courtworker program, which supports individuals navigating the legal system.
Delivering public legal education and information to enhance legal awareness and understanding.9

The LSB’s operations are closely tied to the cultural and social context of Nunavut, reflecting a commitment to providing legal services that are accessible, culturally appropriate, and responsive to the needs of Nunavummiut. By fulfilling these responsibilities, the LSB ensures that services are not only available but also meaningful and equitable for all residents of the territory.

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