A major aboriginal group has teamed up with the government of Nunavut in asking the courts to exempt Inuit from the new gun registration laws. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), the agency that administers the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, filed a notice of motion Tuesday in the Nunavut Court of Justice. It seeks an injunction to stay the application of the registration provisions of the Firearms Act and Criminal Code.

The agency had launched a legal challenge of the law back in June 2000, arguing it violates Inuit rights under the land claim agreement.

"The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement explicitly states that Inuit have the right to hunt and harvest without any form of license or permit and without imposition of any form of tax or fee," NTI vice-president James Eetoolook said. "The Firearms Act and its regulations directly conflict with our treaty rights. These rules make potential criminals of Inuit hunters who are trying to feed their families and live their culture."