MINER DETAILS — North entering post-colonial era

This November, 17,000 Inuit of the Eastern Arctic are expected to ratify a land claim tied to the creation of Nunavut, a vast territory covering 772,000 square miles to be carved out of the Northwest Territories.

A plebiscite staged earlier this year on a boundary to divide the N.W.T. was approved by 56%, and if the Eastern Arctic land claim is ratified, the two pieces of legislation will go to Ottawa for rubber-stamp approval this fall.

If all goes as planned, Nunavut will be reality by the year 2000. The Inuit would own 136,000 square miles outright, receive $1.15 billion during a 15-year period, and maintain hunting and fishing rights throughout the settlement area.

But the Inuit would give up aboriginal title to the rest of Nunavut, although they would have political control — and essentially achieve self-government — through force of numbers.

Non-Inuit people (about 15%) would still be able to vote and run for office, and have the same rights as all Canadians. But northerners expect the new government will closely reflect Inuit culture and tradition, and feature an informal, “consensus-style” assembly with no official political parties. Nunavut would be more a distinct society than Quebec. Power would be devolved to regions, and steps would be taken to preserve the Inuit language, Inuktitut. Elders, the young and women would have a stronger voice. And the Inuit should be in a better position to counter what they believe is a damaging intrusion into their traditional way of life by groups such as Greenpeace.

But it won’t be a utopia. A human resources development plan is being drafted to combat low levels of education and employment. And the Inuit say they must heal themselves before they can govern themselves, which means stepping up the battle against the alcohol, drugs, and violence that have crept insidiously into aboriginal life.

Economic challenges will also be daunting. But government sources say settling land claims ends uncertainty and makes rules for business clearer. And they expect Nunavut will welcome investment and development, including mining, within a framework that takes into account specific goals and objectives.

A new, post-colonial north is emerging, and growing pains are likely in the transition years. To meet these challenges, mining companies would be well served to adopt as progressive an attitude toward aboriginal issues as they now bestow on the environment.