Inuit Tapirisat of Canada - 1971
In 1969, the Canadian government presented a new policy for Canadian Aboriginals, known as the White Paper, which would transform the country's Aboriginal affairs. The paper presented the idea of removing the status system in place under the Indian Act, and take an approach closer to fully integrating Aboriginal peoples into the societal system of non-status Canadians. The paper was quickly shut down, and in response, the federal government switched its approach in response to requests to fund Aboriginal organizations, which would serve to represent the voices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. In addition, the government established methods of negotiations with such groups, as well as outlined a specific and clear method for discussing land claims. In 1971, the Inuit organization, known as the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, was established. The organization worked to present the voices, corncerns, ideas, etc., of Inuit peoples to the Canadian government. They aimed to establish Inuit rights to self-government, and to rehabilitate cultural practices and traditional societal structures. The organization is now known as the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and continues to advocate for the rights and needs of Inuit peoples.
James Arvaluk meeting with Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau during his time as president of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami). The two were a part of negotiations of several policies and settlements. Arvaluk strongly pushed for Inuit rights and equality for all who reside within the country's borders.