At the heart of governance is the power to make laws. In Nunatsiavut, the Labrador Inuit Constitution is the fundamental law of Labrador Inuit. The law making authority comes from the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. All other laws made by the NG are driven by the principles and guidelines of the Constitution. The NG is driven by a set of fundamental principles that arise from the Labrador Inuit Constitution. These fundamental principles express our core beliefs in:

• Democracy and equality; 
• Preservation of our culture and language; 
• Pursuit of a healthy society; 
• Pursuit of a sustainable economy; 
• Preservation of the lands, waters, animals, and plants of our ancestral territory. 

There are five communities within Nunatsiavut: Rigolet, Makkovik, Postville, Hopedale and Nain. The population of each community is quite small and the proportion of artists is relatively high. There are also a large number of Labrador Inuit artists residing outside of Nunatsiavut.

The Division of Tourism within the Department of Language, Culture and Tourism, is responsible for the Nunatsiavut Tourism Strategy, the Nunatsiavut Arts Strategy, the Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station, and the Hebron Ambassador and Restoration Programs. To aid in the development of this strategy information has been received through approximately 60 interviews, 15 online surveys, community consultations, and staff knowledge and experience. Research was done on various art strategies and studies were also done to develop this wholesome strategy to aid in focusing our work over the next five years to advance our art and craft sector of our region.

We developed three specific pillars from the information gathered which are: improve access, continuing to build strong partnerships and artist development. Each of those pillars include specific projects/activities, objectives and initiatives. We are excited about this strategy and the focus of our work as we aim to build and support our art and craft sector. Within this strategy, we will provide you with some background on where Nunatsiavut is in the following areas:

• Art Activities; 
• Types of Artists; 
• Types of Art and Craft Production; 
• Art and Craft Sales; 
• Current market for Nunatsiavut Crafts; 
• Business practices; 
• Exhibitions; and 
• Branding

We will continue to work flexibly with our programs and strategy in the new time of COVID. 

This story is part of the Nunatsiavut Spotlight. View more content from the Spotlight here.