I think you are perhaps a bit premature in celebrating Nunavut.
Results of the plebiscite are not legally binding on the Territories
Government or on Ottawa. NTW held a previous plebiscite to determine
whether or not the Territories should split into two regions. There
was a majority in favour of the split, though moreso in the Eastern
regions which have of late presented a quite united front. This
plebiscite dealt soley with the boundary in yes or no format. Eastern
results were about 90% in favour while Western results were about 60%
against. Overall it was somewhat of a majority in support of the
current boundary.
While this is quite good for the Inuit (more legitamized self-
government; Inuktitut as an official language, etc.), it is not so
good for the Dene and who share some of the Inuit hunting areas and
could stand to lose disputed land to the Inuit. Nor is it good for
Yellowknife and its population native and white.
I just hope the governments don't try and rush this last bit
through and take the time to make sure there is an equitable
settlement for all.
James.
N.B. Primary source for the information was CBC Newsworld which
carried the plebiscite live and even had portions in Inuktitut!
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