1993 – Nunavut Land Claims Agreement
- The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement was signed, laying the legal and political foundation for the creation of Nunavut.
- The Agreement affirmed the importance of Inuit language, culture, and identity in the governance of the future territory.
April 1, 1999 – Creation of Nunavut
- Nunavut officially became Canada’s newest territory.
- The territory initially operated under inherited language legislation from the Northwest Territories.
- The Office of the Languages Commissioner (OLC) was established to oversee language rights and monitor compliance.
1999–2000s – Early Development of the OLC
- The Office began developing complaint processes, public awareness efforts, and oversight mechanisms.
- Eva Aariak, the first Languages Commissioner, played a foundational role in establishing the Office and strengthening the protection of language rights.
June 4, 2008 – Official Languages Act (OLA)
- The Legislative Assembly adopted the Official Languages Act.
- The Act recognizes Inuktut (Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun), English, and French as the official languages of Nunavut with equal legal status.
- It guarantees the right to communicate with and receive services from territorial institutions in an official language of choice.
- It formalizes the independent authority of the Languages Commissioner.
September 17, 2008 – Inuit Language Protection Act
- The Legislative Assembly adopted the Inuit Language Protection Act (now commonly referred to as the Inuktut Protection Act).
- The Act strengthens protections specifically for Inuktut in education, workplaces, public administration, and community life.
2009–2012 – Implementation Under Alexina Kublu
- Alexina Kublu, Languages Commissioner (2009–2012), oversaw the early implementation of the 2008 language laws.
- Complaint investigation processes and compliance monitoring mechanisms were strengthened during this period.
Post-2012 – Continued Oversight
- Sandra Inutiq, Languages Commissioner, continued guiding the Office during a period of institutional consolidation and expanded implementation of statutory obligations.
2013–2017 – Phased Legislative Implementation
- The language laws were implemented in stages across territorial institutions.
- Language plans, service standards, and compliance structures were progressively formalized.
- By 2017, the core provisions of the language regime were fully operational.
2020 – Appointment of Karliin Aariak
- Karliin Aariak was appointed Languages Commissioner after previously serving in the role on an acting basis.
- Her tenure coincided with continued modernization efforts and legislative review processes.
2020s – Review and Modernization
- Ongoing statutory reviews aim to strengthen implementation, clarify obligations, and ensure the continued protection and promotion of Inuktut.
Today
- The Office of the Languages Commissioner:
- Informs the public about language rights,
- Receives and investigates complaints,
- Monitors compliance with the Official Languages Act and the Inuktut Protection Act,
- Promotes respect for Nunavut’s official languages across the territory.