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What is the Labrador Inuit Constitution?
The Labrador Inuit Constitution will be the fundamental law of Inuit but it must be consistent with the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. The contents of the Labrador Inuit Constitution are for the Inuit to determine, but the chapter lists certain fundamental matters which the parties have agreed must be addressed in it.

What are the requirements for the Labrador Inuit Constitution?
The Labrador Inuit Constitution must provide for certain things such as:

  • the legislative and executive institutions of the Nunatsiavut Government, including
  • their composition, powers, and duties,
  • the establishment of a local government for each of the Inuit Communities,
  • the right of Inuit to participate in the institutions of Inuit Government,
  • a requirement that the executive officers and the members of the legislative institutions of the Nunatsiavut Government be responsible to Inuit in accordance with principles of democracy,
  • a requirement that the Nunatsiavut Government be financially accountable to Inuit and
  • procedures for challenges of Inuit law and bylaws.

Subject to residency, age and other requirements under the Labrador Inuit Constitution or Inuit Laws, all Inuit are eligible to vote in Nunatsiavut Government elections and to hold office in the Nunatsiavut Government. The Labrador Inuit Constitution may also provide for other matters including the establishment of Inuit Community Corporations in the upper Lake Melville area and other areas outside the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area to represent Inuit residents in those areas and provide for their participation in the Nunatsiavut Government, the recognition of Inuit customary law and its application to Inuit with respect to any matter within the jurisdiction and authority of the Nunatsiavut Government, and an Inuit charter of human rights.

The Labrador Inuit Constitution that was approved in a referendum on April 15, 2002 by over 66 percent of Inuit of the full age of 16 years or older who voted in the referendum. It may be amended by the LIA Board of Directors before it comes into effect in order to bring it into line with the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement (which has been added to and varied since the Agreement-in-Principle was signed). The Labrador Inuit Constitution will come into force on the same date as the agreement.

 View the Labrador Inuit Constitution (PDF 2.2 Mb)