Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit is a language authority, created by the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. It’s purpose is to document and share expertise on the Inuit Language and to make decisions about the language on behalf of all Nunavummiut. The powers and duties of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit are contained in the Inuit Language Protection Act (2008).

The Inuit Language Protection Act provides the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit with the broad powers and the independence to carry out their work.

These duties of and powers can be summarized as follows:

Knowledge

• Expand the knowledge and expertise available with respect to the Inuit Language.
• Support research to document and preserve traditional or historic terminology, regional variants or dialects, expressions and accounts of the Inuit Language.

Promotion and Protection of the Inuit Language

• Consider and make decisions about Inuit Language use, development and standardization.
• Establish and administer an Award Program, to recognize outstanding achievement by an organization or individual in implementing the requirements of ILPA, or in contributing to the development, promotion or protection of the Inuit Language.

Terminology Development and Standardization

• Develop standardized terminology or expressions in the Inuit Language, through consideration of oral traditions and usage, diversity and modern needs.

The Inuit Language Protection Act establishes Taiguusiliuqtiit as an independent arm’s-length public agency. It requires Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit to submit an annual report to Nunavut’s Minister of Languages and the Members of the Legislative Assembly.